5 Myths About Fireplace Surround That You Should Avoid

Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using fireplaces for warmth or aesthetics, the perfect surround can make your living space more unique. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.

Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround is an important focal point in the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It is made with a selection of materials and be designed to fit different design styles. When choosing a ethanol fireplace style it is important to think about the design and budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be coupled with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, which makes it a perfect material for fireplace surrounds.

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and has a timeless appearance that works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance, or left untouched to give it a classic feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's strong and resistant to heat extremely well. It's also available in a variety of colors and patterns, so it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit a modern surround.

If you're a handyman, the installation of a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting, but it can be much simpler than you think when you collaborate with an expert and prepare ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid costly errors.

If you intend to use tiles as a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You can typically find this information on the package or ask an employee at a local home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the entire space. It's not just meant to look attractive, but also has a functional function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.

The right material is essential to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it's durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's usually placed into a mold which allows you to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

Layers are crucial when creating your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more organized rather than randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber beneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in its place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the object and stop it from moving while you sip a refreshing glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your fireplace.

After you've decided on the material, it's time to build the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of your frame and then use a saw to cut cleats on each of these points. Ensure that the top cleat is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.

Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a functional and decorative function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of a focal point in a space. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds include metal and wood. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible areas or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.

The fireplace in this contemporary living space has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, however it provides a striking design element to the room. The black finish also brings in the dark shades of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into custom shapes and then poured in place, giving virtually unlimited designs. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It creates a sleek and modern look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and wood flooring.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which is available in a variety of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds include faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.

When choosing a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes require minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace, and can also change from country to country or from state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are many different types of surrounds that can be purchased. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others include stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also pick from oak or pine fire surrounds which are designed to be an affordable and easy option.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround as it's a cost-effective way to achieve the style they want without hiring a carpenter. Certain pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of finishes to make it a part of your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made of high-quality oak is also very popular. This can be stained a light oak color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace suites surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fireplaces and can be installed either with a flat or arched opening.

There are a lot of tutorials available online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own wooden fireplace surround. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows how to build an authentic wood surround made of pine.

The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are finished then you can place your mantel. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall that surrounds it.

It is important to follow the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around a fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround at least 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it remains in the proper position.