Fireplace Surround: What No One Is Talking About
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The perfect surround can add character to your living space regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or for aesthetics. However, selecting a fireplace surround that meets the requirements of code and is safe could be a difficult task.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in a room and it can add warmth and charm. It is made using a range of materials and be designed to fit different design styles. It is important to think about the design of the room and the budget prior to deciding on a fireplace surround design.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods and more modern fireplace metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperature making it an ideal option for a border.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds. It provides a timeless look that works in many homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look, or left untouched to give it a traditional look. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat very well. It is available in a variety of designs and colors, so you can create different design styles. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit a modern surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace might be a possibility for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task, but it can be much easier than you think working with a professional and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience will help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you are planning to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the packaging, or you can inquire with an employee at an improvement store for.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can completely transform the whole space. It is not only aesthetically appealing, but also serves a practical function. It protects the wall behind the fireplace from damage and also reflects heat back into the room. It is available in a variety of materials and can be customized to match any style or décor.
Selecting the right material for a leaning frame surround is essential to achieve an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is an excellent option because it's extremely durable, nonflammable and has a lot of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. It's typically placed into a mold giving you the opportunity to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When designing your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This makes the piece appear more organized rather than randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects like lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in its place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the item and modern fireplace prevent it from moving while you sip a refreshing cup of coffee or wine on your mantel.
After you've selected the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start making the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.
Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure that the bolts pass through the backer board and then into the wall stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Screw the mantel with bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the mantel's depth.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and a functional function. They protect walls from heat damage and also reflect some of the heat into the space and can make a fire more of the focal point of a space. The most popular materials used for tabletop fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible areas or they can simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it look complete.
The fireplace in this modern living area has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it is a striking design feature to the room. The black finish also ties to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
Concrete isn't just used for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be poured on top and formed into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile, creating an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker shades of the wood floor and brick wall.
Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in many colors and textures that will match any decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds, and they can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds come with an edging that covers the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.
When choosing a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround, it is important to take into consideration the height of your chimney. To avoid a fire spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance may vary based on the type of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options for surrounds to give your fireplace a classic look. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak while others are a combination of materials including stone legs, paired with pine or oak mantels. There are also oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made wood fireplace surround as it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they desire without having to hire a carpenter. The pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety of finishes, so you can match them to your existing decor.
Another popular type of wood electric fire surround is one that is made by hand from a high quality oak. This can be stained an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood can be seen. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas-burning electric fireplaces and can be installed either with an arched or flat opening.
If you have more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials online that can help you to make your own wooden bioethanol fire surround. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow shows how to build a rustic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal pilasters, and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are finished you can put up your mantel. The tutorial also shows you how to attach the crown molding which will cover up any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made from combustible material it is essential to adhere to your local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it is held in place.