Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, the right surround can make your living space more unique. It can be difficult to choose a fireplace surround which is safe and complies with the code.

These custom-built surrounds are built of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be a focal point within an area and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be constructed from many different materials and designed to suit different styles of design. It's important to consider the design of the room and the budget before choosing a fireplace surround design.

Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique, modern design. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and is able to withstand extreme temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.

Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and works in many homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a more modern appearance or left unfinished for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add depth and texture to the interior of a room.

Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be cut and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.

If you're a handyman, making a fireplace surround made of concrete could be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult but it can be simpler than you think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to ensure that the structure is strong enough.

It's recommended to consult with an expert when creating a fireplace surround made of marble, as it requires special care to prevent damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you are planning 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 home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can completely transform the entire space. It is not only aesthetically appealing but it also serves a functional purpose. It shields the wall surrounding the fireplace from damage and also reflects heat back into the room. It's available in various materials and can be customized to suit any style or decor.

Choosing the right material for an inclined 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. Concrete is typically poured into molds to allow you to choose the possibility of making unique shapes.

When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the frame appear more organized rather than randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to keep them from slipping or damaging surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in its place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the item and prevent it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.

Once you have decided on the material, it's time to build the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions for your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats at each line. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.

Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backer board and then into the nail. Pre-drilling the screw holes is recommended if required. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They protect walls from heat damage, deflect some of the heat back into the room and can create a fireplace that is an attraction in a space. Wood and metal are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to safeguard nearby combustible materials or to enhance the look of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this modern living space features an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also blends with the dark tones of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a unified appearance.

While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into custom shapes and poured into place, providing nearly limitless design options. The concrete surround has been cut into a curving profile giving it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick floor and wood wall.

Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of textures and colors that can be incorporated into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds, and they can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to hold household decorations above the mantel, such as lamps and vase.

Certain wood surrounds come with faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be hung with decorative fasteners or hinges that mimic the look of iron.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of fire into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace, and may also vary from country to country or from state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are different kinds of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also choose from oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a cost-effective and easy choice.

Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it's an affordable way to achieve the style they desire without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Some pre-made surrounds made of pine are available with a variety of finishes that allow you to blend them into your existing decor.

Another popular type of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand from high-quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak colour or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It is available in two styles: flat or arched.

If you have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials online that can assist you in creating your own fire surround from wood. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make an authentic wood surround made of pine.

The guide explains how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are finished, you can install your mantel. The tutorial will show how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall that surrounds it.

It is important to follow the local fire code when putting in a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround at least 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable adhesive to secure the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place when the surround is set.