Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The right surround can add personality to your living space regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or for aesthetics. However, choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with code and is safe can be a difficult task.
Fortunately, these custom surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is the focal point of the room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be constructed from many different materials and designed to suit different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style it is essential to consider the style and the budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it an ideal choice 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 or etched to create contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It is available in many colors and patterns which allows you to create various designs. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match an upscale surround.
If you're a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. It may seem like a daunting task but it's much simpler than you think working with professionals and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace;
official Fireplacesandstove blog, surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid costly errors.
If you intend to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high temperatures. You can typically find this information on the packaging or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace's surround can transform the look of a room. It's not just designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and also to help reflect heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to match any style or design.
The right material is essential for achieving a well-planned 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. Concrete is usually poured into a mold, which allows you to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more planned and curated instead of being randomly placed on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be risky, so if you're planning to display heavy objects such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help to keep it in its place. It will also lessen the weight and prevent the object from shifting while you sip your cup of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.
Once you've decided on the material for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start building the actual piece. First, mark your new wall with the dimensions of your surround and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Ensure that the top cleat is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.
Then, you can screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is necessary if needed. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's depth.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and functional function. They shield walls from damage from heat, reflect heat back into the room and can make a fire more of an eye-catching feature in a space. Wood and metal are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code in order to protect nearby combustible materials or they can improve the appearance of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this modern living space has an all-black firebox 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 ties with the dark tones of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.
Concrete is not just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to surround fireplaces. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and then poured into place, providing nearly limitless design options. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It gives an elegant and contemporary look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that will match any style of decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds and they can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include an edging that covers the mantel's top and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be hung to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.
When choosing a mantel made of wood or a metal fireplace surround It is essential to consider the height of your chimney. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of a fire into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace used and may also vary 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 kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also find pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable option.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive way to get the look they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Some of the premade wood surrounds are available in a variety finishes and colors, allowing you to make them fit with your existing decor.
Another popular kind of fire surround made of wood is one that is made by hand using a top quality oak. It can be stained to in a light oak hue or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It comes in two styles: arched or flat.
There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround from wood. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow shows how to build an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal component and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are finished, you can install your mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to add the crown molding which will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the wall.
It is important to follow the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around the fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also important to use a non-flammable glue to secure the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place after the surround is set.