Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The right surround can add personality to your living area regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. However, choosing a fireplace surround that complies with the requirements of code and is safe could be a challenge.

These custom-built surrounds are built from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point within a room and it can bring warmth and elegance. It can be crafted with a selection of materials and be designed to suit many different design styles. It is important to think about the design of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and it can withstand high temperatures making it an ideal option for a border.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless look and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to add texture and depth to rooms.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It is available in many colors and patterns which allows you to create various designs. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be shaped and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.

Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace may be possible for DIYers. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be easier than you might think if you prepare and work with a professional to ensure that the structure is sturdy enough.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you're going to use tile for your fireplace's surround, make sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. You'll find this information on the packaging or Fireplace Insert ask an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform the look of a room. It is not only aesthetically appealing but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall that surrounds the fire place from deterioration and reflects heat back into the space. It is available in a variety of materials and is customizable to match any style or décor.

The right material to use for a leaning frame surround is key to creating an intentional design. Concrete is a good choice because it's highly durable, nonflammable and has lots of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It's typically put into a mold, which allows you to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the piece appear more organized rather than randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy objects like vases or lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber under the base. This will prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding wooden boards on the bottom to keep it in the right place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the piece and stop it from moving while you sip a refreshing cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.

Once you've decided on the material for the frame's leaning surround and frame, you can begin building the actual piece. Begin by marking the new wall with the dimensions of your frame and then use a saw to cut cleats along each of these marks. 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 into the stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is required if you need to. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Screw the mantel with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and a functional function. They protect walls against damage from heat and reflect heat back into the room and can make a fire more of the focal point of an area. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible surfaces or they can simply enhance the look of a fireplace, making it appear more complete.

This fireplace is modern living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it provides a striking design element to the space. The black finish also joins together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create a cohesive look.

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 into place and formed into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround was shaped into a curved shape. It creates modern and sleek appearance that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a wide range of textures and colors that complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any shade to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and Fireplace Insert less expensive than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds include an ornamental faceplate that covers the mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be affixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that mimic the appearance of wrought iron.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace and can vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are a variety of options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a classic appearance. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be a cost-effective and easy choice.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround since it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they want without hiring a carpenter. Certain pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a range of different finishes to blend it with your existing decor.

Another style of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated to let the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.

If you have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you create your own wood fire surround. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make a rustic wood surround using pine.

The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal component before building the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are completed you can put up your mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding to be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around the fireplace. You should keep the surround 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 to ensure that it remains in place when the surround is put in place.