Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The best surround can add a sense of style to your living area, whether you use it to provide warmth or aesthetics. However, selecting the right fireplace surround that is compliant with the requirements of code and is safe could be a daunting task.

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

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround is the focal point of the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It can be crafted using a variety of materials and can be designed to fit different styles of design. It is essential to consider the design of the room as well as the budget before choosing the style of the fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with many different styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can stand up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds and has a timeless appearance that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more modern style or left untreated for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add depth and texture to a room.

Granite is a popular choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to stand up to heat well. It is also available in a variety of patterns and colors making it a great choice to create a variety of styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be shaped and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.

If you're a DIYer, the installation of a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting but it's more simple than you imagine when you collaborate with an expert and plan ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience can help you avoid costly errors.

If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace surround, be sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. This information is usually located on the label, or you can ask a staff member at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform an area. It's not just meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat away from the room. It's available in various materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.

Selecting the right material for an inclined frame surround is key to creating an intentional design. Concrete is a great choice because it is durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds that give you the option of creating unique shapes.

Layers are important when designing your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more planned rather than randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous If you're planning to display heavier objects such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to prevent them from slipping or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding a wooden board on the bottom to help keep it in position. It will also help reduce the weight and prevent the object from moving as you sip your cup of wine or coffee in the front of your fireplace.

After you have chosen the material, it's time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions for your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats along each line. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least one foot longer than the shelf.

Then, attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure 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. Screw the mantel 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 depth.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of an eye-catching feature in a space. Metal and wood are the most common materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, Minimalist fireplaces making it look complete.

The fireplace in this contemporary fireplaces living space features a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more care than a wooden mantel, but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.

Concrete is not just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be poured in place and formed into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to create a curved design. It has a sleek and modern look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and flooring.

Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of colors and textures that will complement any style of decor. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds come with an edging that is placed on mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be fixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of iron wrought.

When selecting a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround It is essential to consider the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance can vary depending on the kind of fireplace you own and also from state to state or country country.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are many kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak and others have an assortment of materials, including stone legs that are paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also pick from pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be an affordable and easy option.

Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's an affordable way to get the style they want without hiring a carpenter. Certain pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are even available in a range of different finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.

Another popular type of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand using a top quality oak. It can be stained with in a light oak hue or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas burning Minimalist Fireplaces and can be installed either with an arched or flat opening.

There are a lot of tutorials available online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own fireplace surround from wood. This step-by-step tutorial 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 part and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once these are complete, you can install the mantel itself. The tutorial also shows you how to add the crown molding which will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the wall.

Because a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials it is crucial to adhere to the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable adhesive to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place after the surround is put in place.