Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The best surround can add a sense of style to your living room regardless of whether you are using it to provide warmth or aesthetics. But choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with code and is safe can be a difficult task.

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

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround is the focal point of the room, and can add warmth and charm. It is constructed with a selection of materials and be designed to fit different styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design it is important to take into consideration the style and budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds provide 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 look. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplace surrounds.

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds. It offers a timeless appeal that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more contemporary look or left untouched to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add depth and texture to rooms.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it is durable and able to heat very well. It's also available in a range of patterns and colors so it can be used to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.

Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace might be possible for DIYers. Although it may seem difficult, this project can actually be easier than you might imagine if you plan ahead and consult with a professional make sure the structure is strong enough.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you intend to use tile as an interior fireplace surround, be sure it's rated for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the package, or you can ask an employee in the home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can transform the look of a room. It's not only visually pleasing but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall behind the fireplace from damage and reflects heat back into the room. It's available in various materials and can be made to match any style or decor.

The right material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it's durable, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's typically put into a mold, which allows you to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add in layers. This makes the frame appear more planned rather than randomly placed. If you intend to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, place a piece of rubber drawer lining beneath the base. This will stop them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.

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

After you have chosen the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions of your frame. Then using a saw cut cleats at each line. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least 1 foot longer than the shelf.

Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts pass through the backer board, and into the wall stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is required if you need to. After that, clamp the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the mantel's depth.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve as an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from damage from heat, reflect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in a space. Wood and metal are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code in order to safeguard nearby combustible materials or to enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this modern living space has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more maintenance than a wooden mantel, but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties together the dark tones in the wood flooring and furniture for an attractive design.

While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and then shaped into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. The concrete surround was formed into a curved shape. It creates a sleek and modern 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 many colors and textures that can be incorporated into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more economical 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 accommodate ornaments for the mantel, such as lamps and vase.

Certain wood surrounds have a faceplate that covers the top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be hung to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners that mimic the look of iron.

It is crucial to take into consideration the height of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to stop a fire from spreading into the home. The distance will vary based on what kind of fireplace you own and also from state to state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Some surrounds are made of solid oak while others are an assortment of materials, including stone legs, paired with pine or oak mantels. There are also oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy alternative.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's a cost-effective way to achieve the style they want without having to hire a carpenter. Some pre-made wood surrounds are available with a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to match them to your existing decor.

Another style of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from a high quality oak. This can be stained in a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. The fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood ethanol fireplaces. It is available in two different styles: arched or flat.

For those of you who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials available online to help you create your own fire surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to create a rustic-looking wood surround from pine.

The tutorial will show you how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. After these are built then you can build the mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to attach the crown molding to be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.

Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made from combustible material it is crucial that you adhere to your local fire code and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it remains in the proper position.