Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The right surround can add personality to your living room and can be used to provide warmth or aesthetics. However, choosing a fireplace surround that complies with code and is safe can be a challenge.

Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any home style.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be the focal point of a room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be crafted from a wide variety of materials and can be designed to match different styles of design. It is essential to consider the design of the room as well as the budget before choosing the design of a fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be coupled with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand extreme temperature, making it a great choice for a surround.

Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a very sought-after option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to withstand heat well. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of designs. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.

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

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

If you are planning to use tile for a fireplace surround, make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the package or 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 pleasing, but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall that surrounds the freestanding fireplace from damage and also reflects heat back into the area. It is available in a variety of materials and can be adapted for any style or decor.

Selecting the right material for the frame's leaning surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is a great option because it is strong and non-flammable. It also is attractive due to its natural texture and colour. It is typically poured in a mold to give you the option of creating an original shape.

When designing your leaning frame, make sure to include layers. This helps the piece look more planned and curated rather than just randomly placed on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous and should be avoided if you plan on displaying heavier objects like vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to keep them from slipping or damaging surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help to keep it in place. It will also lessen the weight and keep the object from moving as you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.

Once you've decided on the material for the frame's leaning surround then it's time to begin building the actual piece. Begin by marking your new wall with the dimensions of the surround and use a saw to cut cleats at 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 that the bolts go through the backer board and into the nail. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel using 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 a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from heat damage, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace that is a focal point in a room. The most common materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code in order to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can enhance the look of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this modern living space features an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, however it is a striking design feature to the room. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create an overall look.

While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and formed into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It gives an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.

Wood is another popular material used for fireplace stove surrounds. It is available in a variety of textures and colors that will complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can come in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decoration for your mantel, including vases and lamps.

Some wood surrounds include an edging that is placed on mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured using decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of wrought iron.

When choosing a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround, it is important to consider the height of your chimney. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance can vary depending 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 if you wish to give your fireplace a classic appearance. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others include stone fireplaces legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also find oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.

Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround as this is an inexpensive way to get the style they desire without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine come in a range of different finishes to blend it with your existing decor.

A hand-crafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also popular. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood fires. It comes in two different styles: arched or flat.

There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own fireplace surround made of wood. One example is this complete step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to construct a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.

The guide explains how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, then how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel itself. The guide will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall that surrounds it.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is made from combustible material it is essential that you adhere to your 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 ensure that it stays in place after the surround is put in place.