Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, choosing the perfect surround can give your living room personality. However, choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with code and is safe can be a challenge.

These custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National electric fire Code. They are a great addition to 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 selection of materials and be designed to fit different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style, it's important that you think about the style and the budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds provide an elegant look that is compatible with many different styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern fireplace metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperature, making it a great option for a surround.

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and offers a timeless appeal that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a more contemporary style or left untreated for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to add texture and depth to rooms.

Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It is durable and can stand up to heat well. It is also available in a variety of patterns and colors, which means it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite can be also formed and shaped to match a modern surround.

If you're a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult however, it could be simpler than you think if you plan ahead 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 can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you're going to use tile for your fireplace surround, be sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You'll find this information on the package or ask an employee at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can completely transform the whole space. It's not only visually appealing but also serves a practical function. It protects the wall behind the fire place from deterioration and reflects heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be made to suit any style or decor.

The right material to use for a leaning frame surround is crucial to create an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent choice because it's highly durable, nonflammable and has lots of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's usually put into a mold, giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear more planned and curated rather than just randomly placed on the shelf or wall. If you intend to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber under the base. This will stop them from sliding and damaging surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, consider adding a wooden board on the bottom to help keep it in place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the item from moving while you sip a glass of wine or coffee in the fireplace.

Once you have decided on the material, it is time to construct the piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of your frame and then use a saw to cut cleats at each of these marks. Ensure that the top cleat is at least 1 foot shorter than the shelf.

Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure 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 serve as an aesthetic and a functional function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace suites that is a focal point in a space. Wood and metal are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to protect nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.

The fireplace in this contemporary living space has an all-black firebox with white fireplace marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, however it adds an eye-catching design element to the space. The black finish also ties together the dark tones in the wood flooring and furniture to create an overall design.

While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and formed into any shape, giving you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curving profile which gives it a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the wood floor and brick wall.

Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It is available in many colors and textures that can be incorporated into any style of decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate household decor above the mantel including lamps and vases.

Certain wood surrounds come with faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be attached with decorative fasteners or hinges that resemble the look of iron.

When choosing a mantel made of wood or a metal fireplace surround It is essential to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to stop a fire from spreading into the home. The distance will vary based on the kind of fireplace you own and also from state to state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options available for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a classic appearance. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak and others have various materials like stone legs, paired with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also choose from oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be an affordable and simple option.

A lot of people opt to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it's an inexpensive way to get the style they desire without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. Some pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a range of different finishes to match it to your existing decor.

A hand-crafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also a popular choice. It can be stained with in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood can be seen. The fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas 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 make your own fireplace surround made of wood. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to create an attractive wood fireplace surround with pine.

The tutorial will show you how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, then how to construct the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. After these are built, you can install the mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to attach 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 putting in a wooden surround around the fireplace. You should keep the surround at least 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding and ensure that it remains in place after the surround is set.