Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the best surround will give your living room personality. It isn't easy to select the right fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.

Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any home style.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point within the room and can bring warmth and elegance. It can be made from various materials and crafted to match a variety of design styles. It is important to think about the style of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.

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

Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched for an updated look or left unfinished to give it a traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to the interior of a room.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create a variety of styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be shaped and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.

If you're a handyman, making a fireplace surround made of concrete might be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult but it can be much easier than you think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to make sure 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 carpenter with experience can help you avoid costly errors.

If you are planning to use tiles as a fireplace surround, make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the package, or you can inquire with an employee at the home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform an area. It is not only aesthetically appealing, but also serves a practical purpose. It shields the wall surrounding the fire place from damage and reflects heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customized to match any style or design.

The right material to use for the frame's leaning surround is key to creating an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a good choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also has an appealing visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's usually placed into a mold giving you the ability to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

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

Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help to keep it in its place. It can also reduce the weight and keep the object from shifting while you sip a glass of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.

Once you've decided on the material you'll use for your frame's leaning frame, it's time to start constructing the actual piece. Begin by marking your new wall with the dimensions of the surround and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Ensure that the top cleat is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.

Fix the brackets to 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 using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative role. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace that is an attraction in a space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds include metal and wood. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.

The fireplace in this modern living space has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it provides a striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties together the dark tones in the wood flooring and furniture to create a cohesive design.

Concrete isn't just used for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover electric fireplaces. It can be poured on top and formed into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It gives an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, which comes in a wide variety of textures and colors that match any style. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than the masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel including lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses doors for fireplaces wood. This plate can be hung to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners that mimic the look of iron.

It is important to take into consideration the height of your fireplace inserts when selecting a wood mantel. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of fire into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace and can also change from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are a variety of options for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a classic style. Some surrounds are completely solid oak and others have an assortment of materials, including stone legs that are paired with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds which are designed to be an affordable and simple option.

Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive method of getting the style they desire without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Some pre-made pine fireplace surrounds come in a variety of finishes so that you can blend it with your existing decor.

Another style of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted using a top quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated to let the natural golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood electric fires. It comes in two different styles: arched or flat.

There are a lot of tutorials available online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround made of wood. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to create a rustic wood surround using pine.

The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal component and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are finished you can put up your mantel. The tutorial also shows you how to add the crown molding that will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the wall.

Since a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material, it is important that you follow the local fire code and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding and make sure that it remains in place after the surround is put in place.