Marti Autry

Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using fireplaces for warmth or aesthetics, the perfect surround can give your living space a unique. It can be difficult to choose a fireplace surround which is both safe and compliant with the code.

These custom-built surrounds are made from non-combustible material that adheres to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any home style.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround is the focal point of rooms, and it can bring warmth and charm. It can be made from various materials and crafted to match various styles of design. It's important to consider the design of the room and the budget prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods and more modern metals to create an distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it a great option for a surround.

Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be cut and etched to give it a modern look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone fireplaces veneers may also be used to add texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It is durable and can withstand heat well. It is also available in a variety of patterns and colors, so it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.

If you're a handyman, installing a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. It may seem like a daunting task, but it can be much simpler than you think when you collaborate with a professional and prepare 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 to avoid costly mistakes.

If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace surround, ensure it's approved for high-temperature use. This information is usually located on the label, or you can ask an employee in a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can completely transform the entire space. It's not just meant to look attractive, but also has a functional purpose that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and to reflect heat away from the room. It's available in various materials and can be customised to match any style or decor.

The right material is essential to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it is strong and non-flammable. It also has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. 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, make sure to add in layers. This makes the piece appear more planned and curated instead of being randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. If you plan to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on frames that lean, put a piece of rubber drawer lining beneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the item and prevent it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.

After you have chosen the material, it is time to build the actual piece. Begin by marking the new wall with the dimensions of your frame and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least 1 foot shorter than the shelf.

Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. After that, secure the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve as a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from heat damage and also reflect heat into the room and make a fire more of the focal point of a space. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to protect nearby combustible areas or they may simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.

The fireplace in this contemporary living space has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more care than a wooden mantel but it is a striking and striking design element to the space. The black finish also joins together the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for an overall design.

Concrete isn't just used for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be cut into custom shapes and poured into place, providing virtually unlimited designs. This concrete surround has been cut into a curved profile, creating an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker tones of the brick floor and wood wall.

Wood is another popular material used for electric fireplace surrounds. It is available in many colors and textures that will match any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and cheaper than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds have an edging that covers the top of the mantel and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be hung to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.

When choosing a mantel made of wood or a metal fireplace surround, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance may vary based on the type of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country country.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options available for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a classic appearance. Some surrounds are completely solid oak while others are various materials like stone legs that are 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 because it is a cost-effective way to achieve the look they want without having to hire a carpenter. The pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety of finishes that allow you to make them fit with your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also popular. This can be stained in a light oak colour or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas fires. It is available in two styles: flat or arched.

For those who have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials online that can assist you in creating your own fire surround from wood. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to make a rustic inspired wood surround out of pine.

The tutorial will show you how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once these are complete you can put in 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 surrounding wall.

Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials it is crucial that you follow the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also crucial to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to join the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place after the surround is set.