Blog entry by Carole Kinsella

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Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using a fireplace to provide warmth or aesthetics, the right surround can give your living space a unique. It can be difficult to pick a 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 are a great addition to any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point of an area and it can add warmth and charm. It is constructed from a wide selection of materials and be designed to match different design styles. When choosing a fireplace style it is important to think about the style and the budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated look that complements many different styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and modern metals to create an unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperatures making it a good choice for a surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a more contemporary look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to give texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a popular choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can withstand heat well. It's also available in a range of colors and patterns, so it can be used to create a variety of styles. 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 might be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult, this project can actually be much easier than you think if you prepare and work with a professional to make sure the structure is sturdy enough.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace (navigate to this website) surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience will help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you're going to use tile for your fireplace's surround, make sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. You can typically find this information on the packaging or ask an employee at a local home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can completely transform the whole space. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also serves a functional purpose. It shields the wall that surrounds the fireplace from damage and also reflects heat back into the space. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to suit any style or decor.

The right material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it is strong, non-flammable, and is attractive due to its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in molds that give you the option of creating unique shapes.

When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add in layers. This makes the piece appear deliberate and thoughtful rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavier objects, such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to stop them from slipping or damaging surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden board 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 stop the item from moving while you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.

After you have chosen the material, it is time to construct the piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your frame. Then, using a saw, cut cleats at each line. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.

Screw the brackets on the wall fireplace. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backer board and then into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is necessary if needed. After that, temporarily secure the mantel to 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 full thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and a functional function. They shield walls from heat damage and also reflect heat into the room and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in the space. Wood and metal are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or they can improve the aesthetics of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this contemporary living space has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more care than a mantel made of wood, however it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties together the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for an attractive appearance.

Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be formed into custom shapes and then poured in place, allowing for nearly limitless design possibilities. The concrete surround has been cut into a curved shape giving it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.

Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that will match any style of decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate household decor above the mantel, including vases and lamps.

homcom-1000w-2000w-freestanding-electrical-fireplace-indoor-heater-stove-log-wood-led-burning-effect-flame-with-thermostat-control-black-6917.jpgSome wood surrounds include a faceplate that covers the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be attached to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.

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

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options available for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional look. Some surrounds are completely solid oak, while others use a combination of materials including stone legs that are paired with mantels made of oak or pine. There are also pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a cheap and simple option.

A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's an affordable way to achieve the style they desire without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Some pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety of finishes that allow you to match them to your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also very popular. This can be stained a light oak color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood is visible. The fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood fires. It is available in two styles: flat or arched.

There are a lot of tutorials available online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own fireplace surround from wood. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow shows you how to create a rustic wood surround using pine.

The guide explains how to construct the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, and then how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. After these are built then you can build the mantel itself. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to attach the crown molding that will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the wall.

It is essential to adhere to the local bioethanol fire code when installing a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it stays in the proper position.

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