Blog entry by Carole Kinsella
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The perfect surround can add character to your living space, whether you use it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. However, choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with standards and is safe can be a challenge.
These custom-built surrounds are built from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be an important focal point in rooms, and it can add warmth and charm. It can be crafted with a range of materials and be designed to fit different design styles. It is essential to consider the style of the room and the budget before choosing the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a sophisticated option that can be paired with a wide variety of styles. They can be paired with rustic woods and more modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. marble fireplaces is relatively simple to maintain and can stand Modern fireplace up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect material for fireplace surrounds.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched for contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It is available in many designs and colors, so you can create different design styles. Quartzite can also be molded and shaped to fit an upscale surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace may be possible for DIYers. Although it might seem like a daunting task however, it could be easier than you might think if you plan ahead and work with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.
It's recommended to speak with a professional when making a fireplace surround of marble because it requires special attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience will help you avoid costly errors.
If you're going to use tile for your fireplace's surround, be sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. This information is typically found on the label, or biofireplace you can ask a staff member at the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can transform the entire space. It's not just designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also has a functional function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat away from the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customized to match any style or design.
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 has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. Concrete is typically poured into molds that give you the possibility of making an original shape.
When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the frame appear more curated than if it were just randomly placed. If you are planning to display heavy objects like vases or Ethanol Fireplace (Writeablog.Net) lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of rubber drawer lining underneath the base. This will stop them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, think about adding an oak board at the bottom to help keep it in position. It can also help reduce the weight of the piece and stop it from moving when you're enjoying a nice cup of coffee or wine on your mantel.
After you have chosen the material, it is time to build the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backer board, and into a nail. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is required if you need to. After that, clamp the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from damage from heat, reflect heat into the room, and can make a fireplace a focal piece in the space. Wood and metal are the most commonly used materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to protect the surrounding areas from combustibles or they can simply improve the appearance of a fireplace, making it look complete.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more maintenance than a wooden mantel but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also joins together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for a cohesive look.
While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into custom shapes and poured in place, giving almost endless designs. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It creates modern and sleek appearance that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.
Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in many colors and textures that will complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and less expensive than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that mimic the appearance of iron wrought.
It is crucial to take into account the size of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of a fire into the home. This distance can vary depending on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others use various materials like stone legs, paired with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also find pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable option.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an economical way to achieve the look they desire without having to hire a carpenter. Some pre-made wood surrounds are available with a variety of finishes, so you can blend them into your existing decor.
Another kind of fire surround made of wood is one that is made by hand from a high quality oak. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. The fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood fires. It comes in two different styles: arched or flat.
There are a lot of tutorials available online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this complete step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to make an authentic wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal component before building the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are completed you can put up your mantel. Then, the guide will show you how to install the crown molding that will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the wall.
It is important to follow the local 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 to attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it stays in the correct position.