Blog entry by Valentina Kimbrell
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The perfect surround can add character to your living area, whether you use it for warmth or for aesthetics. However, selecting a fireplace stove surround that complies with standards and is safe can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made with non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be a focal point for rooms, and it can bring warmth and charm. It can be made from a variety of materials, and crafted to match different styles of design. It is essential to consider the design of the room and the budget before choosing a fireplace surround design.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be coupled with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperature making it a good option for a border.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds and has a timeless appearance that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance, or left untouched to give it a traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to give depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very sought-after option for modern surrounds for fireplaces. It is durable and can be able to withstand heat well. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be shaped and made into a modern fireplace surround.
If you're a handyman, the installation of a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task, this project can actually be simpler than you think if you plan ahead and work with a professional to ensure that the structure is strong enough.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace - see it here - 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 are planning to use tile for a fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the package or ask an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform a room. It's not just visually appealing but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall surrounding the fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the area. It is available in a variety of materials and is customizable for any style or decor.
Selecting the right material for an inclined frame surround is essential to achieve an intentional design. Concrete is a great option because it is durable, non-flammable, and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds to give you the possibility of making unique shapes.
Layers are essential when designing your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more organized than if it were just randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber under 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 will also help in reducing the weight of the item and stop it from moving while you enjoy a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your fireplace.
After you've decided on the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of the surround and use a sander to cut cleats on each of these points. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backer board and then into a wall stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. After that, secure the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls against heat damage, reflect heat into the room and make a fire more of the focal point of the space. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard the surrounding areas from combustibles or they can simply enhance the look of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.
The fireplace in this modern living area has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, however it provides a striking design feature to the room. The black finish also brings in the dark shades of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
Concrete isn't just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to enclose ethanol fireplaces. It can be poured in place and shaped into any shape, giving the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround was shaped to create a curved design. It creates an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in many colors and textures that will complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds have a faceplate which covers the mantel's top and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.
It is crucial to take into consideration the height of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. To avoid a fire spreading to your home, building codes require minimum clearances. This distance may vary based on what type of electric fireplace you have and also from state to state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a traditional style. Some surrounds are completely solid oak, while others use various materials like stone legs that are paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also find oak or pine electric fire surrounds that are designed to be a cheap and simple alternative.
Many people choose to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround as it's an affordable way to get the style they want without hiring a carpenter. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a range of different finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround made of high-quality oak is also popular. It can be stained with in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning electric fires and can be fitted either with a flat or arched opening.
For those who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you create your own wood fire surround. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The guide explains how to construct the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are built then you can place your mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to attach the crown molding which will fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material, it is important that you adhere to your local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it is held in the proper position.