Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The right surround can add personality to your living space and can be used for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It can be difficult to choose a fireplace surround which is safe and in line with the code.

Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround is a focal point for a room, and can bring warmth and charm. It can be constructed from many different materials and designed to suit a variety of design styles. When choosing a fireplace style it is essential to take into consideration the style and the budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements many different styles of design. They can be coupled with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds. It offers a timeless appeal that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and etched to give it a more modern style or left untreated for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to give texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a popular choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It is durable and can withstand heat well. It is available in many patterns and colors which allows you to create various designs. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match a modern surround.

Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace could be possible for DIYers. This task may seem daunting however it's much easier than you think if you work with an expert and plan ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid costly errors.

If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace's surround, ensure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You can typically find this information on the packaging, or ask an employee at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can change the entire space. It's not only meant to look attractive, but also has a functional function that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and to reflect heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.

Choosing the right material for an inclined frame surround is essential to achieve an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a great choice because it is durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's typically put into a mold, which allows you to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more curated rather than randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects, such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to stop them from slipping or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, you might want to consider putting a wooden board on the bottom to keep it in place. It will also help reduce the weight and keep the object from shifting while you sip your cup of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.

After you've decided on the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats at each line. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.

Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They protect walls from heat damage, reflect some of the heat into the space, and can make a fire more of the focal point of an area. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to protect nearby combustible surfaces or simply to improve the appearance of a fireplace, making it appear more complete.

The fireplace in this modern living area has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it is a striking design feature to the room. The black finish also brings together the dark tones in the wood flooring and furniture for an attractive design.

While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be shaped into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, allowing for nearly limitless designs. This concrete surround was cut into a curved shape. It creates modern and sleek appearance that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood flooring.

Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of colors and textures that will complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more economical than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel, such as lamps and vases.

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

It is important to consider the dimensions of your fireplace when selecting the wood mantel. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to stop a fire from spreading into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace used and can also change from country to country or from state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options available for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a classic look. 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 choose from pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be a low-cost and simple option.

A lot of people opt to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive way to get the look that they want without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Some of the premade pine surrounds come with a variety of finishes, so you can match them to your existing decor.

Another popular style of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted using a top quality oak. This can be stained in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fireplaces. It comes in two different styles: arched or flat.

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

The tutorial will show you how to construct the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, and then how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are built, you can install your mantel. The guide will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding wall.

Because a fireplace surround made of wood is made from combustible material it is essential that you follow the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue join the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it stays in place.