Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, the right surround can give your living room personality. But choosing a fireplace surround that complies with standards and is safe can be a daunting task.
The custom-built surrounds are constructed from non-combustible material that adheres to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in a room and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is constructed using a selection of materials and be designed to match different design styles. It's important to consider the design of the room and the budget before choosing the style of the fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a broad range of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures making it an ideal option 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 or etched for an updated look or left unfinished to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to a room.
Granite is a very popular choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's durable and can be able to withstand heat well. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be shaped and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace might be feasible for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task but it's much simpler than you think if you work with a professional and think ahead.
It's recommended to speak with a professional when building a fireplace surround out of marble, as it requires special care to prevent damage. A skilled carpenter can help avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you are planning to use tiles as a fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high temperatures. This information is typically found on the package or ask an employee in the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can completely transform a room. It's not just designed to look attractive, but also serves a practical function, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and also to help reflect heat away from the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized to match any style or décor.
The right choice of material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it's highly durable, nonflammable and has an appealing visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's usually poured into a mold, giving you the ability to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When you design your leaning frame, be sure to include layers. This helps the piece look more planned and curated rather than just randomly placed on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be risky If you're planning to display heavier objects such as lamps or vases, put a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, you might want to consider putting wooden boards on the bottom to keep it in the right place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the piece and stop it from moving while you enjoy a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your fireplace.
Once you have decided on the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your frame. Then using a saw cut cleats along each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.
Then, you can screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is required if you need to. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's depth.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from damage from heat and reflect heat back into the room and can make a fireplace a focal piece in an area. Wood and metal are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to protect nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this modern 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 blends in the dark shades of the furniture and wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and formed into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. The concrete surround has been designed into a curved profile, creating a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker hues of the wood floor and brick wall.
Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that will complement any decor. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds include an ornamental faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be attached to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.
It is essential to take into account the size of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. To prevent a fire spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. The distance will vary based on what kind of 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 look. Some surrounds are made of solid oak while others are various materials like stone legs, paired with oak or pine mantels. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a cheap and simple option.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it's an inexpensive way to get the look that they want without the expense of the services of carpenters. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a variety of finishes to match it to your existing decor.
A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made from high quality oak is also a popular choice. It can be stained with an oak-like light color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood can be seen. This fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood fireplaces. It comes in two different styles: flat or arched.
There are many tutorials available online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround made of wood. One example is this complete step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to create an authentic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal part before building the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. After these are built then you can build the mantel itself. Finally, the tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding which will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
Since a wooden fireplace surround is made of combustible materials, it is important that you follow the local Fire (Www.Fireplacesandstoves.Uk) code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it is held in the proper position.