Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The best surround can add a sense of style to your living space, whether you use it for warmth or for aesthetics. But choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with the requirements of code and is safe could be a daunting task.

These custom-built surrounds are made from non-combustible material that adheres to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be a focal point for the room, and can add warmth and charm. It is made using a variety of materials and can be designed to fit different design styles. It's important to consider the design of the room and the budget before deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.

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

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that works in many homes. It can be cut and etched to give it a more contemporary style or left untreated for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.

Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds for fireplaces wooden. It's tough and able to withstand heat well. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create various styles of design. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match an upscale surround.

If you're a DIYer making a fireplace surround made of concrete could be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting but it's more simple than you imagine if you work with a professional and think ahead.

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

If you're going to use tiles for your fireplace surround, be sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You'll find this information on the packaging or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can change the entire space. It's not just meant to look attractive, but also serves a practical function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat back into the room. It is available in a variety materials and can be adapted to match any style or décor.

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

When designing your leaning frame, make sure to include layers. This makes the piece appear more planned and curated rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be risky, so if you're planning to display heavy objects, such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to prevent them from sliding 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 lessen the weight and stop the object from moving as you sip a glass of wine or coffee in the front of your fireplace.

Once you've chosen the material for the frame's leaning surround then it's time to begin building the actual piece. Begin by marking your new wall with the dimensions of your frame and use a saw to cut cleats at each of these marks. Ensure that the top cleat is at least 1 foot longer than the shelf.

Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backer board and then into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is required if you need to. Then, you can temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative role. They protect walls against damage from heat and reflect some of the heat into the room, and can make a fireplace the focal point of an area. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or to enhance the look of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this modern living space has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it provides a striking design aspect to the room. The black finish also brings together the dark tones in the wood fireplace flooring and furniture for a cohesive appearance.

While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It creates a sleek and modern look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and floor.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, that is available in a wide range of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more economical than masonry surrounds, and they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the look of iron wrought.

When choosing a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal It is essential to take into consideration the height of your chimney. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance can vary depending on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are different kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak while others are an assortment of materials, including stone legs that are paired with mantels made of oak or pine. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.

A lot of people choose to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround as this is an inexpensive method of getting the look they want without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Some pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety finishes that allow you to make them fit with your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also popular. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas-burning ethanol fireplaces and can be installed either with a flat or arched opening.

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

The guide explains how to construct the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once these are complete, you can install the mantel. The tutorial will show how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the surrounding wall.

It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it stays in place.