Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The perfect surround can add character to your living space and can be used to provide warmth or aesthetics. However, selecting a fireplace surround that complies with code and is safe can be a daunting task.

The custom-built surrounds are constructed from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point within an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It is made of many different materials and designed to suit various styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design, it's important that you consider the style and the budget of the space.

marble fireplace [from this source] surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary style. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and is able to withstand high temperatures, which makes it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and offers a timeless appeal that is suitable for 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 may also be used to add depth and texture to rooms.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It is available in many patterns and colors so you can create different designs. Quartzite is another durable option that can be cut and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.

If you're a handyman, installing a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult however, it could be much easier than you imagine if you plan ahead and work with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you to avoid costly errors.

If you plan to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the label or ask an employee in a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform the look of a room. It's not only meant to look attractive, but also serves a practical purpose that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.

The right material to use for a leaning frame surround is crucial to create an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a great choice because it's highly durable, nonflammable and has a lot of 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.

When designing your leaning frame, make sure to include layers. This makes the frame appear more planned rather than randomly placed. If you are planning to display heavy objects like lamps or vases on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber underneath the base. This will stop them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a concrete or marble surround, you might want to consider putting an oak board at the bottom to help keep it in the right place. It can also reduce the weight and stop the item from moving while you sip a glass of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.

Once you've decided on the material you'll use for your frame's leaning frame, it's time to start building 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 top cleat of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.

Then, you can screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board and into a wall stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure 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 as a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls from heat damage, reflect heat into the space and can make a fireplace a focal piece in the space. Wood and metal are the most popular materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible surfaces or they can simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.

This fireplace is a contemporary living room that has an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more maintenance than a wooden mantel, but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also joins with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for an attractive look.

While you may 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 formed into custom shapes and then poured in place, allowing for nearly limitless designs. This concrete surround was shaped to create a curved design. It has a sleek and modern look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.

Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in many colors and textures that will complement any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more economical than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to hold ornaments for the mantel, including lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds include faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the appearance of the look of wrought iron.

It is important to consider the height of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace and can vary from the country to the country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are a variety of options for surrounds to give your fireplace a classic look. Some surrounds are made of solid oak while others are an assortment of materials, including stone legs that are paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also pick from oak or pine fire surrounds which are designed to be a cost-effective and simple option.

A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to achieve the look they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Some of the premade surrounds made of pine are available in a variety of finishes, so you can make them fit with your existing decor.

Another style of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand from high-quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood can be seen. The fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood fireplaces. It comes in two different styles: flat or arched.

For those of you who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials online that can help you to make your own fire surround from wood. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow will show how to build an attractive wood surround with pine.

The guide explains how to build the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first, and then how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are built you can put up your mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to attach the crown molding which will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the wall.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is made of combustible materials it is essential to adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it remains in place.