Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using a fireplace to provide warmth or aesthetics, the perfect surround can make your living space more unique. It can be difficult to choose a fireplace surround which is safe and complies with the code.

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

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be the focal point of a room, and can add warmth and charm. It is made of many different materials and crafted to match a variety of design styles. When choosing a fireplace style it is important to consider the design and budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements many different styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and more modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand extreme temperatures making it a good option for a border.

Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched for contemporary appearance, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give texture and depth to the interior of a room.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It is also available in a variety of colors and patterns, which means it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be cut and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.

Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace may be feasible for DIYers. This task may seem daunting, but it can be much simpler than you think if you work with an expert and think ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace surround, be sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You'll find this information on the package 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 only visually appealing but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall behind the fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the room. It is available in a variety of materials and can be customized for any style or decor.

The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is a great option because it's durable and non-flammable. It also is attractive due to its natural texture and color. It's usually poured into a mold, giving you the ability to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the frame appear more planned than if it were just randomly placed. If you intend to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber underneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in place. It can also help reduce the weight of the piece and stop it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or coffee in front of your mantel.

After you've decided on the material, it's time to build the actual piece. First, mark the new wall with the dimensions of the surround and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure the top cleat is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.

Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative role. They protect walls from damage from heat and also reflect heat back into the room and make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in the space. Metal and wood are the most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.

The fireplace in this modern living area has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it provides a striking design aspect to the room. The black finish also joins with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for an attractive look.

While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be shaped into custom shapes and poured in place, giving nearly limitless design options. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It has modern and sleek appearance that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and floor.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, that is available in a wide variety of textures and colors that complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can come in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and cheaper than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including vases and lamps.

Some wood surrounds have an edging that covers the mantel's top and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.

It is important to consider the size of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. To avoid a fire spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. The distance will differ based 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 for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a classic style. Some surrounds are completely solid oak while others are a combination of materials including stone fireplaces legs that are paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also pick from pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be a low-cost and easy choice.

A lot of people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to achieve the look they want without the expense of the services of a carpenter. The pre-made wood surrounds are available with a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to make them fit with your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made from high quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained to an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood shows through. This fireplace surround can be used with either wood or gas fires. It is available in two different styles: arched or flat.

For those of you who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials on the internet that will assist you in creating your own wood fire surround. One example is this complete step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to construct a rustic-looking wood surround from pine.

The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal part, and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are built then you can place your mantel. The tutorial also shows you how to attach the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

It is important to follow the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable glue to secure the decorative molding and ensure that it remains in place when the surround is put in place.