Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, the right surround can make your living space more unique. However, choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with standards and is safe can be a daunting task.

These custom-built surrounds are built from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National ethonal fire Code. They look stunning in any home style.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be an important focal point in rooms, and it can bring warmth and charm. It is made from a wide variety of materials and can be designed to match different design styles. When choosing a fireplace style it is essential to consider the style and budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods and more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it a great choice 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 and polished to give it a modern look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add depth and texture to rooms.

Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It is available in many colors and patterns which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.

If you're a handyman, making a fireplace surround made of concrete might be within your capabilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be much easier than you think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to ensure that the structure is strong enough.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you to avoid costly mistakes.

If you're going to use tile for your fireplace's surround, make sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. This information is typically found on the packaging or ask a staff member at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can completely transform the whole space. It's not just visually pleasing but it also serves a functional purpose. It shields the wall surrounding the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the space. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.

The right choice of material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it is strong, non-flammable, and is attractive due to its natural texture and color. It's usually poured into a mold, giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This helps the piece look curated and intentional instead of being randomly placed on the wall fireplace or shelf. If you intend to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber under 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 a wooden board on the bottom to hold it in position. It will also help in reducing the weight of the object and prevent it from moving while you sip a refreshing cup of coffee or wine on your mantel.

After you have chosen the material, it's time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your frame. Then using a saw cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.

Next, screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. After that, clamp the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's depth.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They protect walls from damage from heat and reflect heat into the space and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in an area. The most common materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and steel. Metal surrounds are required by building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this modern living space features the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel, but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.

While you may think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be cut into custom shapes and then poured into place, providing virtually unlimited designs. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. 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 comes in a variety of colors and textures that will match any style of decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are lighter and less expensive than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, including lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds come with a faceplate that covers the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.

When choosing a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround It is crucial to consider the height of your chimney. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace used and can vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are a variety of options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a classic style. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak and others have various materials like stone legs that are paired with mantels made of oak or pine. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a cheap and simple alternative.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround as it's an affordable way to get the style they want without having to hire a carpenter. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a range of different finishes to make it a part of your existing decor.

A hand-crafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood can be seen. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas-burning fires and can be fitted either with an arched or flat opening.

There are many tutorials available online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this complete step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to create a rustic-looking wood surround using pine.

The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal part, and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once these are complete you can put in the mantel itself. Finally, the tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding which will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the wall.

It is important to follow the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around the freestanding fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it is held in place.