Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, choosing the right surround can make your living space more unique. However, selecting a fireplace surround that meets standards and is safe can be a difficult task.

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

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point of the room and can add warmth and charm. It is made using a range of materials and be designed to match different design styles. Before you decide on a fireplace design, it's important that you take into consideration the style and budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be coupled with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain and it can withstand high temperature making it a good option for a border.

Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create an updated look or left unfinished to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add depth and texture to the interior of a room.

Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's strong and resistant to heat extremely well. It also comes in a range of patterns and colors so it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be shaped and made into a modern fireplace surround.

If you're a DIYer, installing a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting however it's more simple than you imagine if you work with a professional and plan 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 can help you to avoid costly mistakes.

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

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can transform the entire room. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall that surrounds the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the space. It is available in a variety of materials and can be adapted to match any style or décor.

Choosing the right material for the frame's leaning surround is essential to achieve an intentional design. Concrete is a good choice because it is durable, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. Concrete is usually placed into a mold giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

When you design your leaning frame, make sure to include layers. This helps the piece look more planned and curated rather than just randomly placed on the shelf or wall. If you intend to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, you can place a piece of rubber drawer lining beneath the base. This will stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, you might want to consider putting wooden boards on the bottom to hold it in the right place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the object from shifting while you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in the fireplace.

After you have chosen the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. Begin by marking your new wall with the dimensions of your surround and then use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.

Attach the brackets to the wall fires. Make sure the bolts pass through the backer board, and into the wall stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is recommended if required. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve as an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls against heat damage and also reflect some of the heat back into the room and make a fire more of an eye-catching feature in the space. The most common materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible surfaces or simply to enhance the look of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.

This ethanol fireplace is a contemporary living space with a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it adds an eye-catching design feature to the space. The black finish also brings together the dark tones in the wood flooring and furniture to create a cohesive design.

While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it's actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be cut into a variety of shapes and then poured into place, providing almost endless design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to create a curved design. It has an elegant and contemporary look that is in contrast to the darker hues 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 decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any color to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and less expensive than brick surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to hold decorative items for the mantel, including lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds have a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses doors for fireplaces electric. This plate can be hung to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.

When selecting a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. To avoid a fire spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace and can also change from country to country or from state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional look. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also choose from pine or oak fire surrounds which are designed to be a cost-effective and easy option.

A lot of people choose 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 a carpenter. Some pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to match them to your existing decor.

Another popular type of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas burning fireplaces and can be installed either with a flat or arched opening.

If you have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials available online to assist you in creating your own wooden fire surround. One example is this complete step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to create an authentic wood surround out of pine.

The tutorial explains how to construct the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. After these are built you can put in the mantel itself. The tutorial also shows you how to add the crown molding to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around the fireplace. You should keep the surround at least 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding and make sure that it remains in place when the surround is set.