Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using a fireplace for warmth or aesthetics, the perfect surround can give your living room personality. However, choosing a fireplace surround that complies with standards and is safe can be a challenge.

These custom-built surrounds are built of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They can 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 bring warmth and elegance. It is made of a variety of materials, and designed to suit various styles of design. It's important to consider the style of the room as well as the budget before deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and is able to withstand high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that is suitable for many homes. It can be cut and cut to give it a more contemporary appearance or left unfinished for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add depth and texture to a room.

Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds around electric fireplaces. It is durable and can stand up to heat well. It's also available in a variety of patterns and colors making it a great choice to create a variety of styles. Quartzite can be also molded and shaped to fit the modern design of a surround.

If you're a DIYer, installing a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. This task may seem daunting but it's much simpler than you think working with professionals 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 can help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you're planning to use tiles for your fireplace surround, ensure it's approved for high-temperature use. You'll find this information on the packaging, or ask an employee at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform a room. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose. It shields the wall that surrounds the fireplace from damage and also reflects heat back into the space. It is available in a variety of materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.

The right material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it is strong, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds to allow you to choose the possibility of making an original shape.

When designing your leaning frame, be sure to add in layers. This makes the piece appear more organized rather than randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavier objects, such as lamps or vases, put a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It can also reduce the weight and keep the object from moving as you sip a glass of coffee or wine in the fireplace.

Once you've decided on the material for the frame's leaning surround then it's time to begin building the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions for your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats at each line. Ensure that the top cleat is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.

Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backer board, and into a nail. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is required if you need to. After that, secure the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve as a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room and can create a white fireplace that is a focal point in a space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds include metal and wood. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code in order to safeguard nearby combustible materials or they can improve the aesthetics of a fireplace.

This fireplace is a modern living space with a black surround and white fireplace marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, however it adds an eye-catching design aspect to the space. The black finish also brings to the dark hues of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

While you might associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be shaped into custom shapes and poured in place, allowing for almost endless design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It has an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and floor.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, that is available in a variety of textures and colors that complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and less expensive than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

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

It is essential to take into consideration the size of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to stop a fire from spreading into the home. This distance can vary depending on what type of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a traditional style. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others include stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and simple option.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to get the look they desire without hiring a carpenter. Some of the premade wood surrounds are available in a variety finishes and colors, allowing you to blend them into your existing decor.

Another popular kind of fire surround made of wood is one that is hand-crafted using a top quality oak. This can be stained in a light oak hue or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. The fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood fireplaces. It comes in two styles: flat or arched.

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

The tutorial shows how to construct the horizontal part, and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel itself. The tutorial also will show you how to install the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.

Because a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials it is essential that you follow the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding and ensure that it remains in place when the surround is installed.