Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The perfect surround can add character to your living room and can be used for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround which is safe and in line with the code.

Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any home style.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point in the room and can bring warmth and elegance. It is made with a variety of materials and can be designed to fit different design styles. It's important to consider the style of the room and the budget prior to deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and modern metals to create a distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it a great option for a border.

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

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It's also available in a variety of patterns and colors which means it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite can also be molded and shaped to fit a modern surround.

If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. This project may seem daunting but it's more simple than you imagine working with a professional and plan ahead.

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 avoid costly mistakes.

If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace's surround, make sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. This information is typically found on the package or you can inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace's surround can transform a room. It's not just designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and also to help reflect heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to suit any style or design.

The right material to use for marble fireplace an inclined frame surround is crucial to create an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a great choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also offers an appealing visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's typically put into a mold, which allows you to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

When designing your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This makes the piece appear more organized as opposed to being randomly placed. Leaning frames can be risky and should be avoided if you plan to display heavy objects such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to stop them from sliding 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 to reduce the weight of the piece and prevent it from moving while you enjoy a good glass of wine or coffee on your mantel.

After you've decided on the material, it is 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 the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.

Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backer board, and into the wall stud. Making the screw holes in advance is recommended if required. After that, fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that 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 functional and decorative role. They protect walls from heat damage and reflect some of the heat into the space, and can make a fire more of a focal piece in an area. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard nearby combustible surfaces or simply to improve the appearance of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.

The fireplace in this modern living space features a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it adds an eye-catching design aspect to the room. The black finish also blends in the dark shades of the furniture as well as the 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 poured on top and formed into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. The concrete surround has been shaped into a curved shape, creating an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker hues of the wood floor and brick wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a wide variety of textures and colors to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and less expensive than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate household decor above the mantel, including vases and lamps.

Certain wood surrounds come with an edging that covers the top of the mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be hung with decorative fasteners or hinges which resemble the appearance of iron.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of fire into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace, and may also vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are many different types of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also choose from oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and simple option.

A lot of people opt to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it's an affordable way to achieve the look they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a variety of finishes to blend it 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 with a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural golden brown of the wood to show through. The fireplace surround can be used with gas or wood fireplaces. It is available in two styles: arched or flat.

There are a lot of tutorials available online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own fireplace surround made of wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to make an authentic wood surround out of pine.

The tutorial explains how to construct the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, then how to construct the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are built you can put up your mantel. The tutorial will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall fires's cladding and the surrounding wall.

It is essential to adhere to the local ethonal fire code when installing a wooden surround around the fireplace. You should keep the surround at least 6 inches from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it remains in the correct position.