Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, choosing the best surround will give your living room personality. But choosing a fireplace surround that meets code and is safe can be a challenge.

These custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround is the focal point of rooms, and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made with a selection of materials and be designed to suit many different styles of design. It is important to think about the design of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods and modern metals to create an unique, contemporary design. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and is able to withstand high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplace surrounds.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds and offers a timeless appeal that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create an updated look or left unfinished to give it a classic feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to give depth and texture to rooms.

Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds around cheap fireplaces. It's durable and can stand up to heat well. It is available in many patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can also be formed and shaped to match a modern surround.

Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace may be feasible for DIYers. Although it might seem like a daunting task however, it could be easier than you might think if you prepare and consult with a professional make sure the structure is strong enough.

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 errors.

If you are planning to use tiles as a fireplace surround, make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. You'll typically find this information on the packaging, Fireplace Electric or ask an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform a room. It is not only aesthetically appealing, but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall that surrounds the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be made to match any style or decor.

Selecting the right material for a leaning frame surround is essential to achieve an intentional design. Concrete is a great choice because it is durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. It's typically put into a mold, which allows you to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

Layers are crucial when creating your leaning frames. This helps the piece look deliberate and thoughtful rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or shelf. If you are planning to display heavy objects like vases or lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of rubber drawer lining beneath the base. This will stop them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, you might want to consider putting an oak board at the bottom to keep it in position. It can also help reduce the weight of the piece and prevent it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your mantel.

After you've decided on the material, it is time to build the actual piece. First, mark the wall you're building with the dimensions of the surround and use a saw to cut cleats on each of these marks. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.

Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Fix the mantel to 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 serve a practical and decorative function. They protect walls from heat damage, reflect heat into the space and make a fire more of a focal piece in a space. The most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds can be required by building code to protect nearby combustible materials or to enhance the look of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this contemporary living space has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it provides a striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for an overall look.

While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround was cut to a curved profile. It creates modern and sleek appearance that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.

Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of colors and textures that will complement any style of decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to hold ornaments for the mantel, like lamps and vases.

Certain wood fireplaces surrounds have an edging that is placed on mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be affixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the look of the look of wrought iron.

It is important to take into account the height of your fireplace when selecting the wood mantel. To avoid a fire spreading into your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace and can vary from the country to the country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are different types of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak, while others use an assortment of materials, including stone legs, paired with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also choose from pine or oak bioethanol fire surrounds that are designed to be an affordable and easy choice.

Many people opt to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround as this is an inexpensive method of getting the look that they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Some pre-made surrounds made of pine are available in a variety finishes that allow you to blend them into your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also popular. This can be stained in a light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning ethanol fires and can be fitted either with an arched or flat opening.

There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround from wood. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow will show how to build a rustic wood surround using pine.

The tutorial explains how to construct the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. After these are built then you can build the mantel. The tutorial will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall surrounding it.

It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when putting in a wooden surround around a fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround at least 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable adhesive to join the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place when the surround is set.