The right surround can add personality to your living area regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or for aesthetics. It isn't easy to select the right fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They look great in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is an important focal point in rooms, and it can add warmth and charm. It is constructed from a wide range of materials and be designed to suit many different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style, it's important that you consider the style and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a vast variety of styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique and fireplacesandstove contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and it can withstand high temperature making it an ideal choice for a surround.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more contemporary appearance or left unfinished for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a very popular choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It is durable and can withstand heat well. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace could be possible for DIYers. Although it may seem difficult, this project can actually be easier than you might imagine if you plan ahead and work with a professional to ensure that the structure is sturdy enough.
A professional is also recommended when creating a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you intend to use tile for a fireplace surround, make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the package or you can ask a staff member at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can transform the whole space. It's not just visually appealing, but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall that surrounds the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.
The right material is essential to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent option because it's extremely durable, nonflammable and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds to give you the possibility of making a unique shape.
When designing your leaning frame, make sure to add layers. This makes the piece appear more curated as opposed to being randomly placed. Leaning frames are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavier objects such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to prevent them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the item from moving while you enjoy a cup of wine or coffee in the front of your fireplace.
Once you've decided on the material you'll use for your frame's leaning frame and frame, you can begin constructing the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions for your surround. Then with a saw, cut cleats along each line. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backer board, and into the wall stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel with 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 as a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from damage from heat, reflect some of the heat into the space and can make a fireplace the focal point of an area. The most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and steel. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to protect the surrounding areas from combustibles or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it look complete.
This fireplace is modern living room with a black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it is a striking design element to the space. The black finish also joins together the dark tones in the furniture and wood flooring for a cohesive design.
While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and shaped into any shape, giving you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile giving it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker tones of the brick floor and wood wall.
Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of colors and textures that can be incorporated into any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and less expensive than masonry surrounds, and they can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds come with a faceplate that covers the mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be hung to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners that mimic the look of iron.
It is essential to consider the size of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of a fire into the home. This distance can vary depending on the kind of fireplace you own and also from state to state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds which are designed to be an affordable and easy choice.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to get the style they want without having to hire carpenters. The pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety finishes that allow you to match them to your existing decor.
Another type of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted from high-quality oak. It can be stained with an oak-like light color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood can be seen. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.
There are numerous tutorials online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making 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 teaches you how to build the horizontal part before building the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once these are completed then you can build the mantel. The tutorial will show how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the surrounding wall.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material, it is important to adhere to your local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it stays in place.
