Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, the best surround will make your living space more unique. It can be difficult to choose a fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.

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

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point within a room and it can add warmth and charm. It is made of a variety of materials, and designed to fit a variety of design styles. Before you decide on a fireplace design it is important to think about the style and the budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds are a sophisticated option that can be paired with a vast range of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods and modern metals to create an unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and it can withstand high temperatures making it a good option for a surround.

Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and offers a timeless appeal that works in many homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more modern appearance or left unfinished for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's strong and resistant 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 made into a shape and molded to fit an upscale surround.

If you're a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be easier than you might imagine if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.

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 intend to use tile for an interior fireplace surround, be sure it's rated for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the packaging or you can inquire with an employee at the home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can transform the entire room. It's not just visually appealing, but also serves a practical purpose. It shields the wall fires surrounding the fireplace from damage and also reflects heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be adapted to fit any style or design.

Selecting the right material for a leaning frame surround is essential to achieve an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is an excellent option because it's extremely durable, nonflammable and has lots of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually put into a mold, giving you the ability to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

When designing your leaning frame, make sure to add layers. This makes the frame appear more curated rather than randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy objects such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, place a piece of rubber drawer lining beneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, think about adding wooden boards on the bottom to hold it in position. It will also lessen the weight and keep the object from shifting while you sip your cup of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.

Once you have decided on the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions for your surround. Then with a saw, cut cleats along each line. Make sure the top cleat is at least 1 foot shorter than the shelf.

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

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative role. They protect walls against heat damage, reflect heat into the space and can make a fireplace a focal piece in an area. The most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.

This fireplace stove is modern living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it provides a striking design aspect to the room. The black finish also blends in the dark shades of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.

Concrete isn't just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be poured into place and shaped into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut into a curved shape. It creates a sleek and modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood that is available in a variety of textures and colors that complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any color to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than brick surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, like lamps and vase.

Some wood surrounds have a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of wrought iron.

When selecting a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal, it is important to take into consideration the height of your chimney. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. The distance will vary based on what type of fireplace suite you have and also from state state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a cost-effective and simple option.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround as it's a cost-effective way to achieve the style they want without having to hire a carpenter. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a range of different finishes to blend it with your existing decor.

Another popular type of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand using a top quality oak. It can be stained with a light oak colour or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.

For those of you who have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials on the internet that will assist you in creating your own fire surround from wood. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to make a rustic-looking 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 itself. The guide will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding wall.

Since a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial that you adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it remains in place.