Fireplace Surround: What Nobody Has Discussed
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living space, whether you use it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It isn't easy to select the right fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.
Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made with 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 can be a focal point for the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It can be crafted with a selection of materials and be designed to match different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design it is important to think about the design and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a sophisticated option that can be paired with a wide variety of styles. They can be paired with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperatures making it an ideal option for a surround.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a more modern look or left untouched for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to give texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it's strong and resistant to heat extremely well. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors so you can create different design styles. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace may be possible for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task however it's more simple than you imagine working with a professional and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when making a fireplace surround made of marble, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience will help you avoid costly errors.
If you plan to use tile as a fireplace surround, you must make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. You can typically find this information on the packaging, or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace's surround can transform an area. It's not just designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and to reflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety materials and is customizable for any style or decor.
The right choice of material is crucial for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it's durable, non-flammable, and is attractive due to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds that allow you to choose the option of creating an original shape.
When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the piece appear more planned as opposed to being randomly placed. If you are planning to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber beneath the base. This will stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding an oak board at the bottom to keep it in place. It will also lessen the weight and prevent the item from moving while you sip a glass of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.
Once you have decided on the material, it's time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your frame. Then using a saw cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.
Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is necessary if needed. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace an attraction in a room. Wood and metal are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard nearby combustible surfaces or they can simply improve the appearance of a electric fireplace to make it look more attractive.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space features the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more care than a wooden mantel, but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings in the dark shades of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
Concrete isn't just used for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover fireplaces wood. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround has been cut into a curved profile, creating an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades 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 more economical than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Certain wood surrounds come with faceplates that cover the top of the mantel and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be fixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the appearance of wrought iron.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your fireplace when selecting a wood mantel. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace and can also change from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options available for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a classic look. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others include stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also pick from oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be an affordable and easy option.
Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds as it's an affordable way to get the look they desire without having to hire carpenters. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a range of different finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.
Another style of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from high-quality oak. This can be stained in a light oak color or left untreated to let the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. The fireplace surround can be used with either wood or gas electric fires. It is available in two different styles: arched or flat.
There are a lot of tutorials available online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to create a rustic-looking wood surround from pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are completed then you can build the mantel. The tutorial will show how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall fires surrounding it.
It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround at least 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it remains in the proper position.