10 Things Everyone Has To Say About Fireplace Surround
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living room regardless of whether you are using it to provide warmth or aesthetics. But choosing a fireplace surround that complies with standards and is safe can be a difficult task.
These custom-built surrounds are built from non-combustible material that adheres to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point of the room and can add warmth and charm. It can be crafted using a range of materials and be designed to fit different styles of design. It is essential to consider the style of the room and the budget before deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with various styles of design. They can be coupled with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplace surrounds.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and works in many homes. It can be carved and etched to give it a more modern style or left untreated to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add depth and texture 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 is available in many patterns and colors so you can create different design styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be cut and molded to fit a modern fireplace electric surround.
If you're a DIYer making a fireplace surround made of concrete could be within your capabilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task, this project can actually be easier than you might think if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to ensure that the structure is sturdy enough.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace surround, be sure it's approved for high-temperature use. You can typically find this information on the package or ask an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform the look of a room. It's not just designed to look attractive, but also serves a practical function, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat back into the room. It is available in a variety of materials and can be adapted to fit any style or design.
The right material is crucial for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it is strong, non-flammable, and is attractive due to its natural texture and color. It's typically poured into a mold, giving you the ability to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are crucial when creating your leaning frames. This helps the piece look deliberate and thoughtful instead of being randomly placed on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous If you're planning on displaying heavier objects such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to keep them from slipping or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, you might want to consider putting an oak board at the bottom to keep it in position. It can also reduce the weight and keep the item from moving while you enjoy a cup of wine or coffee in the fireplace.
After you've decided on the material, it's time to construct the piece. Begin by marking your new wall with the dimensions of your frame and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure the top cleat is at least a foot longer than the shelf.
Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board and into the stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the mantel's depth.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and a functional function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room and can create a fireplace that is an eye-catching feature in a room. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds include metal and wood. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to protect the surrounding areas from combustibles or simply to enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it appear more complete.
This fireplace is a contemporary living room that has an all-black surround and white marble fireplace accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it provides a striking design element to the space. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be shaped into custom shapes and poured into place, providing nearly limitless designs. This concrete surround has been cut into a curved shape which gives it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker shades of the wood floor and brick wall.
Another popular material for fireplace suite surrounds is wooden, that is available in a variety of textures and colors that complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include a faceplate that covers the mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be fixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the look of iron wrought.
It is crucial to take into consideration the size of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. The distance will vary based on what type of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are different types of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak and others have a combination of materials including stone legs matched with pine or oak mantels. You can also pick from oak or pine fire surrounds which are designed to be a cost-effective and easy choice.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround as this is an inexpensive method of getting the look that they want without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a variety of finishes to blend it with your existing decor.
Another popular type of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted using a top quality oak. It can be stained with the light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning 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 assist you in making your own fireplace surround made of wood. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to construct an authentic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build the horizontal component, and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once these are completed, you can install the mantel itself. The tutorial also shows you how to attach the crown molding to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is essential that you adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also crucial to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to attach the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place when the surround is set.