20 Things You Must Know About Fireplace Surround
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using a fireplace to provide warmth or aesthetics, the perfect surround can make your living space more unique. However, choosing a fireplace surround that meets standards and is safe can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point of the room and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made with a selection of materials and be designed to match different styles of design. It's important to consider the style of the room and the budget before deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a broad variety of styles. They can be paired with rustic woods and more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperature, making it a great choice for a surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless look and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more modern appearance or left unfinished to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to add texture and depth to a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It's also available in a range of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create a variety of styles. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match the modern design of a surround.
If you're a handyman, making a fireplace surround made of concrete could be within your capabilities. This project may seem daunting however it's more simple than you imagine if you work with an expert and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when making a fireplace surround made of marble because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience will help you avoid costly errors.
If you are planning to use tiles as a fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high temperatures. You'll typically find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform a room. It's not just designed to look beautiful, but also has a functional function that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and also to help reflect heat back into the room. It is available in a variety materials and is customizable to match any style or décor.
The right material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it is strong, non-flammable, and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. It's typically placed into a mold which allows you to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more planned than if it were just randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects like lamps or vases, put a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to keep them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It can also reduce the weight and stop the item from moving while you sip your cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.
Once you've chosen the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start making the actual piece. First, mark the new wall fires with the dimensions of your surround and use a saw to cut cleats at each of these marks. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Then, you can 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 put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Screw the mantel with bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the 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 protect walls from damage from heat and also reflect heat into the room, and can make a fire more of a focal piece in the space. The most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and steel. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to protect the surrounding areas from combustibles or they may simply improve the appearance of a fireplace, making it look complete.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space features a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it is a striking design aspect to the room. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
Concrete isn't just used for fireplace electric sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover fireplaces electric. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and then poured into place, providing nearly limitless designs. This concrete surround was cut into a curved shape. It has a sleek and modern look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and floor.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in many colors and textures that will match any style of decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more economical than masonry surrounds, and they can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to hold ornaments for the mantel, like lamps and vases.
Certain wood surrounds have a faceplate that covers the 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 wrought iron.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance can vary depending on what type of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are different kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others include stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also find pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy alternative.
Many people prefer to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's an affordable way to get the style they want without hiring a carpenter. Some of the premade pine surrounds come in a variety finishes, so you can make them fit with your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also very popular. This can be stained in a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It comes in two different styles: arched or flat.
There are many tutorials available online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to create an authentic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial explains how to construct the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once these are complete you can put in the mantel itself. The tutorial will show how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall that surrounds it.
Since a wooden fireplace surround is constructed from combustible material it is crucial that you follow the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also important to use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place after the surround is set.