Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using fireplaces for warmth or aesthetics, the right surround can give your living space a unique. But choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with the requirements of code and is safe could be a difficult task.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be a focal point of an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It is made of many different materials and designed to fit a variety of design styles. When choosing a fireplace style it is important to take into consideration the style and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique and contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperature making it an ideal option for a border.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched to create a modern look or left unfinished to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It also comes in a range of patterns and colors, so it can be used to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match an upscale surround.
Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace might be a possibility for DIYers. This task may seem daunting but it's more simple than you imagine working with a professional and think ahead.
It's recommended to speak with an expert before making a fireplace surround of marble because 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 are planning to use tile as an interior fireplace surround, be sure it's rated 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 is not only aesthetically appealing, but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall behind the fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the space. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.
The right choice of material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it's highly durable, nonflammable and has an appealing visual appeal with its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into a mold to allow you to choose the possibility of making unique shapes.
Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more curated rather than randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, you can place a piece of rubber drawer lining beneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, consider adding a wooden board on the bottom to hold it in the right place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the object and prevent it from moving when you're enjoying a nice cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.
After you have chosen the material, it is time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your frame. Then, using a saw, cut cleats along each mark. Ensure that the top cleat is at least a foot longer than the shelf.
Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is necessary if needed. Then, you can temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and functional function. They shield walls from damage from heat and reflect heat into the space, and can make a fire more of a focal piece in an area. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or to enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this modern living space features the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more care than a mantel made of wood, however it is a striking and striking design element to the room. The black finish also joins together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for an overall design.
Concrete is not just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, giving nearly limitless design options. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile which gives it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which is available in a variety of textures and colors that fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decoration for your mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds come with a faceplate that covers the top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. The faceplate can be secured with decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the appearance of iron wrought.
When choosing a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace and may also vary from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak, while others use various materials like stone legs matched with oak or pine mantels. You can also find oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive way to get the look they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Some of the premade pine surrounds come with a variety of finishes, so you can match them to your existing decor.
Another type of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from a high quality oak. This can be stained in a light oak hue or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood can be seen. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas burning fireplaces and can be installed either with an arched or flat opening.
There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround from wood. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to make a rustic wood surround using pine.
The guide explains how to construct the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once these are completed then you can build the mantel. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the surrounding wall.
It is important to follow the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it stays in the correct position.