Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The perfect surround can add character to your living space and can be used for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It isn't easy to select the right fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.

These custom-built surrounds are built of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look great in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround is a focal point for rooms, and it can add warmth and charm. It can be made from many different materials and crafted to match different styles of design. It is important to think about the style of the room and the budget prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and is able to withstand extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create a modern look or left unfinished to give it a traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give texture and depth to rooms.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It is also available in a variety of colors and patterns, which means it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be shaped and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.

If you're a DIYer making a fireplace surround made of concrete may be within your abilities. Although it may seem difficult but it can be simpler than you 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 (visit 145 now >>>) surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience will help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you're going to use tiles for your fireplace surround, make sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. This information is usually found on the package, or you can ask an employee in the home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can completely transform the entire space. It's not just meant to look attractive, but also has a functional purpose that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and to reflect heat back into the room. It's available in various materials and can be made to fit any style or decor.

Choosing the right material for a leaning frame surround is essential to achieve an intentional design. Concrete is a great choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also offers lots of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in molds that give you the possibility of making a unique shape.

When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the frame appear more organized as opposed to being randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber underneath the base. This will stop them from sliding and damaging surfaces.

You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help to keep it in its place. It will also help reduce the weight and prevent the object from moving as you sip your cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.

Once you have decided on the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. First, mark your new wall with the dimensions of your surround and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.

Then, you can screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backer board and into the nail. Pre-drilling the screw holes is recommended if required. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and functional function. They shield walls from heat damage and also reflect some of the heat back into the room and make a fire more of an eye-catching feature in the space. Wood and metal are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to protect the surrounding areas from combustibles or they can simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace to make it look complete.

The fireplace in this contemporary living space features an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, however it provides a striking design feature to the space. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create a cohesive design.

Concrete is not just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be formed into custom shapes and then poured into place, providing almost endless designs. The concrete surround has been shaped into a curved shape, creating a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick floor Wall Fireplace and wood wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a wide range of colors and textures to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds and they can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to hold ornaments for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Certain wood surrounds come with a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses fireplace doors. The faceplate can be attached with decorative fasteners or hinges that mimic the look of iron.

It is essential to take into consideration the height of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace used and can vary from the country to the country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also choose from oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be an affordable and simple option.

Many people opt to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it's an inexpensive way to get the style they desire without the expense of the services of a carpenter. The pre-made surrounds made of pine are available with a variety of finishes that allow you to make them fit with your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated so 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 a flat or arched opening.

There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround from wood. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to create a rustic inspired wood surround out of pine.

The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal component and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once these are completed then you can build the mantel itself. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding which will fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around the fireplace. You should 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 make sure it is held in the correct position.