Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, the right surround can make your living space more unique. It can be difficult to pick the right fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.

These custom-built surrounds are made from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point within the room and can add warmth and charm. It can be constructed from many different materials and crafted to match different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style it is essential to consider the design and budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a vast range of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperature making it an ideal option for a border.

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and has a timeless appearance that is suitable for many homes. It can be cut and cut to give it a more contemporary appearance or left unfinished for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add depth and texture to the interior of a room.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat very well. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be cut and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.

If you're a DIYer making a fireplace surround made of concrete might be within your capabilities. This project may seem daunting but it's more simple than you imagine if you work with a professional and plan ahead.

A professional is also recommended when creating a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience will help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace's surround, make sure it's approved for high-temperature use. This information is usually located on the label or you can ask an employee in a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the entire space. It's not just designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical function that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and to reflect heat away from the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to suit any style or design.

The right material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it is durable, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually poured into a mold, which allows you to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

When you design your leaning frame, be sure to include layers. This makes the piece appear more organized as opposed to being randomly placed. If you are planning to display heavy objects such as vases or lamps on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber underneath 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 help keep it in place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the object and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good cup of coffee or wine on your mantel.

Once you've decided on the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround then it's time to begin constructing the actual piece. First, mark your new wall with the dimensions of your surround and use a sander to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.

Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is necessary if needed. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve both a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls from heat damage and reflect heat into the space and can make a fire more of an eye-catching feature in an area. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can 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 more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, however it provides a striking design element to the room. The black finish also brings together the dark tones in the furniture and wood flooring for a cohesive look.

Concrete isn't just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to surround fireplaces wood. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, giving you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile, creating an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood that is available in a wide range of colors and textures to match any style. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds, and they can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vase.

Some wood surrounds come with a faceplate that is placed on mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured using decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of the look of wrought iron.

It is crucial to take into consideration the height of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. To avoid a fire spreading into your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace and can vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are a variety of options for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others combine stone legs with pine or oak mantels. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy option.

Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an economical way to achieve the look they want without hiring a carpenter. Some pre-made pine surrounds come in a variety finishes and colors, allowing you to blend them into your existing decor.

Another popular style of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted using a top quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood shows through. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning fires and can be fitted either with a flat or arched opening.

If you have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials available online to help you create your own wood fire surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that shows you how to create a rustic-looking wood surround using pine.

The tutorial shows you how to build the horizontal component before building the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. After these are built then you can build the mantel itself. Then, the guide will show you how to install the crown molding to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.

It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also essential to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place after the surround is set.