Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using a fireplace to provide warmth or aesthetics, the perfect surround can give your living room personality. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.

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

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be the focal point of rooms, and it can add warmth and charm. It is made with a range of materials and be designed to suit many different design styles. Before you decide on a fireplace design, it's important that you consider the style and budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a wide range of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and is able to withstand extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds. It offers a timeless appeal that works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create a modern look or left unfinished to give it a classic 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 very well. It's also available in a range of patterns and colors so it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.

If you're a DIYer, installing a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. It may seem like a daunting task, but it can be more simple than you imagine working with professionals and prepare ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace's surround, make sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. You'll find this information on the packaging or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can completely transform the entire space. It's not just designed to look beautiful, but also serves a practical function, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety materials and can be adapted to match any style or décor.

The right material is crucial for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a good 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 essential when designing your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear curated and intentional rather than being thrown randomly on the shelf or wall. Leaning frames are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavy objects such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to keep them from slipping or 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 in reducing the weight of the object and prevent it from shifting when you're enjoying a nice cup of coffee or wine on your mantel.

After you've selected the material for your frame's leaning frame, it's time to start building the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of the 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.

Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backer board, and into the wall fireplace stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs with lag bolts (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 a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls from heat damage 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 common materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to protect nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it appear more complete.

The fireplace in this contemporary living area has an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more care than a wooden mantel but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.

Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be shaped into custom shapes and then poured in place, giving almost endless design options. The concrete surround has been designed into a curving profile which gives it a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the wood floor and brick wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which comes in a wide variety of textures and colors that fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden fireplaces surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds come with an edging that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. The faceplate can be attached with decorative fasteners or hinges which resemble the appearance of iron.

When choosing a mantel made of wood or metal fireplace surround It is crucial to take into consideration the height of your chimney. To stop a fire from spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance may vary based on what type of freestanding fireplace you have and also from state to state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, 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 choose from oak or pine fire surrounds which are designed to be an affordable and simple option.

Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's an affordable way to get the look they desire without having to hire carpenters. Some of the premade wood surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to blend them into your existing decor.

Another popular kind of ethonal fire surround made of wood is one that has been handcrafted from high-quality oak. It can be stained with the light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas burning british fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.

There are a lot of tutorials available online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround from wood. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow shows you how to create a rustic wood surround using pine.

The tutorial shows how to construct the horizontal component and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are finished then you can place your mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to add the crown molding that will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made from combustible material it is essential that you adhere to your local fire code and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also important to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place when the surround is set.