Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, the best surround will make your living space more unique. However, selecting a fireplace surround that meets code and is safe can be a challenge.

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

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround is the focal point of the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It can be crafted with a selection of materials and be designed to suit many different design styles. It's important to consider the design of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with many different styles of design. They can be coupled with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperatures making it an ideal option for a surround.

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

Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds for fireplaces shop. It's durable and can withstand heat well. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns so you can create different design styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be shaped and made into a modern fireplace surround.

Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace could be a possibility for DIYers. This project may seem daunting but it's much easier than you think when you collaborate with an expert and plan ahead.

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

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 home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace's surround can transform a room. It's not just meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also has a functional purpose that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to fit any style or design.

The right choice of material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it is durable, non-flammable, and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. It's typically put into a mold, giving you the opportunity to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

When designing your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This makes the frame appear more planned than if it were just randomly placed. Leaning frames are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan on displaying heavier objects, such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to keep them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a concrete or marble surround, you might want to consider putting wooden boards on the bottom to hold it in the right place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the piece and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good glass of wine or coffee on your mantel.

Once you have decided on the material, it is time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions for your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats at each line. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.

Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is necessary if needed. After that, fix the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make 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 practical and decorative role. They shield walls from heat damage and help deflect some heat back into the room and can make a fireplace insert an eye-catching feature in a room. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to protect nearby combustible areas or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.

This fireplace is a contemporary living room with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it adds an eye-catching design feature to the room. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.

Concrete is not just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be cut into custom shapes and poured in place, allowing for virtually unlimited design options. This concrete surround was cut to a curved profile. It has an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.

Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that will match any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any shade to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, like lamps and vase.

Certain wood surrounds have an ornamental faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be affixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of iron wrought.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of a fire into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace, and can vary from country to country or from state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a classic appearance. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others incorporate 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.

A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace electric surround because it is an inexpensive way to get the style they desire without having to pay for the services of carpenters. The pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety finishes that allow you to blend them into your existing decor.

Another popular kind of fire surround made of wood is one that is hand-crafted using a top quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround can be used with wood or gas fires. It is available in two styles: arched or flat.

There are many tutorials available online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to create an authentic wood surround using pine.

The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once these are completed, you can install the mantel. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding wall.

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 crucial to use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place when the surround is set.