Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The best surround can add a sense of style to your living area regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or for aesthetics. It can be difficult to choose the right fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.

Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made with 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 within an area and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be made from a variety of materials, and designed to fit various styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design it is important to take into consideration the design and budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a wide variety of styles. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create a distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperature, making it a great option for a border.

Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and has a timeless appearance that works in many homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look or left unfinished to give it a classic appearance. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add depth and texture to a room.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It is also available in a variety of patterns and colors, which means it can be used to create various styles of design. 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. It may seem like a daunting task but it's more simple than you imagine if you work with professionals and plan ahead.

A professional is also recommended when making a fireplace surround made of marble because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you to avoid costly mistakes.

If you intend to use tiles as a fireplace surround, you must make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You can typically find this information on the packaging or ask an employee at a local home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can transform an area. It's not only visually appealing but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall that surrounds the fireplace from damage and reflects heat back into the area. It is available in a variety materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.

Selecting the right material for a leaning frame surround is crucial to create an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a good choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also offers a lot of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually put into a mold, giving you the ability to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

Layers are essential when designing your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear more planned and curated rather than being thrown randomly on the shelf or wall. If you plan to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber beneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It will also lessen the weight and prevent the object from shifting while you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in the fireplace.

After you've selected the material for your leaning frame surround, it's time to start constructing the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your frame. Then using a saw cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.

Then, attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the mantel's depth.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls against damage from heat and also reflect heat into the space and make a fire more of a focal piece in the space. Wood and metal are the most popular materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard nearby combustible areas or they can simply enhance the look of a fireplace insert to make it look complete.

This fireplace is a contemporary living space with an all-black surround and white fireplace marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it adds an eye-catching design element to the space. The black finish also ties in the dark shades of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be shaped into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, allowing for almost endless design options. The concrete surround has been cut into a curved profile giving it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker hues of the wood floor and brick wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which comes in a variety of textures and colors to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Certain wood surrounds have a faceplate that covers the top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be fixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the look of iron wrought.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. The distance will vary based on the kind of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are different types of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others use a combination of materials including stone legs that are paired with pine or oak mantels. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy option.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround as it's an affordable way to get the look they want without having to hire carpenters. Some pre-made surrounds made of pine are available in a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to match them to your existing decor.

Another popular style of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted using a top quality oak. This can be stained in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood shows through. This Fireplace stove surround can be used with either gas or wood cheap fireplaces. It is available in two different styles: flat or arched.

There are numerous tutorials online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround made of wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to create an authentic wood surround from pine.

The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal pilasters and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are built, you can install your mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to attach the crown molding to be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.

It is important to follow 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 important to use a non-flammable adhesive to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place after the surround is installed.