Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using fireplaces for aesthetics or biofireplace warmth, the best surround will give your living room personality. It isn’t easy to select a fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround is a focal point for rooms, and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be crafted using a range of materials and be designed to match different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design, it’s important that you think about the design and budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a vast variety of styles. They can be combined with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperatures, making it a great option for a surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and etched to give it a more modern look or left untouched for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds because it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It is available in many patterns and colors so you can create different design styles. Quartzite can be molded and shaped to fit a modern surround.
Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace could be possible for DIYers. This project may seem daunting, but it can be much simpler than you think when you collaborate with an expert and think ahead.
It’s also a good idea to seek out an expert before creating a fireplace surround made of marble, as it requires special care to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you’re going to use tile for your fireplace’s surround, ensure it’s approved for high-temperature use. This information is typically found on the label or you can ask a staff member at the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the entire room. It is not only aesthetically appealing, but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall surrounding the fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the space. It is available in a variety materials and is customizable for any style or decor.
The right material to use for the frame’s leaning surround is essential to achieve an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it is strong, non-flammable, and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. It is usually poured in a mold to allow you to choose the option of creating an original shape.
Layers are essential when designing your leaning frames. This helps the piece look more planned and curated rather than just randomly placed on the shelf or wall. Leaning frames are dangerous, so if you’re planning to display heavier objects like lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to keep them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
If you’re using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding wooden boards on the bottom to help keep it in the right place. It will also lessen the weight and keep the item from moving while you sip a glass of wine or coffee in the fireplace.
Once you’ve chosen the material you’ll use for your leaning frame surround, it’s time to start making the actual piece. Begin by marking the new wall with the dimensions of your surround and use a sander to cut cleats on each of these marks. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backer board and then into a wall stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel’s thickness + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They protect walls against heat damage and also reflect some of the heat into the room, and can make a fireplace the focal point of an area. Metal and wood are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building code to protect nearby combustible materials or they can improve the appearance of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space features an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood fireplaces, but it provides a striking design aspect to the room. The black finish also blends with the dark tones of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.
Concrete isn’t just used for driveways and sidewalks. It’s also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be poured into place and formed into any shape, giving the user a variety of design options. The concrete surround has been cut into a curved profile, creating a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the wood floor and brick wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, which is available in a wide range of colors and textures to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more affordable than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel including lamps and vases.
Certain wood surrounds have an edging that covers the mantel’s top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the appearance of iron wrought.
When choosing a mantel made of wood or a fireplace surround made of metal It is crucial to think about the height of your chimney. To avoid a fire spreading into your home, building codes require minimum clearances. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace and can vary from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are different types of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also pick from pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and simple option.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to get the look they want without hiring carpenters. The pre-made pine surrounds come with a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to match them to your existing decor.
Another style of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak colour or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas burning fireplaces and can be installed either with an arched or flat opening.
If you have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials online that can assist you in creating your own fire surround from wood. One example is this complete step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to construct a rustic inspired wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, then how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. After these are built, you can install the mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to attach the crown molding that will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the wall.
It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when putting in a wooden surround around a fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it remains in the correct position.
