Choosing a Fireplace Surround

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

Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made of non-combustible material that conforms to the National ethanol fire Code. They can look great in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be the focal point of rooms, and it can bring warmth and charm. It can be constructed from a variety of materials, and designed to fit different styles of design. It's important to consider the design of the room and the budget before deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods and more modern metals to create a distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperatures, making it a great choice for a surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless look and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to give depth and texture to a room.

Granite is a very popular choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It is durable and can withstand heat well. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of designs. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be shaped and made into a modern fireplace surround.

If you're a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult but it can be easier than you might imagine if you plan ahead and work with a professional to ensure that the structure is strong enough.

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

If you're planning to use tiles for your fireplace surround, be sure it's approved for high-temperature use. This information is usually located on the packaging or inquire with an employee at the home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace's surround can transform a room. It's not just meant to look beautiful, but also has a functional purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and to reflect heat away from the room. It's available in various materials and can be made to fit any style or design.

The right material to use for a leaning frame surround is key to creating an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it is durable, non-flammable, and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's usually placed into a mold giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This helps the piece look deliberate and thoughtful instead of being randomly placed on the wall or shelf. If you intend to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, place a piece of rubber drawer lining underneath the base. This will stop them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding wooden boards on the bottom to hold it in place. It can also help reduce the weight of the object and prevent it from shifting when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or coffee on your mantel.

After you've decided on the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. First, mark the new wall with the dimensions of the surround and then use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.

Next, screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backer board, and into a nail. If necessary, drill the screw holes. After that, fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve as an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace more of an eye-catching feature in a room. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible surfaces or they can simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.

This fireplace is modern living space with a black surround and white fireplace marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it is a striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties to the dark hues of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.

While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be cut into custom shapes and poured in place, allowing for almost endless designs. The concrete surround has been designed into a curved shape, creating an elegant, modern look 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 textures and colors to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and less expensive than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, like lamps and vase.

Some wood surrounds include an ornamental faceplate that covers the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured using decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the appearance of the look of wrought iron.

When choosing a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround, it is important to take into consideration the height of your chimney. To stop a ethanol fire from spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace, and may also vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others include stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also pick from oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.

Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround as this is an inexpensive method of getting the look that they want without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. Certain pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.

Another popular kind of fire surround made of wood is one that is hand-crafted from high-quality oak. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas-burning fireplaces wooden and can be installed either with a flat or arched opening.

For those of you who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials available online to assist you in creating your own wooden fire surround. One example is this complete step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to construct a rustic-looking wood surround from pine.

The tutorial shows you how to build the horizontal component, and electric firesuite (Going to Listingbookmarks) then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel itself. Then, the guide will show you how to install the crown molding to be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

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