The History Of Fireplace Surround
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The perfect surround can add character to your living room, whether you use it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It can be difficult to pick the right fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.
The custom-built surrounds are constructed from non-combustible materials and adheres 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 bring warmth and elegance. It is made with a variety of materials and can be designed to fit different design styles. Before choosing a fireplace design, it's important that you take into consideration the design and budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a wide variety of styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create an updated look or left unfinished to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add depth and texture to a room.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds for fireplaces. It's durable and can stand up to heat well. It also comes in a range of patterns and colors, so it can be used to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace might be possible for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task, but it can be more simple than you imagine when you collaborate with professionals and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you intend to use tile as an interior fireplace surround, be sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll typically find this information on the packaging, or inquire with an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the entire room. It's not just visually appealing but it also serves a functional purpose. It shields the wall behind the bioethanol fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the area. It is available in a variety materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.
Selecting the right material for an inclined frame surround is key to creating an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a great choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds that allow you to choose the possibility of making an original shape.
When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This makes the piece appear deliberate and thoughtful instead of being randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning 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 slipping or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, think about adding an oak board at the bottom to hold it in place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the item and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your mantel.
After you have chosen the material, it's time to build the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall fires to indicate the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is required if you need to. Then, you can temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and a functional function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace more of an attraction in a room. The most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and steel. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to safeguard nearby combustible materials or to enhance the appearance of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this modern living space features a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it provides a striking design aspect to the room. The black finish also ties with the dark tones 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 a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and then poured into place, providing nearly limitless design options. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It creates a sleek and modern look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and wood floor.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, that is available in a variety of textures and colors that fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to hold household decorations above the mantel, ethonal Fire like lamps and vase.
Some wood surrounds come with an ornamental faceplate that covers the mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be affixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the look of wrought iron.
It is crucial to take into account the height of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace and can also change from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are different types of surrounds available for purchase. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. There are also oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
Many people opt to buy pre-made wood fireplace surrounds because it is an economical way to achieve the look they want without having to hire a carpenter. Some pre-made pine surrounds come in a variety finishes, so you can make them fit with your existing decor.
A handcrafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also popular. It can be stained with the light oak color or left untreated to let the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. The fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fireplaces (related web site). It comes in two styles: arched or flat.
There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own fireplace surround from wood. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow will show how to build an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are completed, you can install your mantel. The tutorial will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall that surrounds it.
Since a wooden fireplace surround is made of combustible materials it is essential that you follow your local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also crucial to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place when the surround is put in place.