17 Signs You re Working With Fireplace Surround
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The right surround can add personality to your living space regardless of whether you are using it to provide warmth or aesthetics. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.
The custom-built surrounds are constructed of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look great in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in an area and it can add warmth and charm. It is made of many different materials and crafted to match a variety of design styles. It's important to consider the style of the room as well as the budget before choosing 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 modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures making it an ideal option for a surround.
Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create a modern look, or left untouched to give it a traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It is durable and can be able to withstand heat 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 can also be made into a shape and molded to fit an upscale surround.
If you're a DIYer, making a fireplace surround made of concrete could be within your capabilities. While it may seem daunting, this project can actually be easier than you might think if you plan ahead and work with a professional to ensure that the structure is sturdy enough.
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're planning on using tile for your fireplace's surround, ensure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You'll find this information on the packaging or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can transform the whole space. It is not only aesthetically appealing but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall behind the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the area. It is available in a variety materials and can be adapted to match any style or décor.
The right material to use for the frame's leaning surround is essential to achieve an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is an excellent choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also offers a lot of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually put into a mold, giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.
When designing your leaning frame, be sure to include layers. This makes the frame appear more curated than if it were just randomly placed. If you are planning to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber underneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help to keep it in the right place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the object and stop it from moving while you enjoy a good cup of coffee or wine in front of your mantel.
After you have chosen the material, it's time to build the actual piece. First, mark the wall you're building with the dimensions of your surround and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Next, screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and functional function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace insert an eye-catching feature in a room. Metal and wood fireplaces are the most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can improve the aesthetics of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space has a black firebox surround with white fireplace marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it is a striking design aspect to the room. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create a cohesive design.
While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be shaped into custom shapes and then poured in place, allowing for almost endless design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It gives modern and sleek appearance that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in many colors and textures that can be incorporated into any decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and less expensive than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate household decor above the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be affixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the appearance of wrought iron.
When choosing a mantel made of wood or a fireplace surround made of metal, it is important to consider the height of your chimney. To prevent a fire spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace used and may also vary from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are kinds of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others use a combination of materials including stone legs matched with pine or oak mantels. You can also choose from pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be a cost-effective and easy option.
Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds as it's an economical way to achieve the style they want without having to hire carpenters. Some pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a range of different finishes so that you can blend it with your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also popular. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. The fireplace surround can be used with wood or gas fires. It comes in two styles: arched or flat.
If you have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials on the internet that will help you create your own wood fire surround. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to make an attractive wood surround with pine.
The tutorial shows how to construct the horizontal component and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are completed, you can install your mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to add the crown molding to be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it stays in the correct position.
