The History Of Fireplace Surround
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the perfect surround can give your living room personality. But choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with code and is safe can be a challenge.
The custom-built surrounds are constructed of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look great in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be a focal point for the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It is made from a wide selection of materials and be designed to suit many different design styles. It is important to think about the design of the room and the budget before deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, modern design. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplace surrounds.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance, or left untouched to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can be also molded and shaped to fit the modern design of a surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace could be feasible for DIYers. This task may seem daunting however it's much easier than you think when you collaborate with a professional and think ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of 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 for a fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the package, or you can ask a staff member at the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can completely transform an area. It's not only visually pleasing but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall that surrounds the fire place from deterioration and reflects heat back into the area. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized for any style or decor.
The right material is crucial for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it's highly durable, nonflammable and has lots of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. It's typically put into a mold, giving you the ability to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are crucial when creating your leaning frames. This helps the piece look deliberate and thoughtful rather than just randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavy objects, such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to prevent them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, you might want to consider putting a wooden board on the bottom to keep it in the right place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the piece and stop it from moving while you enjoy a good cup of coffee or wine on your mantel.
Once you've chosen the material for your frame's leaning frame then it's time to begin making the actual piece. First, mark the new wall with the dimensions of your surround and use a sander to cut cleats at each of these points. Ensure that the top cleat is at least a foot longer than the shelf.
Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Attach the mantel using bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative role. They protect walls against heat damage, reflect heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace the focal point of an area. The most common materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code in order to protect nearby combustible materials or to enhance the look of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this contemporary living area has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more care than a wooden mantel but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also brings to the dark hues of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
While you may think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into custom shapes and poured in place, giving almost endless designs. The concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile which gives it a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the wood floor and brick wall fireplace.
Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in many colors and textures that will complement any style of decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more affordable than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate household decorations above the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include a faceplate that is placed on mantel's top and houses the doors to the freestanding fireplace. This plate can be fixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the appearance of iron wrought.
It is important to take into consideration the size of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance can vary depending on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are many kinds of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak while others are various materials like stone fireplaces legs matched with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also pick from oak or pine fire surrounds, which are designed to be a low-cost and easy choice.
Many people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is a cost-effective way to achieve the look they desire without hiring carpenters. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a variety of finishes to blend it with your existing decor.
A handcrafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained with the light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. The fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fireplaces. It comes in two styles: flat or arched.
There are many tutorials available online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own fireplace surround from wood. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to create a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial will show you how to construct the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, and then how to construct the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once these are completed, you can install the mantel. Then, the guide will show you how to install the crown molding which will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the wall.
It is important to follow the local fire code when putting in a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround at least 6 inches away 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 when the surround is set.
