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Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The perfect surround can add character to your living area regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or for aesthetics. It can be difficult to pick the right fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.

Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point of a room and it can bring warmth and elegance. It is made of various materials and designed to fit a variety of design styles. Before you decide on a fireplace design, it's important that you consider the style and budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods and modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and is able to withstand high temperatures, which makes it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds. It provides a timeless look that is suitable for many homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a more contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add depth and texture to a room.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it is durable and able to heat very well. It is also available in a range of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can be also molded and shaped to fit the modern design of a surround.

If you're a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task however, it could be easier than you might think if you prepare and consult with a professional make sure the structure is strong enough.

It's also a good idea to seek out a professional when making a fireplace surround of marble since it requires special care to prevent damage. A carpenter who has experience will help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace's surround, be sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You can typically find this information on the packaging or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can transform a room. It's not only meant to look beautiful, but also has a functional purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and to reflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety of materials and is customizable to match any style or décor.

Selecting the right material for the frame's leaning surround is crucial to create an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it's durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds that allow you to choose the option of creating unique shapes.

When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add layers. This makes the piece appear more curated rather than randomly placed. Leaning frames can be risky and should be avoided if you plan to display heavier objects like lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to stop 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 position. It will also help reduce the weight and keep the object from moving as you enjoy a cup of wine or coffee in the fireplace.

Once you've chosen the material for your leaning frame surround, it's time to start building the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your frame. Then using a saw cut cleats along each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.

Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. After that, clamp the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a functional and decorative role. They protect walls against damage from heat, reflect heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace the focal point of a space. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds are required by building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the appearance of a fireplace.

The fireplace in this modern living area has an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more maintenance than a wooden mantel but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings in the dark shades of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.

While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, giving almost endless design possibilities. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It has modern and sleek appearance that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and floor.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a wide range of textures and colors that complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including vases and lamps.

Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured using decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of the look of wrought iron.

It is essential to consider the size of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances that 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 kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others combine 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 choice.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's an affordable way to get the style they want without hiring a carpenter. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds come in a range of different finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made from high quality oak is also popular. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood is visible. The fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood fireplaces. It is available in two styles: arched or flat.

If you have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials on the internet that will help you create your own wooden fire surround. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow will show you how to create a rustic wood surround using pine.

The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal pilasters, and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once these are complete, you can install the mantel itself. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding to cover up any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is made of combustible materials it is essential that you follow the fire codes of your area and keep it 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 installed.