Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The best surround can add a sense of style to your living area and can be used for warmth or for aesthetics. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.

The custom-built surrounds are constructed from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround is the focal point of rooms, and it can bring warmth and charm. It is constructed from a wide selection of materials and be designed to fit different design styles. Before choosing a fireplace design it is essential to take into consideration the style and the budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds provide an elegant look that is compatible with many different styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create a distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperature, making it a great option for a border.

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds. It provides a timeless look that works in many homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a more contemporary look or left untouched for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add depth and texture to rooms.

Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It is available in many colors and patterns which allows you to create various designs. Quartzite can also be formed and shaped to match an upscale surround.

Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace might be a possibility for DIYers. While it may seem daunting, this project can actually be simpler than you think if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is sturdy enough.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of 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 on using tile for your fireplace's surround, make sure it's approved for high-temperature use. You can typically find this information on the packaging or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform a room. It's not just designed to look beautiful, but also serves a practical function that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and to reflect heat back into the room. It is available in a variety materials and can be adapted for any style or decor.

The right choice of material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a good option because it's extremely durable, nonflammable and has a lot of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in a mold to give you the option of creating unique shapes.

When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the piece appear more planned and curated rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavier objects such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to prevent them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.

You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in its place. It will also help reduce the weight and stop the object from moving as you sip a glass of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.

After you've decided on the material, it's time to construct the piece. First, mark the wall you're building with the dimensions of the surround and use a sander to cut cleats at each of these points. Ensure that the top cleat is at least 1 foot shorter than the shelf.

Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board and then into a nail. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Attach the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve as an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from heat damage and reflect some of the heat into the space and can make a fire more of an eye-catching feature in the space. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to protect nearby combustible areas or they may simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.

This fireplace is a contemporary 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 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 cohesive appearance.

While you may think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it's actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured on top and shaped into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. The concrete surround has been cut into a curved profile which gives it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker hues of the wood floor and brick wall.

Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace suite surrounds. It comes in a variety of textures and colors that will match any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any color to match your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to hold ornaments for the mantel, including lamps and vase.

Certain wood surrounds come with faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the appearance of wrought iron.

It is essential to take into consideration the size of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of a fire into the home. The distance will vary based on the kind of fireplace you own and also from state to state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

There are a variety of options for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional style. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also select oak or pine fire surrounds, which are designed to be an affordable and easy option.

Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to achieve the look that they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a variety of finishes to match it to your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround made of high-quality oak is also a popular choice. It can be stained to an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.

For those who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials available online to assist you in creating your own fire surround from wood. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to create an attractive wood surround with pine.

The tutorial will show you how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once these are completed, you can install the mantel itself. The guide will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall that surrounds it.

It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when putting in a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround at least 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable adhesive to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place when the surround is put in place.