Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The perfect surround can add character to your living space regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or for aesthetics. But choosing a fireplace surround that meets code and is safe can be a difficult task.

These custom-built surrounds are built 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 can be the focal point of rooms, and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be constructed from various materials and crafted to match different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design it is important to think about the design and budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements many different styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods and more modern metals to create an distinctive, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand extreme temperature making it an ideal choice for a surround.

Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create a modern look, or left untouched to give it a classic feel. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to give depth and texture to a room.

Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it's durable and stands up to heat very well. It is also available in a range of colors and patterns, which means it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be shaped and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.

The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace could be feasible for DIYers. Although it might seem like a daunting task however, it could be much easier than you think if you prepare and consult with a professional make sure the structure is sturdy enough.

It's also a good idea to consult with an expert when making a fireplace surround of marble since it requires special attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you avoid costly errors.

If you're planning to use tiles for your fireplace surround, be sure it's approved for high-temperature use. You'll find this information on the packaging, or ask an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can transform the entire space. It's not just visually appealing but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall fireplace that surrounds the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the space. It's available in various materials and can be customized to match any style or decor.

Selecting the right material for the frame's leaning surround is key to creating an intentional design. Concrete is a good choice because it is strong and non-flammable. It also has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. It's typically put into a mold, which allows you to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more planned and curated rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or on the shelf. If you intend to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, place a piece of rubber drawer lining underneath the base. This will stop them from sliding and 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 its place. It can also help reduce the weight of the item and stop it from moving while you sip a refreshing 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 to indicate the dimensions of your surround. Then, using a saw, cut cleats at each line. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least 1 foot shorter than the shelf.

Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board and into a stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls against damage from heat and reflect some of the heat into the space and can make a fireplace the focal point of a space. Metal and wood are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can improve the aesthetics of a fireplace.

This fireplace is modern living room with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.

Concrete isn't just used for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to surround fireplaces. It can be cut into custom shapes and poured into place, providing almost endless design options. This concrete surround was shaped to create a curved design. It gives a sleek and modern look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall fireplace and floor.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood fireplaces which is available in a wide variety of colors and textures to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and less expensive than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, like lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds include an edging that is placed on mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that mimic the look of iron.

It is essential to consider the height of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of fire into the home. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace, and can vary from country to country or from state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak while others are a combination of materials including stone legs that are paired with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also choose from pine or oak fire surrounds which are designed to be a low-cost and easy choice.

Many people opt to buy a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they want without having to hire a carpenter. Some of the premade surrounds made of pine are available with a variety of finishes that allow you to match them to your existing decor.

Another popular style of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand from high-quality oak. It can be stained with in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas-burning fires and can be fitted either with a flat or arched opening.

There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own wooden fireplace surround. One example is this complete step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to create a rustic-looking wood surround from pine.

The tutorial shows you how to build the horizontal part, and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once these are complete, you can install the mantel itself. The tutorial will show you how to install 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 you install a wooden surround around a fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround 6 inches from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it is held in the correct position.