Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The best surround can add a sense of style to your living room regardless of whether you are using it to provide warmth or aesthetics. But choosing a fireplace surround that meets the requirements of code and is safe could be a challenge.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point of a room and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be crafted from a wide variety of materials and can be designed to suit many different design styles. Before choosing a fireplace design it is important to take into consideration the design and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary look. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and is able to withstand extreme temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds. It has a timeless appearance that works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance, or left untouched to give it a traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give texture and depth to a room.
Granite is a very sought-after choice for modern surrounds around Fireplaces Wooden. It's durable and can be able to withstand heat well. It also comes in a range of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match an upscale surround.
If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. Although it may seem difficult however, it could be much easier than you think if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.
A professional is also recommended when making a fireplace surround made of marble, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace's surround, make sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You'll find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the entire space. It's not only visually appealing, but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall surrounding the fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to fit any style or design.
Selecting the right material for an inclined frame surround is key to creating an intentional design. Concrete is a great choice due to its durability, nonflammable and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in molds that give you the option of creating unique shapes.
When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add layers. This makes the piece appear more organized as opposed to being randomly placed. If you plan to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, you can place a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber beneath the base. This will stop them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding an oak board at the bottom to keep it in place. It can also reduce the weight and stop the object from moving as you sip your cup of coffee or wine in the fireplace.
Once you've chosen the material for your leaning frame surround and frame, you can begin building the actual piece. First, mark your new wall with the dimensions of your frame and use a sander to cut cleats at each of these points. 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 the bolts are inserted through the backer board and into a stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from heat damage, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace an attraction in a space. Wood and metal are the most common materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space features the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it is a striking design aspect to the space. The black finish also joins together the dark tones in the furniture and wood flooring for an overall design.
While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, allowing for virtually unlimited designs. The concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile, creating a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the wood floor and brick wall.
Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in many colors and textures that will match any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than the masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to hold household decorations above the mantel, including lamps and vase.
Some wood surrounds include an ornamental faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that can mimic the look of wrought iron.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance can vary depending on the kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are different kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy choice.
Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to get the look they want without hiring carpenters. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine 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 constructed from top quality oak is also a popular choice. This can be stained in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. This fireplace surround can be used with either wood or gas fires. It is available in two styles: arched or flat.
For those of you who have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you create your own fire surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to construct an authentic wood surround from pine.
The tutorial will show you how to build the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first, and then how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. Once these are completed you can put in the mantel itself. The tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding wall.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials, it is important that you follow your local fire code and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable adhesive to join the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place after the surround is set.