A Proactive Rant About Fireplace Surround

Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The perfect surround can add character to your living area, whether you use it to provide warmth or aesthetics. But choosing a tabletop fireplace surround that complies with code and is safe can be a challenge.

Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are constructed using 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 the room and can add warmth and charm. It can be constructed from various materials and crafted to match a variety of design styles. It's important to consider the style of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on a fireplace surround design.

marble fireplace (via Blogbright) surrounds provide a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with many different styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand extreme temperature making it a good option for a border.

Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and offers a timeless appeal that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create a modern look or left unfinished to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add depth and texture to the interior of a room.

Granite is a very sought-after option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It is durable and can withstand heat well. It is available in many designs and colors, which allows you to create various designs. Quartzite is another durable option that can be cut and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.

If you're a DIYer, installing a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. This task may seem daunting however it's more simple than you imagine if you work with professionals and think ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience will help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you are planning to use tile for a fireplace suites surround, make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can transform the look of a room. It's not only meant to look beautiful, but also serves a practical purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from ethonal fire damage and deflect heat away from the room. It comes in a variety materials and can be customized to match any style or décor.

The right choice of material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also offers a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's usually put into a mold, which allows you to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear curated and intentional rather than just randomly placed on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavier objects such as lamps or vases, put a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in place. It will also lessen the weight and keep the object from moving as you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.

After you have chosen the material, it's time to construct the 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 the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.

Next, screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts pass through the backer board and then into the wall stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative role. They protect walls from damage caused by heat, 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 popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to safeguard the surrounding areas from combustibles or simply to improve the appearance of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.

This fireplace is modern living room that has a black surround and 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 blends with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.

While you might associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be shaped into custom shapes and then poured into place, providing almost endless design possibilities. The concrete surround has been shaped into a curving profile which gives it a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick floor and wood wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which comes in a variety of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to match your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds include an edging that is placed on mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be fixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the look of the look of wrought iron.

When choosing a mantel made of wood or metal fireplace surround, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. To stop a fire from spreading into your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace and may also vary from the country to the country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are many different kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also find oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy alternative.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's an affordable way to get the look they want without having to hire a carpenter. Some pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of finishes so that you can blend it with your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted constructed from top quality oak is also popular. It can be stained to an oak-like light color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning fireplaces and can be installed either with a flat or arched opening.

There are numerous tutorials online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround made of wood. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to create a rustic wood surround using pine.

The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal part and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are complete you can put in the mantel itself. The tutorial will show how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall surrounding it.

It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around the fireplace. It is recommended to keep the surround at least 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. It is also important to use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place after the surround is installed.