The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surround

Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, the best surround will give your living room personality. It can be difficult to choose a fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.

Fortunately, these custom surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be a focal point for the room, and can add warmth and charm. It can be made from a variety of materials, and designed to suit different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style, it's important that you think about the design and budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with many different styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create an unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand extreme temperature making it an ideal option for a surround.

Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a more contemporary look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to rooms.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It is available in a variety of designs and colors, making it possible to create a variety of designs. Quartzite can be made into a shape and wood Fireplace molded to fit the modern design of a surround.

If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be simpler than you think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is sturdy enough.

It's recommended to speak with an expert before creating a fireplace surround made of marble because it requires special attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience will help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you intend to use tile for an interior fireplace surround, be sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the packaging, or you can ask a staff member at the home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform the look of a room. It's not just meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from electric fire damage and deflect heat away from the room. It's available in various materials and can be customized to suit any style or design.

Selecting the right material for the frame's leaning surround is essential to achieve an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it is durable, non-flammable, and is attractive due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into molds that give you the possibility of making unique shapes.

When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This makes the piece appear deliberate and thoughtful rather than just randomly placed on the shelf or wall. If you plan to display heavy objects like lamps or vases on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber under the base. This will stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a concrete or marble surround, you might want to consider putting wooden boards on the bottom to keep it in place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the object and stop it from moving while you enjoy a good glass of wine or coffee in front of your mantel.

Once you have decided on the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions for your surround. Then with a saw, cut cleats at each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.

Then, you can screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is required if you need to. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative role. They protect walls against heat damage and reflect some of the heat into the room and can make a fireplace a focal piece in the space. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible areas or they may simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.

The fireplace in this contemporary living space has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it adds an eye-catching design feature to the room. The black finish also blends with the dark tones of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into custom shapes and then poured into place, providing almost endless design options. The concrete surround was formed to a curved profile. It creates a sleek and modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, that is available in a wide range of textures and colors that fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate household decorations above the mantel, including lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds come with a faceplate that covers the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the look of iron wrought.

When choosing a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround It is essential to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. The distance will vary based on what kind of fireplace you own and also from state to state or country country.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options available for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional style. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak, while others use an assortment of materials, including stone legs, paired with mantels made of oak or pine. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy option.

Many people prefer to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's an affordable way to get the look they want without hiring carpenters. Some pre-made surrounds made of pine are available in a variety finishes that allow you to make them fit with your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also very popular. This can be stained an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas burning electric fireplaces and can be installed either with a flat or arched 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 electric fire surround from wood. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to make an attractive wood surround with pine.

The tutorial shows how to construct the horizontal part and then the vertical pilasters 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 cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall surrounding it.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is made from combustible material, it is important that you adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it remains in the proper position.