The 10 Most Scariest Things About Fireplace Surround
Choosing a electric fireplace Surround
If you are using a fireplace for warmth or aesthetics, the right surround can give your living room personality. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround which is safe and in line with the code.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be a focal point of the room and can bring warmth and elegance. It can be crafted using a variety of materials and can be designed to suit many different styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design, it's important that you consider the style and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique and contemporary style. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect material for a tabletop fireplace surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless look and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched for an updated look or left unfinished to give it a traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to a room.
Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it is durable and able to heat very well. It also comes in a range of patterns and colors making it a great choice to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be shaped and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.
If you're a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult, this project can actually be much easier than you think if you prepare and work with a professional to ensure that the structure is strong enough.
It's also a good idea to consult with a professional when making a fireplace surround of marble because it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you are planning to use tile for an interior fireplace surround, be sure it's rated for high temperatures. This information is typically found on the packaging, or you can inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can transform the entire space. It's not just designed to look attractive, but also serves a practical function that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by electric fire and to reflect heat away from the room. It comes in a variety materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.
Choosing the right material for an inclined frame surround is crucial to create an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it is strong, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into a mold to give you the option of creating unique shapes.
Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more organized than if it were just randomly placed. Leaning frames can be risky, so if you're planning to display heavier objects like lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding an oak board at the bottom to hold it in position. It will also help to reduce the weight of the object and prevent it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or coffee in front of your mantel.
Once you have decided on the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. First, mark the new wall with the dimensions of the surround and then use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least one foot longer than the shelf.
Then, attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is necessary if needed. Then, you can temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve as a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room, and can create a fireplace that is an eye-catching feature in a room. Metal and wood are the most commonly used materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or to enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space has the black firebox surround, with white marble fireplaces accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it is a striking design aspect to the space. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create an attractive 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, giving virtually unlimited designs. This concrete surround has been designed into a curving profile which gives it an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker tones of the brick floor and wood wall.
Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that can be incorporated into any decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more economical than masonry surrounds, and they can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel, including vases and lamps.
Certain wood surrounds have an ornamental faceplate that covers the top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be hung to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners that mimic the look of iron.
It is important to take into account the size of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance can vary depending on what kind of fireplace you own and also from state state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
There are many options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a classic appearance. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others use various materials like stone legs matched with mantels made of oak or pine. There are also oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it's an affordable way to achieve the style they desire without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Some of the premade pine surrounds come in a variety of finishes that allow you to match them to your existing decor.
Another kind of fire surround made of wood is one that has been handcrafted from high-quality oak. It can be stained to in a light oak hue or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. The fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It comes in two different styles: arched or flat.
If you have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials on the internet that will help you to make your own fire surround from wood. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to create an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The tutorial will show you how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are completed then you can place your mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the wall.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is essential to adhere to the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding and make sure that it remains in place when the surround is installed.