The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surround
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
Whether you use a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, the best surround will give your living room personality. It can be difficult to choose a fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials and adhere to the National bioethanol fire Code. They look stunning in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in an area and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made from a wide variety of materials and can be designed to match different styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design, it's important that you take into consideration the style and the budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and is able to withstand high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for a fireplace surround.
Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more contemporary appearance or left unfinished for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds for fireplaces. It's durable and can withstand heat well. It's also available in a variety of colors and patterns, so it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be cut and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.
If you're a DIYer making a fireplace surround made of concrete might be within your capabilities. This project may seem daunting, but it can be more simple than you imagine working with a professional and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you to avoid costly errors.
If you intend to use tile as a fireplace surround, you must make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll typically find this information on the packaging, or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can transform the entire room. It's not just designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical function that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and also to help reflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety materials and can be customized for any style or decor.
Selecting the right material for an inclined frame surround is essential to achieve an intentional design. Concrete is a great option because it is durable, non-flammable, and is attractive due to its natural texture and color. It's usually poured into a mold, giving you the opportunity to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.
When designing your leaning frame, be sure to include layers. This helps the piece look more planned and curated instead of being randomly placed on the shelf or wall. Leaning frames are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan on displaying heavier objects like vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to keep them from slipping or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It will also lessen the weight and keep the item from moving while you enjoy a cup of wine or coffee in the fireplace.
After you have chosen the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. First, mark the wall you're building with the dimensions of the surround and use a sander to cut cleats on each of these points. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least one foot longer than the shelf.
Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backer board, and into a wall stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Screw the mantel with bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that 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 play a useful and decorative role. They shield walls from damage caused by heat, deflect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace a focal point in a space. Wood and metal are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to protect nearby combustible materials or to enhance the look of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space features the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more maintenance than a wooden fireplaces mantel but it is a striking and striking design element to the space. The black finish also joins with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for an attractive appearance.
While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured in place and then shaped into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. The concrete surround has been cut into a curved shape giving it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker hues of the wood floor and brick wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, that is available in a variety of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and less expensive than masonry surrounds, and they can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vase.
Some wood surrounds include an edging that covers the top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be hung to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that mimic the look of iron.
When selecting a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround, it is important to consider 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 can also change from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are many different kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds which are designed to be a low-cost and easy choice.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive method of getting the look that they want without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds come in a variety of finishes to match it to 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 so that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.
There are many tutorials available online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own wooden fireplace surround. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal pilasters and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are completed you can put up your mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to attach the crown molding that will cover up any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
Since a wooden fireplace surround is made from combustible material it is crucial to adhere to the electric fire codes of your area and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable adhesive to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place after the surround is installed.