A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surround
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
Whether you use fireplaces - browse around this website, for aesthetics or warmth, the perfect surround can give your living room personality. However, selecting a fireplace surround that meets the requirements of code and is safe could be a challenge.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made with non-combustible material that conforms 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 within an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It can be crafted using a selection of materials and be designed to match different design styles. It is important to think about the style of the room as well as the budget before choosing the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a wide range of design styles. They can be coupled with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and is able to withstand high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for a freestanding fireplace surround.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and 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 also be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can be also made into a shape and molded to fit a modern surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace may be feasible for DIYers. This project may seem daunting, but it can be much simpler than you think if you work with an expert and think ahead.
It's recommended to seek out an expert when building a fireplace surround out of marble since it requires special care to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace's surround, be sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. This information is typically found on the package or you can ask a staff member at the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the entire room. It's not only visually pleasing, but also serves a practical function. It protects the wall fires surrounding the fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the area. It's available in various materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.
The right material is essential to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent option because it's extremely durable and non-flammable. It also offers lots of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It's typically put into a mold, giving you the opportunity to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are important when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more planned and curated rather than being thrown randomly on the shelf or wall. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavier objects like lamps or vases, put a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, you might want to consider putting a wooden board on the bottom to hold it in position. It will also help to reduce the weight of the piece and stop it from moving when you're enjoying a nice cup of coffee or wine on your mantel.
After you have chosen the material, it is time to construct the piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats along each mark. Make sure the top cleat is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.
Next, screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backer board and into the nail. Pre-drilling the screw holes is recommended if required. After that, temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with bolts for lag (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from damage caused by heat and help deflect some heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of an eye-catching feature in a room. The most common materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code to protect nearby combustible materials or to enhance the look of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this modern living space has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The marble fireplace is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it provides a striking design aspect to the space. The black finish also blends to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.
Concrete isn't just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be formed into custom shapes and poured into place, providing almost endless design options. This concrete surround was shaped to create a curved design. It creates modern and sleek appearance that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of textures and colors that can be incorporated into any decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any shade to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and less expensive than masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, like lamps and vase.
Some wood surrounds include faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be fixed with decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of iron wrought.
It is essential to take into account the height of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. To prevent a fire spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance can vary depending on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are many different kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak and others have an assortment of materials, including stone legs matched with pine or oak mantels. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be an affordable and easy option.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made fireplace surround since it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they desire without hiring a carpenter. Some pre-made pine surrounds come with a variety of finishes, so you can make them fit with your existing decor.
A handcrafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also popular. This can be stained in the light oak color or left untreated to let the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.
If you have more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials available online to help you create your own wood fire surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to make a rustic inspired wood surround out of pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once these are complete you can put in the mantel itself. Then, the guide 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 of combustible materials it is essential to adhere to the local fire code and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it stays in place.