Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The right surround can add personality to your living room regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. However, selecting a fireplace surround that meets code and is safe can be a daunting task.

Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made with non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point in the room and can bring warmth and elegance. It is constructed from a wide selection of materials and be designed to suit many different styles of design. It's important to consider the style of the room as well as the budget before deciding on the style of the fireplace electric surround.

marble fireplace (sell) surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods and modern fireplace metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplace surrounds.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds. It offers a timeless appeal that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched for an updated look, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to give depth and texture to rooms.

Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds for fireplaces. It's tough and able to be able to withstand heat well. It's also available in a range of patterns and colors which means 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 handyman, installing a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. This project may seem daunting but it's much easier than you think when you collaborate with professionals and think ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you're planning on using tiles for your fireplace surround, make sure it's approved for high-temperature use. You'll typically find this information on the packaging or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can change the entire space. It's not only visually pleasing, but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall that surrounds the fireplace from damage and reflects heat back into the space. It is available in a variety materials and can be adapted to match any style or décor.

The right material to use for a leaning frame surround is essential to achieve an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is a great option because it's durable, non-flammable, and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into molds to allow you to choose the option of creating unique shapes.

When designing your leaning frame, make sure to include layers. This makes the frame appear more curated than if it were just randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous If you're planning on displaying heavier objects like vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to keep them from sliding or damaging surfaces.

If you're using a marble or concrete surround, you might want to consider putting a wooden board on the bottom to hold it in the right place. It can also reduce the weight and stop the object from shifting while you sip a glass of wine or coffee in the front of your fireplace.

After you've decided on the material, it is time to build the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of your surround and then use a saw to cut cleats on each of these points. Ensure that the top cleat is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.

Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure the bolts pass through the backer board and then into a wall 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 with lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative role. They shield walls from heat damage, reflect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fire more of a focal piece in an area. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds are required by building code to protect nearby combustible materials or to enhance the look of a freestanding fireplace.

This fireplace is modern living space with a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more maintenance than a wooden mantel, but it is a striking and striking design element to the space. The black finish also blends in the dark shades of the furniture and wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and formed into any shape, giving the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround was cut to a curved profile. It has a sleek and modern look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and flooring.

Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of colors and textures that will complement any style of decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, like lamps and vase.

Some wood surrounds have an edging that covers the top of mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be hung with decorative fasteners or hinges that mimic the look of iron.

When selecting a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of fire into the home. 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

There are a variety of options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a traditional look. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others include stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also find oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.

Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive way to get the look they want without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. The pre-made pine surrounds come with a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to blend them into your existing decor.

Another style of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained to an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood shows through. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.

For those who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials online that can assist you in creating your own fire surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to construct a rustic-looking wood surround from pine.

The tutorial shows you how to build the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. After these are built you can put in the mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to attach the crown molding which will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is made of combustible materials it is crucial that you adhere to your 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 adhesive to attach the decorative molding and make sure that it remains in place when the surround is set.