Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, Wooden fireplaces the best surround will give your living room personality. But choosing a fireplace surround that complies with code and is safe can be a difficult task.

These custom-built surrounds are made from non-combustible material that adheres to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace suites surround can be a focal point of the room and can add warmth and charm. It can be crafted with a selection of materials and 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 the budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds offer an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods and modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched for contemporary appearance, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to stand up to heat well. It is available in many designs and colors, which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite can be made into a shape and molded to fit an upscale surround.

Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace might be a possibility for DIYers. While it may seem daunting however, it could be much easier than you think if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to ensure that the structure is strong enough.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace surround, be sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. You'll typically find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace's surround can transform a room. It is not only aesthetically appealing, but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall surrounding the fire place from damage and reflects heat back into the room. It's available in various materials and can be made to suit any style or decor.

The right material is essential to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it's highly durable and non-flammable. It also offers a lot of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually placed into a mold giving you the opportunity to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.

When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add layers. This makes the piece appear more curated as opposed to being randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous If you're planning to display heavy objects, such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to keep them from slipping or damaging surfaces.

You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the object from shifting while you sip a glass of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.

Once you've chosen the material you'll use for your leaning frame surround, it's time to start building the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions for your surround. Then, using a saw, cut cleats along each line. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.

Fix the brackets to the wall fires. Make sure the bolts pass through the backer board, and into the wall stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They protect walls from heat damage, reflect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fire more of the focal point of a space. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds include metal and wood. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to guard against nearby combustible substances or they can enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.

This fireplace is a contemporary living space with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it provides a striking design aspect to the space. The black finish also ties together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for an attractive design.

While you might associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it's actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into custom shapes and then poured in place, giving virtually unlimited design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut to a curved profile. It creates modern and sleek appearance that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and floor.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which comes in a wide range of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any color to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and cheaper than masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden fireplaces surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel including lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds include an ornamental faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.

It is crucial to take into consideration the size of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of fire into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace and may also vary from the country to the country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are many kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also find pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable option.

Many people opt to buy pre-made wood fireplace surrounds because it is an affordable way to get the style they want without hiring a carpenter. Some of the premade wood surrounds are available in a variety of finishes that allow you to make them fit with your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made of high-quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood can be seen. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.

There are many tutorials available online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround made of wood. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to make a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.

The guide explains how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are completed you can put up your mantel. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding wall.

Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made from combustible material, it is important to adhere to your 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 is held in the correct position.