Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, the perfect surround can give your living room personality. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround which is safe and complies with the code.

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 surround can be a focal point in an area and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be constructed from various materials and designed to fit different styles of design. It's important to consider the style of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a wide variety of styles. They can be paired with rustic woods and modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperatures, making it a great option for a surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace electric surrounds and provides a timeless look that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a modern style or left untreated for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to give texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat very well. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors so you can create different designs. Quartzite can also be formed and shaped to match the modern design of a surround.

Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace could be feasible for DIYers. While it may seem daunting, this project can actually be easier than you might think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.

A professional is also recommended when making a fireplace surround made of marble because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you to avoid costly mistakes.

If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace surround, be sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. You can typically find this information on the packaging or ask an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace's surround can transform an area. It's not only meant to look attractive, but also serves a practical function, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat back into the room. It is available in a variety of materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.

Selecting the right material for a leaning frame surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is a great choice because it is strong and non-flammable. It also is attractive due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually poured into a mold, giving you the opportunity to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more planned rather than randomly placed. If you are planning to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber underneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.

You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help to keep it in its place. It can also help reduce the weight of the piece and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good glass of wine or coffee on your mantel.

After you've selected the material you'll use for your leaning frame surround and frame, you can begin making the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of the surround and use a sander to cut cleats along each of these marks. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least one foot longer than the shelf.

Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is recommended if required. Then, you can temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat, deflect some of the heat back into the room and can create a fireplace that is a focal point in a space. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard the surrounding areas from combustibles or simply to improve the appearance of a fireplace, making it look complete.

The fireplace in this contemporary living space has an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more care than a wooden mantel, but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.

While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured on top and formed into any shape, giving you a wide range of 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 wood flooring.

Another popular material for electric fireplace surrounds is wood which comes in a variety of textures and colors to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and less expensive than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden fireplaces surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Certain wood surrounds have an ornamental faceplate that covers the top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the look of wrought iron.

It is essential to take into account the size of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. To stop a fire from spreading into your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace used and can also change 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 that you can purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others use various materials like stone legs, paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also choose from oak or pine fire surrounds which are designed to be an affordable and easy choice.

Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's an affordable way to get the style they want without having to hire carpenters. Some pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety finishes that allow you to match them to your existing decor.

Another style of wood fire surround is one that is made by hand from a high quality oak. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround can be used with gas or fireplaces wood fireplaces electric. It is available in two different styles: arched or flat.

For those of you who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials online that can assist you in creating your own fire surround from wood. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to create a rustic wood surround using pine.

The tutorial shows you how to build the horizontal component and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel itself. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add 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 important that you adhere to the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it remains in place.