Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The perfect surround can add character to your living area and can be used for warmth or for aesthetics. However, selecting a fireplace surround that complies with code and is safe can be a challenge.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look great in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in the room and can add warmth and charm. It is made of a variety of materials, and designed to fit various styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style it is essential to think about the style and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods and modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand high temperature making it a good option for a border.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be cut and cut to give it a more contemporary look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it's strong and fireplaces electric (www.fireplacesandstoves.uk) resistant to heat extremely well. It also comes in a range of patterns and colors, making it a great choice to create various styles of design. Quartzite can be also molded and shaped to fit an upscale surround.
If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. This project may seem daunting, but it can be much easier than you think when you collaborate with a professional and plan ahead.
It's recommended to speak with an expert before creating a fireplace surround made of marble, as it requires special care to prevent damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you plan to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the packaging or ask an employee in the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can completely transform the look of a room. It's not just visually pleasing but also serves a practical function. It shields the wall that surrounds the fireplace from damage and reflects heat back into the area. It comes in a variety materials and can be adapted to match any style or décor.
Selecting the right material for the frame's leaning surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is a good option because it's extremely durable, nonflammable and has lots of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into molds to give you the option of creating a unique shape.
Layers are important when designing your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear curated and intentional instead of being randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. Leaning frames are dangerous, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects such as lamps or vases, put a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to prevent them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It will also help reduce the weight and keep the object from shifting while you sip a glass of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.
After you have chosen the material, it's time to construct the piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions of your surround. Then, using a saw, cut cleats along each line. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.
Then, you can screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is necessary if needed. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Fix the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative role. They protect walls against heat damage and reflect heat into the room and can make a fire more of the focal point of an area. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building code to guard against nearby combustible substances or to enhance the look of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space features a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it is a striking design feature to the space. The black finish also joins together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for an attractive appearance.
While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and formed into any shape, giving you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curved shape which gives it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker shades of the wood floor and brick wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a wide variety of textures and colors that fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more economical than masonry surrounds and they can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate household decorations above the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds have a faceplate which covers the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of the look of wrought iron.
When choosing a mantel made of wood or a fireplace surround made of metal, it is important to take into consideration the height of your chimney. To prevent a fire spreading to 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 from state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are different types of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others incorporate stone legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also find oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a cheap and simple alternative.
Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround as this is an inexpensive method of getting the look that they want without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a range of different finishes to match it to your existing decor.
A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted constructed from top quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround can be used with wood or gas fires. It is available in two different styles: arched or flat.
There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround made of wood. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to create an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal component before building the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once these are completed then you can build the mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
It is essential to adhere to the local fire code when installing a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround at least 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place when the surround is put in place.