Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The perfect surround can add character to your living area and can be used for warmth or for aesthetics. But choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with standards and is safe can be a difficult task.
These custom-built surrounds are made from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround is a focal point for the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It is constructed from a wide selection of materials and be designed to fit different styles of design. It is important to think about the design of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the design of a fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with many different styles of design. They can be combined with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and it can withstand high temperatures, making it a great option for a surround.
Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be cut and etched to give it a more contemporary appearance or left unfinished for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to give depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit a modern surround.
If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. It may seem like a daunting task however it's much simpler than you think working with professionals and think ahead.
A professional is also recommended when making a fireplace surround made of marble because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience will help you avoid costly errors.
If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace's surround, be sure it's rated for high-temperature applications. This information is usually found on the package or inquire with an employee at an improvement store for.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform the look of a room. It's not just meant to look beautiful, but also serves a practical purpose that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety of materials and can be adapted for any style or decor.
The right choice of material is crucial for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it is durable and non-flammable. It also is attractive due to its natural texture and colour. It's typically placed into a mold giving you the ability to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more organized than if it were just randomly placed. If you intend to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber beneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help to keep it in its place. It will also help reduce the weight and stop the object from moving as you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in the fireplace.
After you have chosen the material, it's time to build 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 the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backer board and into the stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from heat damage and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace more of a focal point in a room. Metal and wood are the most commonly used materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code to protect nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.
This fireplace is modern living room with a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more maintenance than a wooden mantel but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings in the dark shades of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured on top and then shaped into any shape, offering you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped into a curved shape. It has modern and sleek appearance that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and floor.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, that is available in a wide variety of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and less expensive than masonry surrounds, and they can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be hung with decorative fasteners or hinges that resemble 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 require minimum clearance distances to stop a fire from spreading into the home. This distance may vary based on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are many kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also pick from pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be an affordable and easy option.
A lot of people choose to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it's an inexpensive way to get the look that they want without the expense of the services of a carpenter. Certain pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.
Another popular kind of fire surround made of wood is one that is made by hand using a top quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak colour or left untreated to let the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. The fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It is available in two different styles: flat or arched.
For those who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials available online to help you create your own wooden Fireplaces (www.fireplacesandstoves.Uk) fire surround. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows how to build an attractive wood surround with pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal component, and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel. The tutorial will show how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall that surrounds it.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials, it is important that you adhere to the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place when the surround is set.