Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using a fireplace for warmth or aesthetics, the right surround can give your living room personality. However, selecting the right fireplace surround that is compliant with the requirements of code and is safe could be a difficult task.

These custom-built surrounds are made from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround is the focal point of a room, and can add warmth and charm. It can be crafted using a variety of materials and can be designed to suit many different styles of design. It is essential 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 sophisticated option that can be paired with a wide range of design styles. They can be paired with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, modern design. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect material for fireplace surrounds.

Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create a modern look, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add depth and texture to rooms.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It's also available in a range of patterns and colors, making it a great choice to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.

Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace might be feasible for DIYers. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be simpler than you think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is sturdy enough.

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

If you are planning to use tiles as a fireplace surround, you must make sure it's rated for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace's surround can transform a room. It's not just visually appealing but also serves a practical purpose. It shields the wall that surrounds the fireplace from damage and also reflects heat back into the room. It is available in a variety of materials and can be customized for any style or decor.

The right material is essential to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it's extremely durable, nonflammable and has a lot of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds to allow you to choose the option of creating a unique shape.

When you design your leaning frame, be sure to include layers. This will make the frame appear more planned and curated rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or on the shelf. Leaning frames can be risky and should be avoided if you plan to display heavy objects like vases or lamps, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to prevent them from slipping or damaging surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the object from shifting while you sip your cup of coffee or wine in the fireplace.

Once you have decided on the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. Begin by marking the new wall with the dimensions of your frame and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these marks. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.

Fix the brackets to 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 necessary if needed. After that, fix the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative role. They protect walls from damage caused by heat 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. The most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to protect nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace, making it look complete.

This fireplace is a modern living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more attention than a wooden mantel, but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings to the dark hues of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.

While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be shaped into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, giving nearly limitless designs. The concrete surround was formed into a curved shape. It has an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a variety of colors and textures to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more affordable than brick surrounds and can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to hold household decorations above the mantel, such as lamps and vase.

Certain wood surrounds have an edging that is placed on mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be fixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of iron wrought.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your fireplace when selecting a wood mantel. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance may vary based on the kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are different kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak and others have various materials like stone legs matched with oak or pine mantels. There are also pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.

A lot of people opt to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround as this is an affordable way to achieve the look they want without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. The pre-made surrounds made of pine are available in a variety finishes that allow you to match them to your existing decor.

Another popular style of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted using a top quality oak. It can be stained to in a light oak hue or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.

For those 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 comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow will show 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 which support the mantel. After these are built, you can install the mantel itself. Then, the guide shows you how to add the crown molding that will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the 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 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 stays in place when the surround is installed.