The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surround
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
Whether you use a fireplace for warmth or aesthetics, the best surround will make your living space more unique. However, selecting a fireplace surround that complies with code and is safe can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, these custom surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within the room and can add warmth and charm. It is made of various materials and designed to suit different styles of design. It is important to think about the design of the room as well as the budget before deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplace surrounds.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds. It offers a timeless appeal that is suitable for many homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a more modern look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to give depth and texture to a room.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds for fireplaces wooden. It's durable and can be able to withstand heat well. It comes in a variety of designs and colors, making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace might be a possibility for DIYers. While it may seem daunting however, it could be simpler than you imagine if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is sturdy enough.
It's recommended to seek out an expert when creating a fireplace surround made of marble, as it requires special care to prevent damage. A carpenter with experience can help you to avoid costly mistakes.
If you intend to use tiles as a fireplace surround, make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. You can typically find this information on the packaging or inquire with an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can transform the entire space. It's not only meant to look attractive, but also serves a practical purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and to reflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.
Choosing the right material for an inclined frame surround is crucial to create an intentional design. Concrete is a great option because it's extremely durable, nonflammable and has an appealing visual appeal with its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into a mold to give you the option of creating a unique shape.
When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the frame appear more planned rather than randomly placed. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavy objects, such as lamps or vases, put a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help to keep it in its place. It can also reduce the weight and stop the item from moving while you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in the fireplace.
After you have chosen the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of the surround and then use a saw to cut cleats on each of these points. Make sure the top cleat is at least one foot shorter than the shelf.
Then, you can screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is required if you need to. Then, you can temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the mantel's depth.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They shield walls from heat damage and also reflect heat into the space and make a fire more of the focal point of a space. The most common materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and metal. Metal surrounds are required by the building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or they can improve the look of a fireplace.
This fireplace is a contemporary living room that has an all-black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it is a striking design element to the room. The black finish also brings in the dark shades of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
Concrete isn't just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be poured on top and formed into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. The concrete surround has been shaped into a curving profile, creating an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for ethanol fire fireplace surrounds is wooden, which is available in a wide range of colors and textures to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Certain wood surrounds come with a faceplate which covers the mantel's top and houses doors for fireplaces. The faceplate can be attached with decorative fasteners or hinges that mimic the look of iron.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your fireplace when choosing a wood mantel. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. The distance will vary based on the kind of fireplace you own and also from state to state or country to country.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Some surrounds are completely solid oak, while others use an assortment of materials, including stone legs, paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also find pine or oak ethanol fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy alternative.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made fireplace surround as it's an affordable way to get the look they desire without hiring carpenters. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds come in a range of different finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.
A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made from high quality oak is also popular. It can be stained with the light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning fires and can be fitted either with a flat or arched opening.
If you have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials available online to help you to make your own fire surround from wood. One example is this complete step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to create an authentic wood surround from pine.
The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once these are complete you can put in the mantel itself. The tutorial also shows you how to attach the crown molding that will be used to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around a fireplace. You should keep the surround at least 6 inches away from the edge of the opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable glue to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place after the surround is installed.