5 Laws That Anyone Working In Fireplace Surround Should Know
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you're using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, the right surround can make your living space more unique. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround which is both safe and compliant with the code.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in an area and it can add warmth and charm. It is made of a variety of materials, and designed to suit different styles of design. It is essential to consider the style of the room and the budget before deciding on a fireplace surround design.
Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods and more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperature making it a good choice for a surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look or left unfinished to give it a classic feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to give depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It also comes in a variety of patterns and colors which means it can be used to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be cut and formed to fit into a contemporary freestanding fireplace surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace may be possible for DIYers. This project may seem daunting however it's more simple than you imagine if you work with an expert and plan ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're going to use tiles for your fireplace surround, make sure it's approved for high-temperature use. You'll 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 room. It's not just designed to look attractive, but also has a functional purpose that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and deflect heat back into the room. It's available in various materials and can be made to suit any style or decor.
The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is crucial to create an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it's extremely durable and non-flammable. It also has an appealing visual appeal thanks 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.
When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This makes the frame appear more curated as opposed to being randomly placed. Leaning frames can be risky, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to stop them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden plank to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It will also help to reduce the weight of the item and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.
Once you have decided on the material, it is time to construct the actual piece. First, mark your new wall 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 least a foot shorter.
Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. Then, you can temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Fix 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 plus the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from heat damage and reflect heat into the room and make a fire more of the focal point of a space. The most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds are wood and steel. Metal surrounds are required by the building code to protect nearby combustible materials or they can improve the appearance of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this modern living space has an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it provides a striking design feature to the space. The black finish also blends to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a seamless 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 poured into place and formed into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround has been designed into a curving profile, creating a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, that is available in a wide variety of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more economical than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden fireplaces surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Certain wood surrounds come with faceplates that cover the top of the mantel and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be hung with decorative fasteners or hinges that mimic the look of iron.
When selecting a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal It is crucial to take into consideration the height of your chimney. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes require minimum clearances. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace, and may also vary from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are different kinds of surrounds that can be purchased. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. There are also oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to get the style they want without having to hire a carpenter. Some pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a variety of finishes to match it to your existing decor.
Another type of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted using a top quality oak. It can be stained to the 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 either gas or wood fireplaces. It comes in two different styles: arched or flat.
For those of you who have a bit more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials available online to help you to make your own wood fire surround. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to create an attractive wood surround with pine.
The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to construct the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel itself. The guide will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall's 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 from the edge of the opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it stays in the correct position.