Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The perfect surround can add character to your living room and can be used for warmth or for aesthetics. However, selecting a fireplace surround that meets standards and is safe can be a challenge.

Fortunately, these custom surrounds are constructed using non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any home style.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A freestanding fireplace surround can be a focal point of a room and it can bring warmth and elegance. It is made using a variety of materials and can be designed to fit different design styles. Before choosing a fireplace design it is essential to consider the style and the budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with many different styles of design. They can be paired with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and has a timeless appearance that works in many homes. It can be cut and polished to give it a more contemporary look or left untouched to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option to give depth and texture to rooms.

Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds around electric fireplaces. It's durable and can stand up to heat 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 a different, durable material that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.

If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete freestanding fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. While it may seem daunting, this project can actually be easier than you might imagine if you plan ahead and work with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.

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

If you are planning to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure it's rated 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's surround can transform the look of a room. It's not only meant to look attractive, but also serves a practical function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and to reflect heat back into the room. It's available in various materials and can be made to fit any style or decor.

The right material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it's durable and non-flammable. It also is attractive due to its natural texture and color. It's typically put into a mold, giving you the ability to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

Layers are essential when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more curated as opposed to being randomly placed. Leaning frames are dangerous, so if you're planning on displaying heavier objects like lamps or vases, put a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to stop them from sliding 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 will also lessen the weight and stop the object from moving as you sip your cup of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace.

Once you have decided on the material, it's time to construct the piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions of your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats at each mark. Ensure that the top cleat is at least a foot longer than the shelf.

Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts pass through the backer board and then into a stud. Making the screw holes in advance is required if you need to. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve as a decorative and functional purpose. 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 an attraction in a room. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. 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 a modern living room with a black surround and white fireplace marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it provides a striking design element to the room. The black finish also joins together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for an attractive design.

While you might associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into custom shapes and poured into place, providing almost endless design options. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It has a sleek and modern look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood, which is available in a wide range of colors and textures to complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate household decor above the mantel, Ethanol Fire including vases and lamps.

Some wood surrounds have a faceplate which covers the top of mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the appearance of the look of wrought iron.

When selecting a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal, it is important to consider the height of your chimney. To avoid a fire spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace and can also change from the country to the country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are different types of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak, while others use various materials like stone legs that are paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also select oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be an affordable and simple option.

Many people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to achieve the look they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Certain pre-made pine fireplace surrounds come in a range of different finishes to match it 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 with in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood can be seen. The fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fireplaces. It comes in two different styles: arched or flat.

For those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials available online to assist you in creating your own wood fire surround. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make an authentic wood surround made of pine.

The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are finished then you can place your mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding to 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 away from the edge of the opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable adhesive to join the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place when the surround is set.