Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using electric fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, the right surround can give your living space a unique. But choosing a fireplace surround that complies with code and is safe can be a daunting task.

Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made with non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point in an area and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be constructed from a variety of materials, and designed to fit various styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style it is important to think about the style and the budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired 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 easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperature, making it a great option for a border.

Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a more contemporary style or left untreated for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give texture and depth to rooms.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it's strong and resistant to heat extremely well. It is also available in a range of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is another durable option that can be cut and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.

Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace may be a possibility for DIYers. This project may seem daunting however it's much easier than you think working with an expert and prepare ahead.

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

If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace's surround, make sure it's approved for high-temperature use. You can typically find this information on the packaging, or ask an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can change the entire space. It's not only meant to look beautiful, but also serves a practical purpose that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and also to help reflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety of materials and can be customized for any style or decor.

Selecting the right material for an inclined frame surround is key to creating an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it is strong and non-flammable. It also is attractive due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into a mold to give you the option of creating unique shapes.

Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear deliberate and thoughtful rather than being thrown randomly on the shelf or wall. If you are planning to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber beneath the base. This will stop them from sliding and damaging surfaces.

Consider adding a wooden board 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 object from moving as you enjoy a cup of coffee or wine in the front of your fireplace insert.

Once you have decided on the material, it is time to build the actual piece. Begin by marking your new wall with the dimensions of your surround and then use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. 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 pass through the backer board, and into a wall stud. If necessary, drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs with 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 depth of the mantel.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and a functional function. They shield walls from damage caused by heat, deflect some of the heat back into the room and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in a room. Metal and wood are the most common materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to safeguard the surrounding areas from combustibles or they may simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.

This fireplace is a contemporary living room with a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a higher-end material that requires more care than a wooden mantel, but it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create a cohesive look.

While you may think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and then shaped into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curving profile which gives it an elegant, marble fireplace modern appearance that contrasts with the darker hues of the wood floor and brick wall.

Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that will complement any style of decor. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are less heavy and cheaper than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to hold decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vase.

Some wood surrounds come with an ornamental faceplate that is placed on mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that mimic the look of iron.

When selecting a wood mantel or metal fireplace surround It is essential to take into consideration the height of your chimney. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace used and can also change from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options for surrounds to give your fireplace a classic style. Some surrounds are completely solid oak while others are a combination of materials including stone legs that are paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also choose from oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be an affordable and easy choice.

Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround as it's a cost-effective way to achieve the style they want without hiring a carpenter. Some of the premade surrounds made of pine are available in a variety finishes, so you can match them to your existing decor.

Another type of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from high-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. The fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas fires. It comes in two different styles: arched or flat.

There are a lot of tutorials available online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to make a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.

The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal part and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once these are complete you can put in the mantel itself. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding wall.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is made from combustible material it is essential that you follow your local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it remains in the correct position.