A Brief History Of Fireplace Surround History Of Fireplace Surround
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using a fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, the perfect surround can make your living space more unique. However, choosing a fireplace surround that meets the requirements of code and is safe could be a challenge.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be an important focal point in rooms, and it can bring warmth and charm. It is made of many different materials and designed to fit various styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design it is important to consider the design and budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a vast range of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is easy to maintain, and it can withstand high temperatures making it an ideal choice for a surround.
Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and has a timeless appearance that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a more modern look or left untouched for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.
Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces wooden. It's durable and can be able to withstand heat well. It is also available in a variety of patterns and colors, making it a great choice to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and made into a modern fireplace surround.
If you're a DIYer, installing a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. Although it may seem difficult but it can be much easier than you think 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, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you to avoid costly errors.
If you're planning on using tiles for your fireplace surround, make sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. You'll typically find this information on the package or ask an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace's surround can transform a room. It's not just meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also has a functional purpose that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and to reflect heat away from the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customized to suit any style or decor.
The right material to use for a leaning frame surround is key to creating an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it is strong and non-flammable. It also has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. It's typically poured into a mold, giving you the opportunity to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When designing your leaning frame, be sure to add layers. This makes the piece appear more planned than if it were just randomly placed. If you are planning to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber underneath the base. This will stop them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding a wooden board on the bottom to hold it in place. It can also help reduce the weight of the item and prevent it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your mantel.
After you've decided on the material, it is time to construct the piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of the surround and use a sander to cut cleats along each of these points. Ensure that the top cleat is at least one foot longer than the shelf.
Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. Then, temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the mantel's thickness.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both an aesthetic and functional function. They shield walls from heat damage and reflect heat into the space and make a fire more of an eye-catching feature in an area. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds include metal and wood. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code to safeguard nearby combustible materials or to enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this modern living area has an all-black firebox with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it adds an eye-catching design feature to the space. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.
Concrete is not just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to surround fireplaces. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, giving nearly limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround has been cut into a curving profile, creating an elegant, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the wood floor and brick wall.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in many colors and textures that can be incorporated into any style of decor. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate 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 doors to the fireplace. This plate can be affixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the look of wrought iron.
It is important to take into consideration the dimensions of your fireplace when selecting the wood mantel. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of fire into the home. This distance may vary based on the kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood appearance, there are different kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others include stone fireplaces legs with oak or pine mantels. There are also pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a cheap and simple option.
Many people opt to buy pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's a cost-effective way to achieve the style they want without hiring carpenters. Some of the premade pine surrounds come with a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to match them to your existing decor.
A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made of high-quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained with the light oak color or left untreated to let the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas-burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.
If you have more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials online that can assist you in creating your own Wooden fireplaces fire surround. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows how to build an attractive wood surround with pine.
The tutorial shows how to construct the horizontal part, and then the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. Once these are completed you can put in the mantel itself. Then, the guide shows you how to attach the crown molding to cover up any gaps between the cladding and the wall.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials it is essential that you adhere to the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also essential to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to join the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place when the surround is installed.