10 No-Fuss Methods To Figuring Out Your Fireplace Surround
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using fireplaces for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the best surround will make your living space more unique. But choosing a fireplace surround that meets code and is safe can be a difficult task.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials and adhere to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point within an area and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be made from various materials and crafted to match various styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design it is important to consider the style and the budget of the space.
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 and contemporary style. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and can stand up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched for an updated look, or left untouched to give it a traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add depth and texture to a room.
Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It is also available in a range of patterns and colors, which means it can be used to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.
If you're a handyman, the installation of a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting however it's more simple than you imagine when you collaborate with an expert and prepare ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble tabletop fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience can help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you intend 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 ask an employee at a home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can change the entire room. It is not only aesthetically appealing but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall behind the fire place from damage and also reflects heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to suit any style or design.
The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is key to creating an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it's durable, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and colour. It is usually poured in a mold to allow you to choose the option of creating unique shapes.
When designing your leaning frame, be sure to include layers. This helps the piece look deliberate and thoughtful rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or on the shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous If you're planning to display heavy objects, such as lamps or vases, put a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to keep them from slipping or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding a wooden board on the bottom to help keep it in position. It will also help to reduce the weight of the piece and prevent it from moving when you're enjoying a nice cup of coffee or wine in front of your mantel.
Once you've decided on the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start building the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions for your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats at each mark. 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 the bolts are inserted through the backer board and into the nail. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is required if you need to. After that, temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve both 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 space. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.
This fireplace is modern living space with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, however it provides a striking design aspect to the space. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
Concrete isn't just for ethanol fire driveways and sidewalks. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to cover electric fireplaces. It can be poured into place and formed into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was cut to a curved profile. It has a sleek and modern look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and wood floor.
Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of textures and colors that will match any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and less expensive than brick surrounds and can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include a faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that can mimic the appearance of the look of wrought iron.
It is important to take into consideration the dimensions of your fireplace when selecting a mantel made of wood. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of fire into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace and can also change from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a classic look. Some surrounds are made of solid oak while others are various materials like stone legs, paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds, which are designed to be a cost-effective and easy choice.
Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an economical way to achieve the look they desire without hiring a carpenter. The pre-made pine surrounds come in a variety finishes, so you can match them to your existing decor.
A handcrafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also popular. It can be stained with the light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. The fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fireplaces. It is available in two styles: arched or flat.
There are numerous tutorials online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own fireplace surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to create a rustic inspired wood surround from pine.
The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, then how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. After these are built then you can build the mantel itself. The guide will show you how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall surrounding it.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials, it is important 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 join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it stays in the proper position.