Don t Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Fireplace Surround
From Shiapedia
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The perfect surround can add character to your living area, whether you use it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. But choosing a fireplace surround that complies with the requirements of code and is safe could be a daunting task.
These custom-built surrounds are built of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look great in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point of the room and can bring warmth and elegance. It is made of many different materials and crafted to match different styles of design. It is important to think about the style of the room as well as the budget before choosing a fireplace surround design.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide an elegant look that is compatible with various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create a distinctive, modern design. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can stand up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplace surrounds.
Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds. It has a timeless appearance that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be cut and etched to give it a more contemporary look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's durable and stands up to heat very well. It is also available in a range of colors and patterns, which means it can be used to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can be also made into a shape and molded to fit an upscale surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace may be feasible for DIYers. Although it may seem difficult, this project can actually be easier than you might think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is sturdy enough.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you are planning to use tile for a fireplace surround, you must make sure it's rated for high temperatures. This information is typically found on the package or you can ask a staff member at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can completely transform the look of a room. It's not just designed to look beautiful, but also has a functional purpose that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and also to help reflect heat back into the room. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customized to fit any style or decor.
Choosing the right material for an inclined frame surround is essential to achieve 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 color. Concrete is typically poured into molds to allow you to choose the possibility of making unique shapes.
When you design your leaning frame, make sure to add in layers. This helps the piece look deliberate and thoughtful rather than just randomly placed on the shelf or wall. If you are planning to display heavy items such as vases or lamps on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for drawers made of rubber underneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding wooden fireplaces boards on the bottom to help keep it in position. It will also lessen the weight and keep the item from moving while you sip your cup of wine or coffee in the front of your fireplace.
After you've selected the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start constructing the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your frame. Then, using a saw, cut cleats along each mark. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at least one foot shorter.
Then, attach the brackets onto the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is necessary if needed. Then, you can temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure 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 as a decorative and functional purpose. They protect walls from heat damage and also reflect some of the heat into the room and can make a fire more of an eye-catching feature in the space. Metal and wood are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible areas or they can simply enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.
This fireplace is modern living room with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, however it is a striking design feature to the space. The black finish also brings together the dark tones in the furniture and wood flooring for an attractive appearance.
Concrete isn't just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to cover electric fireplaces. It can be poured on top and shaped into any shape, giving the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It creates modern and sleek appearance that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in many colors and textures that can be incorporated into any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, like lamps and vases.
Certain wood surrounds have a faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. The faceplate can be secured with decorative hinges or fasteners that mimic the appearance of iron wrought.
When choosing a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal It is crucial to think about the height of your chimney. To avoid a fire spreading to your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. The distance will vary based on the kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are many kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak while others are various materials like stone legs, paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also find oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made wood freestanding fireplace surround since it's an economical way to achieve the style they want without hiring carpenters. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine come in a variety of finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.
A handcrafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also popular. It can be stained to in a light oak hue or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood is visible. The fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas fires. It comes in two styles: flat or arched.
There are many tutorials available online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround made of wood. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make a rustic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal component and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. After these are built then you can build the mantel itself. The tutorial will show how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall that surrounds it.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial that you adhere to your local fire code and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also crucial to use a non-flammable glue to secure the decorative molding and make sure that it remains in place when the surround is set.
