Beware Of These "Trends" Concerning Fireplace Surround
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The right surround can add personality to your living area, whether you use it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It isn't easy to select the right fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.
These custom-built surrounds are made from non-combustible materials and adheres 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 the room, and can add warmth and charm. It can be constructed from various materials and designed to suit various styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style it is essential to take into consideration the style and the budget of the space.
Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, modern design. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, which makes it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a more modern style or left untreated to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone fireplaces veneers are another popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's strong and resistant to heat very well. It is also available in a variety of patterns and colors which means it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite can be molded and shaped to fit an upscale surround.
If you're a handyman, installing a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. This project may seem daunting but it's much simpler than you think if you work with professionals and think ahead.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplaces fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you intend to use tiles as an interior fireplace surround, be sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the packaging or you can inquire with an employee at the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The tabletop fireplace surround is a vital design element that can transform the whole space. It is not only aesthetically appealing, but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall surrounding the fire place from damage and reflects heat back into the room. It is available in a variety materials and can be customized for any style or decor.
The right material is crucial to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent choice because it's highly durable, nonflammable and has an appealing visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds to give you the option of creating a unique shape.
Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear deliberate and thoughtful rather than just randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. If you intend to display heavy objects like lamps or vases on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber beneath the base. This will stop them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding an oak board at the bottom to hold it in place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the item and prevent it from shifting while you sip a refreshing cup of coffee or wine on your mantel.
After you have chosen the material, it is time to construct the piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions of your frame. Then using a saw cut cleats at each line. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Fix the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backer board and into a stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. 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. Wood and metal are the most commonly used materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to protect nearby combustible areas or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.
The fireplace in this contemporary living area has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it is a striking design feature to the space. The black finish also brings to the dark hues of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.
While you may think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured on top and formed into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround has been cut into a curved profile which gives it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker tones of the brick floor and wood wall.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, which is available in a wide range of textures and white fireplace colors that complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can come in any color to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can be used to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, including vases and lamps.
Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the top of the mantel and houses fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the look of the look of wrought iron.
When selecting a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. To avoid a fire spreading to your home, building codes require minimum clearances. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace used and can vary from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are different kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak while others are various materials like stone legs that are paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also find pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
Many people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to get the look they want without hiring a carpenter. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a variety of finishes so that you can make it a part of your existing decor.
A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made from high quality oak is also a popular choice. It can be stained with in a light oak hue or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood can be seen. This fireplace surround is ideal for gas or wood burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.
There are a lot of tutorials available online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround made of wood. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to make an attractive wood surround with 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 then you can build the mantel itself. The tutorial also shows you how to add the crown molding to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.
It is important to follow the local fire code when you install a wooden surround around the fireplace. You should keep the surround at least 6 inches from the edge of the opening. It is also essential to use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place after the surround is installed.