17 Signs You're Working With Fireplace Surround

Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The perfect surround can add character to your living room, whether you use it for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. But choosing a tabletop fireplace surround that meets standards and is safe can be a daunting task.

Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are constructed using non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be a focal point of the room and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made using a range of materials and be designed to suit many different design styles. It's important to consider the style of the room as well as the budget before choosing the style of the fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a broad range of design styles. They can be coupled with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, modern design. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand extreme temperature making it an ideal option for a surround.

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched for contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give it a classic feel. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add texture and depth to the interior of a room.

Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's strong and resistant to heat extremely well. It's also available in a variety of patterns and colors, which means it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite can be made into a shape and molded to fit an upscale surround.

If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting, but it can be more simple than you imagine working with an expert and prepare ahead.

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

If you intend to use tile as an interior fireplace surround, be sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll 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 transform the entire space. It's not just visually pleasing, but also serves a practical purpose. It shields the wall fireplace that surrounds the fire place from deterioration and reflects heat back into the room. It is available in a variety of materials and can be customized to match any style or décor.

The right material to use for an inclined frame surround is crucial to create an aesthetic that is purposeful. Concrete is an excellent choice due to its durability, nonflammable and has an appealing visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It is usually poured in molds that give you the option of creating an original shape.

When designing your leaning frame, be sure to include layers. This helps the piece look curated and intentional rather than just randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavy objects, such as lamps or vases, put a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to prevent them from slipping or damaging surfaces.

You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in its place. It can also help reduce the weight of the object and stop it from moving while you sip a refreshing cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.

After you've decided on the material, it's time to construct the piece. Begin by marking the wall you're building with the dimensions of your frame and then use a saw to cut cleats along each of these marks. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least 1 foot shorter than the shelf.

Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Screw the mantel with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Be sure that the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They shield walls from heat damage and help deflect some heat back into the room and can make a fireplace more of an attraction in a room. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to guard the surrounding areas from combustibles or they can simply enhance the look of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.

This fireplace is a modern living space with a black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it provides a striking design feature to the room. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a unified appearance.

Concrete isn't just used for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to enclose electric fireplaces. It can be poured in place and formed into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround was cut to create a curved design. It creates an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, which comes in a wide variety of textures and colors that match any style. Wooden surrounds can be finished in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, including lamps and vase.

Some wood surrounds come with a faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the appearance of iron wrought.

When choosing a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround It is essential to consider the height of your chimney. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of fire into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace, and may also vary from the country to the country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options available for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a classic style. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others combine stone fireplaces legs with pine or oak mantels. You can also find pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.

Many people prefer to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they desire without having to hire carpenters. Some of the premade wood surrounds are available in a variety finishes and colors, allowing you to make them fit with your existing decor.

Another type of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained with the light oak color or left untreated to let the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas burning fires [prev] and can be fitted either with a flat or arched opening.

For those who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials available online to help you to make your own wood bioethanol fire surround. One example is this complete step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to make a rustic inspired wood surround from pine.

The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal component, and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are built, you can install your mantel. The tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the wall's cladding and the wall that surrounds it.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is constructed from combustible material it is crucial that you follow the fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it is held in the proper position.