Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The best surround can add a sense of style to your living room, whether you use it to provide warmth or aesthetics. However, selecting the right fireplace surround that is compliant with standards and is safe can be a difficult task.

These custom-built surrounds are built of non-combustible materials that 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 a focal point within a room and it can add warmth and charm. It is constructed from a wide selection of materials and be designed to suit many different design styles. It is essential to consider the design of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with various styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique, modern style. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and is able to withstand high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplace surrounds.

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds. It provides a timeless look that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched to create an updated look, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add depth and texture to rooms.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds because it's strong and resistant to heat extremely well. It is available in many patterns and colors which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit an upscale surround.

The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace could be feasible for DIYers. Although it might seem like a daunting task, this project can actually be easier than you might think if you plan ahead and consult with a professional ensure that the structure is strong enough.

A professional is also recommended when making a fireplace decor surround made of marble because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you to avoid costly mistakes.

If you're going to use tile for your fireplace's surround, be 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 surround is an essential design element that can transform the entire room. It's not just meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat back into the room. It comes in a variety materials and is customizable for any style or decor.

The right choice of material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice because it is durable, non-flammable, and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in a mold to allow you to choose the option of creating unique shapes.

Layers are important when designing your leaning frames. This helps the piece look deliberate and thoughtful rather than just randomly placed on the shelf or wall. Leaning frames are dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavier objects, such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to keep them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.

If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding wooden boards on the bottom to help keep it in place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the piece and stop it from moving while you sip a refreshing glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your fireplace.

After you have chosen the material, it's time to construct the piece. First, mark the new wall with the dimensions of your surround and use a saw to cut cleats on each of these marks. Make sure the top cleat is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.

Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If needed, drill the screw holes. After that, fix 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 strong and long enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a practical and decorative function. They shield walls from heat damage and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace a focal point in a room. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard the surrounding areas from combustibles or simply to enhance the aesthetic of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.

This fireplace is a contemporary living room that has an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more care than a mantel made of wood, however it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring to create a unified appearance.

While you might associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured on top and formed into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. The concrete surround has been cut into a curved profile which gives it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick floor and wood wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood that is available in a wide range of textures and colors to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any color to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds include a faceplate which covers the top of mantel and houses doors for fireplaces. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.

It is important to consider the size of your fireplace when choosing a mantel made of wood. To avoid a fire spreading into your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. 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 traditional look. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak, while others use an assortment of materials, including stone legs, paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also find oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.

Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's an economical way to achieve the style they want without having to hire carpenters. Certain pre-made pine fireplace surrounds come in a variety of finishes so that you can match it to your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made from high quality oak is also very popular. It can be stained with in a light oak hue or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood shows through. The fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas fires. It is available in two styles: flat or arched.

There are a lot of tutorials available online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround from wood. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow will show how to build an authentic wood surround made of pine.

The tutorial shows how to construct the horizontal part before building the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are built you can put up your mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding which will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.

Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial that you adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also essential to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to attach the decorative molding, and to ensure that it stays in place after the surround is set.