A Proactive Rant About Fireplace Surround
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using fireplaces electric for warmth or aesthetics, the right surround can give your living room personality. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround which is safe and in line with the code.
The custom-built surrounds are constructed from non-combustible material that adheres to the National Fire Code. They look great in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It can be made from many different materials and designed to suit a variety of design styles. It is essential to consider the design of the room and the budget prior to deciding on a fireplace surround design.
Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated look that complements many different styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperature, making it a great option for a border.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless look and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved and etched to give it a modern style or left untreated to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a very sought-after option for modern surrounds around ethanol fireplaces. It's durable and can withstand heat well. It is available in many colors and patterns which allows you to create various designs. Quartzite can also be molded and shaped to fit the modern design of a surround.
If you're a DIYer making a fireplace surround made of concrete might be within your capabilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be easier than you might imagine if you plan ahead and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.
A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround, as it requires special attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace's surround, ensure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. This information is usually found on the package or inquire with an employee at the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can completely transform the whole space. It's not just visually pleasing, but also serves a practical purpose. It protects the wall behind the fire place from damage and reflects heat back into the space. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customised to fit any style or design.
The right choice of material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a good option because it's extremely durable, nonflammable and has a lot of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. It's usually put into a mold, which allows you to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When you design your leaning frame, make sure to include layers. This will make the frame appear more planned and curated instead of being randomly placed on the shelf or wall. If you are planning to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, place a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber beneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a marble or concrete surround, you might want to consider putting a wooden board on the bottom to hold it in the right place. It can also help reduce the weight of the piece and prevent it from moving while you enjoy a good glass of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.
After you've decided on the material, it is time to build the actual piece. Begin by marking your new wall with the dimensions of your frame and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the cleat on top is at least 1 foot shorter than the shelf.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted into the backerboard and into the stud. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is necessary if needed. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They protect walls against damage from heat and reflect some of the heat into the space and make a fireplace the focal point of a space. Wood and metal are the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to protect nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace, making it look more attractive.
This fireplace is modern living room that has an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it is a striking design aspect to the space. The black finish also joins together the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create an overall look.
While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and then shaped into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround has been designed into a curving profile giving 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 wooden, which is available in a variety of colors and textures to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more economical than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds include an ornamental faceplate that is placed on mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that mimic the look of iron wrought.
When choosing a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal It is essential to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. The distance will vary based on what kind of fireplace you have and also from state to state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood appearance, there are different kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak and others have various materials like stone legs, paired with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also find pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
Many people prefer to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds because it is a cost-effective way to achieve the look they want without having to hire carpenters. Some of the premade pine surrounds come in a variety finishes, so you can match them to your existing decor.
Another popular style of wood fire surround is one that has been handcrafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained with a light oak color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood shows through. This fireplace surround can be used with wood or gas ethanol fires. It is available in two different styles: flat or arched.
If you have more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials online that can assist you in creating your own fire surround from wood. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows you how to make an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal component before building the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are built you can put up your mantel. The tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall surrounding it.
It is crucial to adhere to the local fire code when installing 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 stays in place when the surround is put in place.
