5 Laws Anyone Working In Fireplace Surround Should Be Aware Of

Choosing a Fireplace Surround

The perfect surround can add character to your living room regardless of whether you are using it for warmth or for aesthetics. It can be difficult to choose a fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.

Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made with non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point within an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It can be constructed from a variety of materials, and crafted to match a variety of design styles. It is important to think about the design of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on the design of a fireplace suite surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated look that complements a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary style. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds. It has a timeless appearance that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone fireplaces veneers are another popular option to add texture and depth to rooms.

Granite is a popular material for modern fireplace surrounds due to the fact that it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It's also available in a variety of colors and patterns, which means it can be used to create a variety of styles. Quartzite can also be formed and shaped to match a modern surround.

Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace might be a possibility for DIYers. While it may seem daunting, this project can actually be simpler than you think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to ensure that the structure is sturdy enough.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience can help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace's surround, ensure it's approved for high-temperature use. This information is typically found on the label or you can ask a staff member at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace's surround can transform a room. It's not just meant to look attractive, but also has a functional purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety materials and can be customized to match any style or décor.

The right choice of material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a good choice due to its durability and non-flammable. It also offers a lot of visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It's typically poured into a mold, giving you the opportunity to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

Layers are essential when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more planned and curated rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or shelf. Leaning frames can be dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavier objects like vases or lamps, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to keep them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.

If you're using a concrete or marble surround, consider adding wooden boards on the bottom to hold it in the right place. It will also help reduce the weight and keep the object from shifting while you sip your cup of wine or coffee in front of your fireplace.

Once you've decided on the material for your leaning frame surround then it's time to begin building the actual piece. Mark the wall using the dimensions for your surround. Then, using a saw, cut cleats along each line. Ensure that the top cleat is at least a foot longer than the shelf.

Next, screw 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 put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long enough to cover 2/3 of the mantel's depth plus the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from damage from heat, reflect heat into the space, and can make a fire more of the focal point of an area. Wood and metal are the most commonly used materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard nearby combustible surfaces or they can simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.

This fireplace suite is a modern living room with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it is a striking design aspect to the room. The black finish also blends with the dark tones of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

Concrete isn't just used for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to cover fireplaces. It can be poured in place and formed into any shape, giving you almost limitless design possibilities. This concrete surround was shaped to create a curved design. It creates an elegant and contemporary look that is in contrast to the darker hues of the brick wall and floor.

Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in many colors and textures that will complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can come in any color to fit your hearth pad. They are less heavy and cheaper than brick surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds come with an ornamental faceplate that covers the top of the mantel and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be attached to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.

It is important to consider the size of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. Building codes require minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance can vary depending on what type 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 look, there are kinds of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are made from solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also find pine or oak fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a cheap and simple option.

Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround since it's an affordable way to get the style they want without hiring a carpenter. Some of the premade wood surrounds are available with a variety of finishes that allow you to blend them into your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made from high quality oak is also a popular choice. This can be stained in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood is visible. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas-burning fires and can be fitted either with an arched or flat opening.

There are numerous tutorials online for those with more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own wooden fireplace surround. This step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow shows you how to create a rustic wood surround using pine.

The tutorial will show you how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, then how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are finished you can put up your mantel. Then, the guide shows you how to add the crown molding to fill in any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is made from combustible material, it is important that you adhere to the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it remains in the proper position.