A Productive Rant About Fireplace Surround
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The right surround can add personality to your living room and can be used for warmth or to enhance your aesthetics. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.
These custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They look stunning in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point in the room and can add warmth and charm. It can be made from a variety of materials, and crafted to match different styles of design. It's important to consider the design of the room and the budget before deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds give an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperature making it an ideal option for a border.
Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look or left unfinished to give it a classic feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It is durable and can withstand heat well. It comes in a variety of designs and colors, which allows you to create various designs. Quartzite can be molded and shaped to fit the modern design of a surround.
The installation of a concrete surround for a fireplace could be feasible for DIYers. Although it might seem like a daunting task but it can be simpler than you think if you plan ahead and consult with a professional make sure 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 skilled carpenter can help you avoid costly mistakes.
If you intend to use tile for a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the package or ask an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can transform the entire space. It is not only aesthetically appealing but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall behind the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the area. It's available in a variety of materials and can be made to match any style or design.
The right material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is a great choice because it's durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It's typically poured into a mold, giving you the opportunity to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are crucial when designing your leaning frames. This makes the piece appear more planned than if it were just randomly placed. If you intend to display heavy items such as lamps or vases on leaning frames, place a piece of rubber drawer lining underneath the base. This will prevent them from sliding and damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, you might want to consider putting an oak board at the bottom to hold it in position. It will also lessen the weight and stop the object from moving as you sip your cup of wine or coffee in the fireplace.
After you've decided on the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. Draw a line on the wall to indicate the dimensions of your frame. Then with a saw, cut cleats at each line. Ensure that the top cleat is at least a foot shorter than the shelf.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board, and into the wall stud. Making the screw holes in advance is recommended if required. Then, you can temporarily fix the mantel to the backer board. Fix the mantel using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and strong enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard and 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve as an aesthetic and a functional function. They protect walls from damage caused by heat and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room and can create a fireplace electric that is an attraction in a space. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and steel. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to guard nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.
This fireplace is modern living room with an all-black surround and white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more attention than a mantel made of wood, however it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for a cohesive design.
Concrete is not just for driveways and sidewalks. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to enclose cheap fireplaces. It can be poured into place and formed into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround was shaped to a curved profile. It gives an elegant and contemporary look that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick wall and wood flooring.
Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of textures and colors that will match any decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are less heavy and cheaper than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel, such as lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds have an edging that covers the top of mantel and houses doors for electric fireplaces. This plate can be fixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the look of iron wrought.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your fireplace when selecting a wood mantel. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. The distance will vary based on the kind of fireplace you have and also from state state or country country.
Simple Wood Surround
If you'd like your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are completely solid oak, while others use various materials like stone legs, paired with oak or pine mantels. You can also choose from oak or Fireplace Suite pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a cost-effective and easy choice.
A lot of people opt to purchase a pre-made wooden fireplace surround since it's an inexpensive way to get the style they desire without having to pay for the services of a carpenter. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of finishes to match it 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 to a light oak color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas burning fires and is available 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 fireplace surround made of wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to construct a rustic-looking wood surround using pine.
The guide explains how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, and then how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are finished you can put up your mantel. The tutorial will show how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the surrounding wall.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is essential to adhere to your local fire code and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it stays in the correct position.