Choosing a Fireplace Surround
Whether you use a electric fireplace for aesthetics or warmth, choosing the best surround will give your living room personality. However, choosing the right fireplace surround that is compliant with standards and is safe can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials and 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 an important focal point in a room, and can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made with a range of materials and be designed to fit different styles of design. It is important to think about the design of the room as well as the budget before choosing the style of the fireplace surround.
marble fireplace - click here to visit 235 for free - surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with many different styles of design. They can be coupled with woods that are rustic or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and can stand up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for a fireplace surround.
Stone is a classic material for fireplace insert surrounds and offers a timeless appeal that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and polished to give it a more contemporary look or left untouched for a more traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add texture and depth to rooms.
Granite is a very sought-after choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to withstand heat 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 be also made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.
If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete fireplace surround might be within your capabilities. While it may seem daunting, this project can actually be easier than you might think if you plan ahead and work with a professional to make sure the structure is strong 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 will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you intend to use tile for a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You can typically find this information on the packaging, or ask an employee at a local home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The freestanding fireplace surround can completely transform the look of a room. It's not just designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical function, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and also to help reflect heat away from the room. It comes in a variety materials and is customizable to fit any style or design.
Choosing the right material for an inclined frame surround is key to creating an intentional design. Concrete is a good choice because it is strong, non-flammable, and is attractive due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is typically poured into molds that give you the option of creating an original shape.
When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add in layers. This helps the piece look deliberate and thoughtful rather than being thrown randomly on the wall or on the shelf. Leaning frames are dangerous, so if you're planning to display heavier objects such as vases or lamps, place a small piece of drawer liner made of rubber under the base to prevent them from falling or causing damage to surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding a wooden board on the bottom to keep it in place. It will also lessen the weight and keep the item from moving while you sip your cup of coffee or wine in front of your fireplace.
Once you have decided on the material, it's time to construct the actual piece. First, mark your new wall with the dimensions of your frame and use a saw to cut cleats along each of these marks. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Then, you can screw the brackets onto the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backer board, and into a nail. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Fix the mantel to studs with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a functional and decorative function. They protect walls from heat damage, deflect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace more of a focal point in a room. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used for fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by the building code in order to safeguard nearby combustible materials or they can enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.
This fireplace is modern living room with a black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, yet it is a striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings together the dark tones in the furniture and wood flooring for a cohesive appearance.
While you might think of concrete as sidewalks or driveways, it is actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be shaped into custom shapes and then poured into place, providing virtually unlimited designs. This concrete surround was cut into a curved shape. It creates modern and sleek appearance that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and flooring.
Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a variety of colors and textures to match any style. Wooden surrounds can come in any shade to complement your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to hold decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vase.
Some wood surrounds come with an edging that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be attached to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.
When choosing a mantel made of wood or a metal fireplace surround It is crucial to take into consideration the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to stop the spread of a ethonal fire into the home. This distance may vary based on the kind of fireplace you own 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 kinds of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak, while others use a combination of materials including stone legs matched with oak or pine mantels. There are also pine or oak fire surrounds designed to be a low-cost and easy option.
Many people opt to buy pre-made wood fireplace surrounds since it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they desire without hiring carpenters. Some of the pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are even available in a variety of finishes to blend it 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 to the light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround can be used with wood or gas fires. It is available in two different styles: flat or arched.
There are numerous tutorials online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you make your own fireplace surround from wood. One example is this complete step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow that teaches you how to construct an authentic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial teaches you how to build first the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. Once these are completed, you can install the mantel. The tutorial will show you how to install the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall surrounding it.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is essential that you follow the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also crucial to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to attach the decorative molding and ensure that it remains in place when the surround is set.