Cambridge Education

Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using a fireplace for warmth or aesthetics, the right surround can give your living room personality. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround that is safe and complies with the code.

The custom-built surrounds are constructed 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 provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be constructed from various materials and designed to fit a variety of design styles. It is important to think about the design of the room as well as the budget before choosing the design of a fireplace suite surround.

Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a wide range of design styles. They can be paired with rustic woods and more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and is able to withstand extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplace surrounds.

Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and can be used in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched to create contemporary appearance or left unfinished to give it a classic appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to rooms.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat very well. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns so you can create different designs. Quartzite can also be made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.

Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace might be feasible for DIYers. While it may seem daunting but it can be much easier than you think if you prepare and consult with a professional make sure the structure is strong enough.

It's also a good idea to consult with an expert before making a fireplace surround of marble since it requires special care to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience can help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you plan to use tile for a fireplace surround, you must make sure it's rated for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the packaging, or you can ask an employee in the home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround can completely transform the look of a room. It's not just meant to look attractive, but also has a functional function that is to safeguard the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and to reflect heat away from the room. It is available in a variety materials and is customizable for any style or decor.

Choosing the right material for a leaning frame surround is essential to achieve an intentional aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it's durable and non-flammable. It also has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds that give you the option of creating a unique shape.

Layers are essential when creating your leaning frames. This makes the frame appear more planned rather than randomly placed. Leaning frames can be risky, so if you're planning on displaying 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 help keep it in position. It will also help to reduce the weight of the piece and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good 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. Begin by marking the new wall with the dimensions of your surround and then use a saw to cut cleats on each of these marks. Make sure that the top cleat of the shelf is at least a foot shorter.

Then, attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts are inserted through the backer board and then into a nail. The pre-drilling of the screw holes is required if you need to. Then put the mantel in a clamp that is temporarily on the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are sufficient to cover 2/3 of the mantel's thickness + the thickness of the backer board.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from heat damage and also help to redirect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in a space. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds are wood and steel. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to protect the surrounding areas from combustibles or they may simply improve the appearance of a fireplace to make it look complete.

This fireplace is a contemporary living room with a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood, but it provides a striking design aspect to the room. The black finish also brings together the dark tones in the wood flooring and furniture to create a cohesive look.

Concrete is not just for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a beautiful and versatile material that can be used to enclose Fireplaces Electric. 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 wood flooring.

Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in many colors and textures that can be incorporated into any decor. Wooden surrounds can come in any color to match your hearth pad. They are less heavy and less expensive than masonry surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, including lamps and vase.

Some wood surrounds have faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be attached to the mantel using hinges or decorative fasteners that resemble the look of iron.

It is crucial to take into account the height of your fireplace when selecting a wood mantel. To stop a fire from spreading into your home, building codes specify minimum clearances. The distance will vary based on what kind of fireplace you own and also from state to state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

If you'd like your ethanol fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are different kinds of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others use a combination of materials including stone legs matched with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also select oak or pine fire surrounds which are designed to be a cost-effective and simple option.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to get the look they want without hiring carpenters. Certain pre-made pine fireplace surrounds come in a variety of finishes to blend it with your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also popular. This can be stained in a light oak hue or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of wood can be seen. This fireplace surround can be used with either wood or gas fires. It comes in two styles: arched or flat.

There are many tutorials available online for those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own fireplace surround from wood. One example is this complete step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to construct a rustic inspired wood surround out of pine.

The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal component of the fireplace surround first, and then how to construct the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once these are completed, you can install the mantel itself. The guide will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will cover any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall that surrounds it.

Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials it is crucial to adhere to the fire codes of your area and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also important to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to attach the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place after the surround is put in place.