Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, choosing the perfect surround can give your living room personality. However, selecting a fireplace surround that complies with the requirements of code and is safe could 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 home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of marble fireplaces

A fireplace surround can be a focal point within the room and can add warmth and charm. It can be made from a variety of materials, and designed to suit various styles of design. Before you decide on a fireplace design, it's important that you think about the design and budget of the space.

Marble fireplace surrounds are an elegant option that can be paired with a vast range of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods and more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is relatively easy to maintain and can withstand high temperatures, which makes it a perfect material for fireplace surrounds.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds that has a timeless appeal and is suitable for many homes. It can be carved or etched to create a modern look, or left untouched to give it a traditional look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to give texture and depth to rooms.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds because it's strong and resistant to heat extremely well. It is available in a variety of patterns and colors which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be cut and molded to fit a modern fireplace surround.

Installing a concrete enclosure for a fireplace may be a possibility for DIYers. It may seem like a daunting task however it's more simple than you imagine working with an expert and think ahead.

It's also a good idea to consult with a professional when making a fireplace surround of marble, as it requires special care to prevent damage. A carpenter with experience can help you to avoid costly errors.

If you plan to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is usually located on the packaging or you can ask a staff member at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is an essential design element that can completely transform the whole space. It's not only viical and decorative role. They protect walls from heat damage, deflect 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 include wood and steel. Metal surrounds may be required by building codes to guard nearby combustible areas or they may simply improve the appearance of a fireplace, making it appear more complete.

The fireplace in this contemporary living area has the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more maintenance than a wooden mantel but it is a striking and striking design element to the space. The black finish also brings to the dark hues of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

Concrete isn't just used for sidewalks and driveways. It's also a versatile and attractive material that can be used to enclose fireplaces. It can be poured on top and shaped into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile which gives it a sleek, modern look that contrasts with the darker shades of the wood floor and brick wall.

Wood is a different popular material that is used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in a variety of colors and textures that will complement any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds, and they can be finished to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, like lamps and vases.

Certain wood surrounds come with faceplates that cover the mantel's top and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be attached to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that mimic the look of iron.

When selecting a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal, it is important to consider the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances to prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace used and may also vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are a variety of options for surrounds if you want to give your fireplace a traditional look. Some surrounds are completely solid oak while others are an assortment of materials, including stone legs that are paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also find oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.

Many people choose to purchase a pre-made wood fireplace surround because it is a cost-effective way to achieve the look they desire without having to hire carpenters. Some pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to match them to your existing decor.

A handcrafted wood fire surround made of high-quality oak is also very popular. This can be stained an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood is visible. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.

For those who have more experience in DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials online that can help you create your own wooden fire surround. One example is this thorough step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to create an authentic wood surround from pine.

The tutorial explains how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to construct the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel itself. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding which will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the wall.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is constructed from combustible material it is crucial that you adhere to the local fire code and keep it 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue attach the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it stays in place.