Choosing a Fireplace Surround

Whether you use a fireplace to provide warmth or aesthetics, the right surround can give your living room personality. It isn't easy to select the right fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.

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

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround is a focal point for rooms, and it can bring warmth and charm. It is constructed with a selection of materials and be designed to match different styles of design. It is essential to consider the design of the room as well as the budget prior to deciding on a fireplace surround design.

Marble fireplace surrounds provide a sophisticated look that complements many different styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique and contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand extreme temperature making it an ideal option for a surround.

Stone is an elegant fireplace surround material that has a timeless look and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create an updated look, or left untouched to give it a traditional appearance. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to give depth and texture to the interior of a room.

Granite is a very popular material for modern fireplace surrounds since it is durable and able to heat extremely well. It also comes in a variety of patterns and colors, so it can be used to create various styles of design. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match the modern design of a surround.

If you're a DIYer, making a fireplace surround made of concrete may be within your abilities. Although it might seem like a daunting task, this project can actually be easier than you might imagine if you plan ahead and work with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.

It's also a good idea to consult with an expert when making a fireplace surround of marble because it requires special care to prevent damage. A carpenter who has experience will help you avoid costly errors.

If you're planning on using tiles for your fireplace surround, be sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. You can typically find this information on the packaging or ask an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a crucial design element that can completely transform the entire room. It's not only meant to look beautiful, but also serves a practical purpose that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from electric fire damage and deflect heat away from the room. It's available in various materials and can be made to match any style or decor.

Selecting the right material for a leaning frame surround is key to creating an intentional design. Concrete is a great option because it's durable, non-flammable, and has a lot visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually poured into a mold, giving you the opportunity to create a unique design for your fireplace surround.

Layers are important when creating your leaning frames. This will make the frame appear curated and intentional instead of being randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. Leaning frames are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to display heavier objects like lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to prevent them from slipping or damaging surfaces.

You could consider adding a wooden piece to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It will also help reduce the weight and stop the object from moving as you sip a glass of wine or coffee in the fireplace.

Once you've decided on the material for the frame's leaning surround then it's time to begin building the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your surround. Then using a saw cut cleats at each mark. Make sure the top cleat is at least one foot longer than the shelf.

Next, screw the brackets to the wall. Make sure that the bolts go through the backerboard and into the stud. If needed, fireplace insert drill the screw holes. After that, temporarily secure the mantel to the backer board. Attach the mantel to the studs using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.

Black Firebox Surround

Fireplace surrounds serve an aesthetic and functional function. They protect walls from damage from heat and also reflect some of the heat into the room and can make a fireplace the focal point of an area. The most common materials for fireplace surrounds include metal and wood. Metal surrounds are sometimes required by building codes to protect the surrounding areas from combustibles or they may simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it appear more complete.

The fireplace in this contemporary living area has the black firebox surround, with White fireplace marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than wood fireplace, but it is a striking design feature to the room. The black finish also blends to the dark hues of the furniture and wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.

While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be cut into custom shapes and poured in place, allowing for almost endless design possibilities. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile which gives it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wooden, which is available in a wide variety of textures and colors that fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any shade to match your hearth pad. They are lighter and less expensive than brick surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate decorative items for the mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Some wood surrounds come with an ornamental faceplate that is placed on mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be affixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the appearance of iron wrought.

When choosing a wood mantel or a fireplace surround made of metal, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances to prevent the spread of fire into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace, and can vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

There are a variety of options for surrounds if you wish to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak while others are an assortment of materials, including stone legs that are paired with pine or oak mantels. There are also oak or pine fireplace surrounds that are designed to be a cheap and simple alternative.

Many people prefer to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround since it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they desire without having to hire carpenters. The pre-made pine surrounds come with a variety of finishes, so you can match them to your existing decor.

A wood fire surround that is hand-crafted made of high-quality oak is also a popular choice. It can be stained with an oak-like light color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of the wood can be seen. This fireplace surround is suitable for gas or wood fireplaces. It is available in two styles: arched or flat.

If you have more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there's a wealth of tutorials on the internet that will assist you in creating your own fire surround from wood. One example is this complete step-by-step tutorial from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to create a rustic-looking wood surround out of pine.

The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal part and then the vertical pilasters which support the mantel. Once the pilasters or columns are built you can put up your mantel. 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.

Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material it is crucial that you follow your local fire code and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround, and ensure that it stays in place.