5 Laws That Anyone Working In Fireplace Surround Should Be Aware Of
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The right surround can add personality to your living space, whether you use it to provide warmth or aesthetics. It can be difficult to choose the right fireplace surround that is both safe and compliant with the code.
These custom-built surrounds are built from non-combustible material that adheres to the National Fire Code. They look great in any home style.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point for rooms, and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It is made from a wide selection of materials and be designed to fit different design styles. 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 surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be combined with rustic woods and more modern metals to create a unique, contemporary look. Marble is easy to maintain, and can withstand high temperature making it an ideal option for a border.
Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and has a timeless appearance that is suitable for many homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more modern look or left untouched to give a more traditional look. Stacked stone veneers may also be used to add depth and texture to the interior of a room.
Granite is a very popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to withstand heat well. It is available in many colors and patterns which allows you to create various design styles. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match a modern surround.
If you're a DIYer, installing a concrete fireplace surround may be within your abilities. Although it may seem difficult but it can be easier than you might think if you prepare and consult with a professional ensure that 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 can help you to avoid costly mistakes.
If you intend to use tiles as a fireplace surround, you must make sure it's suitable for high temperatures. This information is typically found on the package, or you can ask an employee in an improvement store for.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can transform the look of a room. It's not only meant to be aesthetically pleasing but also has a functional purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat back into the room. It's available in various materials and can be made to match any style or design.
The right choice of material is crucial to achieve a definite aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent option because it's extremely durable and non-flammable. It also has an appealing visual appeal with its natural texture and color. It's usually put into a mold, which allows you to create a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
Layers are crucial when creating your leaning frames. This helps the piece look curated and intentional rather than just randomly placed on the wall or on the shelf. If you are planning to display heavy objects like vases or lamps on frames that lean, put a piece of lining for a drawer made of rubber under the base. This will prevent them from sliding off or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or marble surround. This will help keep it in the right place. It can also reduce the weight and prevent the item from moving while you sip a glass of coffee or wine in the fireplace.
After you have chosen the material, it's time to construct the piece. First, mark your new wall with the dimensions of your frame and then use a saw to cut cleats at each of these points. Ensure that the top cleat is at least 1 foot longer than the shelf.
Screw the brackets on the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. Making the screw holes in advance is required if you need to. Then you can temporarily clamp the mantel on the backer board. Fix the mantel using the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a useful and decorative function. They shield walls from damage from heat and reflect some of the heat into the room and can make a fire more of an eye-catching feature in an area. Wood and metal are the most common materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code in order to safeguard nearby combustible materials or to enhance the aesthetics of a fireplace.
The fireplace in this modern living space has a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive material that requires more maintenance than a mantel made of wood, however it adds a dramatic and striking design element to the space. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring for an attractive design.
While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured on top and formed into any shape, offering you a wide range of design possibilities. The concrete surround was formed to create a curved design. It has a sleek and modern look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood floor.
Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of colors and textures that will match any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds can be crafted in any color to complement your hearth pad. They are lighter and more affordable than the masonry surrounds. Most wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate ornaments for the mantel, including lamps and vase.
Certain wood surrounds come with faceplates that cover the top of mantel and houses fireplace doors. This plate can be affixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that replicate the appearance of the look of wrought iron.
When selecting a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround It is essential to take into consideration the height of your chimney. Building codes stipulate minimum clearance distances that prevent the spread of a fire into the home. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace used and can vary from country to country or from state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are different kinds of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak and others have various materials like stone legs matched with pine or oak mantels. You can also find oak or pine fire surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made wood fireplace surround as it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they desire without having to hire a carpenter. The pre-made wood surrounds are available in a variety finishes and colors, allowing you to blend them into your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround constructed from top quality oak is also a popular choice. This can be stained in a light oak color or left untreated to let the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is suitable for wood or gas-burning fires and is available either with a flat or arched opening.
For those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you to make your own fire surround from wood. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to create an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The tutorial will show you how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first, and then how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. Once these are complete then you can build the mantel. The guide will show you how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the cladding of the wall and the wall surrounding it.
Since a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials it is essential to adhere to your local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches away from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also essential to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to secure the decorative molding, and to ensure that it remains in place after the surround is put in place.