Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, the perfect surround can make your living space more unique. But choosing a fireplace surround that meets the requirements of code and is safe could be a difficult task.

Fortunately, these custom built surrounds are made with non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They can look great in any style home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point for the room, and can bring warmth and charm. It can be crafted from a wide selection of materials and be designed to suit many different design styles. 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 an elegant look that is compatible with a variety of design styles. They can be combined with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is relatively simple to maintain and is able to withstand extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for a fireplace surround.

Stone is a popular material for fireplace surrounds and provides a timeless look that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched for a modern look, or left untouched to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option to add texture and depth to rooms.

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

If you're a handyman, making a fireplace surround made of concrete might be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting, but it can be more simple than you imagine if you work with a professional and think ahead.

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 are planning to use tile for an interior tabletop fireplace surround, be sure that it is rated for high temperatures. You'll find this information on the package or inquire with an employee at a home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace surround is a vital design element that can change the entire space. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall behind the fire place from damage lp to redirect some of the heat back into the room, and can make a fireplace an attraction in a space. Metal and wood are the most popular materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds are required by building code to protect nearby combustible materials or to enhance the appearance of a fireplace suite.

This fireplace is modern living room that has an all-black surround and biofireplace white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, but it is a striking design feature to the space. The black finish also joins with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture for a cohesive design.

While you may think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it's an extremely versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, allowing for almost endless design possibilities. The concrete surround has been designed into a curved shape which gives it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker shades of the brick floor and wood wall.

Another popular material for fireplace surrounds is wood which is available in a wide range of colors and textures to fit into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and less expensive than masonry surrounds and they can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel, including vases and lamps.

Some wood surrounds include a faceplate that is placed on top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be fixed using decorative hinges or fasteners that replicate the look of iron wrought.

It is important to consider the height of your fireplace when selecting a wood mantel. To prevent a fire spreading to your home, building codes stipulate minimum clearances. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace and can vary from country to country or state to state.

Simple Wood Surround

If you'd like your fireplace to have a traditional wood look, there are different types of surrounds that you can purchase. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak, while others use various materials like stone legs that are paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also pick from pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy option.

Many people choose to purchase pre-made wood fireplace surrounds as it's a cost-effective way to achieve the look they want without having to hire a carpenter. Some pre-made pine surrounds come with a variety of finishes, so you can make them fit with your existing decor.

Another popular kind of fire surround made of wood is one that has been handcrafted using a top quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated to ensure that the natural golden brown of wood can be seen. This fireplace surround is ideal 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 a lot of tutorials online that can help you create your own bioethanol fire surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow that shows you how to construct a rustic inspired wood surround from pine.

The tutorial will show you how to build the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to construct the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. After these are built you can put in the mantel. The tutorial will show how to put up the crown molding, which will fill in any gaps between the wall's cladding and the surrounding wall.

Since a wooden fireplace surround is made from combustible material, it is important that you adhere to the fire codes of your area 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 the correct position.