Its History Of Fireplace Surround
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Choosing a Fireplace Surround
If you are using a fireplace to provide warmth or aesthetics, the perfect surround can give your living room personality. However, choosing a fireplace surround that complies with standards and is safe can be a difficult task.
Fortunately, these custom-built surrounds are made of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Fire Code. They are a great addition to any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs
A fireplace surround can be a focal point of an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It is constructed with a variety of materials and can be designed to suit many different styles of design. It's important to consider the design of the room and the budget prior to deciding on the style of the fireplace surround.
Marble fireplace surrounds are a sophisticated option that can be paired with a broad variety of styles. They can be coupled with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is fairly easy to maintain and is able to withstand extreme temperatures, making it a perfect material for a fireplace surround.
Stone is a classic fireplace surround material that has a timeless appeal and works in many homes. It can be carved or etched to create a modern look or left unfinished to give it a classic look. Stacked stone veneers can be used to add depth and texture to rooms.
Granite is a very sought-after choice for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to be able to withstand heat well. It's also available in a variety of patterns and colors making it a great choice to create various styles of design. Quartzite can be made into a shape and molded to fit the modern design of a surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace could be a possibility for DIYers. While it may seem daunting but it can be simpler than you think if you prepare and collaborate with a professional to make sure the structure is strong enough.
It's also a good idea to seek out a professional when building a fireplace surround out of marble since it requires special attention to avoid damage. A carpenter who has experience can help you avoid costly errors.
If you intend to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure that it is rated for high temperatures. This information is usually found on the package or ask an employee in the home improvement store.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can completely transform a room. It's not just meant to look attractive, but also has a functional purpose that is to shield the wall behind the fireplace from damage caused by fire and deflect heat back into the room. It is available in a variety of materials and can be customized to match any style or décor.
The right material is essential to achieving a deliberate aesthetic. Concrete is a great option because it is strong, non-flammable, and has a lot of visual appeal due to its natural texture and color. Concrete is usually put into a mold, giving you the opportunity to design a unique shape for your fireplace surround.
When you design your leaning frame, be sure to add in layers. This makes the frame appear more planned than if it were just randomly placed. Leaning frames can be risky and should be avoided if you plan to display heavy objects, such as lamps or vases, put a small piece of rubber drawer liner under the base to prevent them from sliding or damaging surfaces.
Consider adding a wooden board to the bottom of a concrete or a marble surround. This will help keep it in place. It will also help in reducing the weight of the object and stop it from moving when you're enjoying a nice glass of wine or a cup of coffee in front of your mantel.
Once you have decided on the material, it is time to build the actual piece. Mark the wall with the dimensions of your frame. Then using a saw cut cleats along each line. Make sure the top cleat is at least a foot longer than the shelf.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts go through the backer board, and into the nail. If necessary, pre-drill the screw holes. After that, clamp the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel to the studs using lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure that the bolts are strong and long enough to cover the full thickness of the backerboard, plus 2/3 of the mantel's depth.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds play a functional and decorative role. They protect walls against heat damage and reflect heat into the room and can make a fireplace an eye-catching feature in the space. Metal and wood are the most common materials used to construct fireplace surrounds. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to safeguard nearby combustible surfaces or they may simply improve the appearance of a fireplace, making it appear more complete.
This fireplace is modern living room with a black surround and white marble accents. The stone is more expensive and requires more care than wood, however it provides a striking design aspect to the space. The black finish also ties with the dark tones of the wood flooring and furniture to create a cohesive look.
While you might think of concrete as a material for sidewalks and driveways, it is actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be shaped into custom shapes and poured into place, providing almost endless design possibilities. This concrete surround has been cut into a curving profile giving it an elegant, modern appearance that here contrasts with the darker hues of the brick floor and wood wall.
Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It is available in many colors and textures that can be incorporated into any decor scheme. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more economical than brick surrounds and can be made to match the color of your current hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds are designed to hold decorative items for the mantel, like lamps and vase.
Certain wood surrounds have an edging that is placed on mantel's top and houses the doors to the fireplace. This plate can be fixed with hinges that are decorative or fasteners that mimic the appearance of iron wrought.
It is crucial to take into consideration the height of your fireplace when choosing the wood mantel. To stop a fire from spreading into your home, building codes require minimum clearances. This distance will vary based on the type of fireplace and can vary from the country to the country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
If you want your fireplace to have a classic wood look, there are many kinds of surrounds that can be purchased. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others include stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also find oak or pine fire surrounds designed to be a cheap and simple option.
Many people opt to buy a pre-made fireplace surround since it's an affordable way to get the look they desire without having to hire carpenters. Some pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of finishes so that you can blend it with your existing decor.
Another kind of fire surround made of wood is one that is made by hand using a top quality oak. It can be stained to a light oak color or left untreated to allow 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 an arched or flat opening.
There are many tutorials available online for those with more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can help you build your own fireplace surround from wood. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to make an authentic wood surround made of pine.
The tutorial shows you how to build first the horizontal pilasters before building the vertical pilasters that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are completed you can put up your mantel. The tutorial also shows you how to add the crown molding to fill in any gaps between the cladding and the wall.
Since a wooden fireplace surround is made from combustible material it is essential that you adhere to the local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. It is also important to use an adhesive that is non-flammable to join the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place after the surround is put in place.