How To Outsmart Your Boss On Fireplace Surround
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Choosing a Fireplace Surround
The perfect surround can add character to your living area and can be used to provide warmth or aesthetics. It can be difficult to pick a fireplace surround that is safe and in line with the code.
Fortunately, these custom surrounds are made of non-combustible material that conforms to the National Fire Code. They look fantastic in any style of home.
Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble
A fireplace surround can be a focal point of a room and it can add warmth and charm. It can be crafted from a wide variety of materials and can be designed to fit different styles of design. Before choosing a fireplace design, it's important that you take into consideration the design and budget of the room.
Marble fireplace surrounds offer a sophisticated look that complements various styles of design. They can be coupled with rustic woods or more modern metals to create a unique and contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain and it can withstand high temperatures making it an ideal option for a border.
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 traditional look. Stacked stone veneers can also be used to add texture and depth to a room.
Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds since it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It is available in many patterns and colors making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a different, durable material that can be cut and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.
Installing a concrete surround for a fireplace may be a possibility for DIYers. This task may seem daunting however it's more simple than you imagine working with an expert and think ahead.
A professional is also recommended when making a fireplace surround made of marble because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
If you plan to use tile as a fireplace surround, make sure it's rated for high temperatures. You'll typically find this information on the packaging, or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.
Leaning Frame Surround
The fireplace surround can completely transform an area. It's not just designed to look beautiful, but also serves a practical function 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 crucial for achieving a well-planned aesthetic. Concrete is an excellent choice because it's highly durable, nonflammable and has a lot of visual appeal thanks to its natural texture and color. It is typically poured in molds that give you the option of creating an original shape.
When you design your leaning frame, make sure to include layers. This makes the piece appear more organized as opposed to being randomly placed. Leaning frames can be risky and should be avoided if you plan to display heavy objects such as lamps or vases, place a small piece of rubber drawer liner underneath the base to keep them from slipping or damaging surfaces.
If you're using a concrete or marble surround, think about adding an oak board at the bottom to help keep it in position. It will also help in reducing the weight of the item and prevent it from shifting while you enjoy a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee on your mantel.
Once you've decided on the material you'll use for the frame's leaning surround, it's time to start building the actual piece. Begin by marking the wall here you're building with the dimensions of the surround and use a sander to cut cleats along each of these points. Make sure that the cleat on the top of the shelf is at a minimum a foot shorter.
Attach the brackets to the wall. Make sure the bolts are inserted through the backerboard and into the stud. Pre-drilling the screw holes is required if you need to. After that, fix the mantel to the backer board. Screw the mantel with the lag bolts (2-4 bolts per stud). Make sure the bolts are long and sturdy enough to cover the entire thickness of the backerboard plus 2/3 of the depth of the mantel.
Black Firebox Surround
Fireplace surrounds serve as a decorative and functional purpose. They shield walls from damage from heat and also reflect heat into the space and can make a fire more of the focal point of the space. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to protect nearby combustible areas or they can simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.
The fireplace in this contemporary living space features a black firebox surround with white marble accents. The stone is a premium material that requires more care than a wooden mantel but it provides a dramatic and striking design element to the room. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture and wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.
While you might associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and then shaped into any shape, offering the user a variety of design options. The concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile giving it an elegant, modern appearance that contrasts with the darker tones of the brick floor and wood 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 can be finished in any shade to fit your hearth pad. They are lighter and cheaper than brick surrounds. The majority of wooden surrounds can accommodate household decor above the mantel including lamps and vases.
Some wood surrounds come with a faceplate that covers the mantel's top and houses the fireplace doors. The faceplate can be secured with decorative hinges or fasteners that can mimic the look of wrought iron.
When choosing a mantel made of wood or metal fireplace surround, it is important to consider the height of your chimney. To avoid a fire spreading into your home, building codes require minimum clearances. This distance will vary depending on the type of fireplace, and can also change from country to country or state to state.
Simple Wood Surround
There are a variety of options for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional appearance. Some surrounds are made of solid oak, while others use various materials like stone legs, paired with pine or oak mantels. You can also select oak or pine fire surrounds, which are designed to be an affordable and easy option.
Many people choose to purchase a pre-made fireplace surround because it is an affordable way to get the look they desire without having to hire carpenters. Some of the pre-made pine fireplace surrounds come in a variety of finishes so that you can blend it with your existing decor.
A hand-crafted wood fire surround made from high quality oak is also very popular. This can be stained an oak-like light color or left untreated so that the natural golden brown of the wood shows through. This fireplace surround is ideal for wood or gas-burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.
There are numerous tutorials online for those who have more experience with DIY home improvement projects. They can assist you in making your own wooden fireplace surround. This step-by-step guide from H2O Bungalow will show you how to create a rustic wood surround using pine.
The tutorial explains how to construct the horizontal part of the fireplace surround first. Then, you will learn how to build the vertical pilasters or columns that support the mantel. After the columns or pilasters are built then you can place your mantel. The tutorial also will show you how to install the crown molding that will fill in any gaps between the cladding and the surrounding wall.
Because a fireplace surround made of wood is constructed from combustible material, it is important to adhere to the fire codes of your area 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 attach the decorative molding and ensure that it stays in place when the surround is installed.