Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you are using a fireplace for warmth or aesthetics, the right surround can give your living room personality. However, choosing a fireplace surround that complies with the requirements of code and is safe could be a difficult task.

The custom-built surrounds are constructed of non-combustible materials that adhere to the National Ethonal Fire Code. They can look great in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Marble Slabs

A fireplace surround can be a focal point in an area and it can bring warmth and elegance. It can be made from many different materials and designed to fit different styles of design. When choosing a fireplace style, it's important that you take into consideration the style and the budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds are a classy option that can be paired with a vast variety of styles. They can be paired with rustic woods as well as modern metals to create a unique, contemporary design. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperature making it a good option for a surround.

Stone is a classic material for fireplace surrounds and has a timeless appearance that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved or etched for an updated look or left unfinished to give it a traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are another popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a popular option for modern surrounds around fireplaces. It's tough and able to withstand heat well. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns making it possible to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite can be formed and shaped to match a modern surround.

If you're a DIYer installing a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting but it's much simpler than you think when you collaborate with professionals and plan ahead.

A professional is also recommended when creating a marble fireplace surround because it requires a lot of attention to avoid damage. A skilled carpenter can help avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you're planning on using tile for your fireplace suites surround, make sure it's approved for high-temperature use. This information is usually found on the label or inquire with an employee at a home improvement shop.

Leaning Frame Surround

The ethanol fireplace surround is a vital design element that can change the entire room. It's not just visually appealing, but it also serves a functional purpose. It protects the wall behind the fireplace from deterioration and reflects heat back into the space. It's available in a variety of materials and can be customized to fit any style or design.
< They shield walls from heat damage and help deflect some heat back into the room and can create a fireplace that is an attraction in a room. The most commonly used materials for fireplace surrounds include wood and metal. Metal surrounds can be required by the building code in order to guard against nearby combustible substances or to enhance the look of a fireplace.

This fireplace is modern living room that has a black surround and white marble accents. The marble is more expensive and requires more care than wood, yet it is a striking design element to the room. The black finish also brings with the dark tones of the furniture as well as the wood flooring to create a seamless appearance.

While you may associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it is actually a very versatile and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be poured into place and shaped into any shape, giving you a wide range of design possibilities. This concrete surround has been shaped into a curved profile which gives it an elegant, modern fireplace appearance that contrasts with the darker tones of the wood floor and brick wall.

Wood is another popular material used for fireplace surrounds. It comes in many colors and textures that can be incorporated into any decor. Wooden surrounds are less heavy and more affordable than masonry surrounds, and they can be made to match the color of your existing hearth pad. Most wooden surrounds can accommodate decoration for your mantel, such as lamps and vases.

Certain wood surrounds come with an edging that covers the top of mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be hung to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners which resemble the appearance of iron.

When selecting a wood mantel or a metal fireplace surround, it is important to think about the height of your chimney. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. This distance may vary based on what kind of fireplace you own and also from state to state or country to country.

Simple Wood Surround

There are many options for surrounds to give your fireplace a traditional style. Certain surrounds are constructed of solid oak, while others combine stone legs with oak or pine mantels. You can also select pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a low-cost and easy choice.

A lot of people opt to buy a pre-made wooden fireplace surround because it is an inexpensive way to get the look they want without having to pay for the services of carpenters. Certain pre-made fireplace surrounds made from pine are available in a variety of finishes to make it a part of your existing decor.

Another type of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted from a high quality oak. It can be stained to the light oak color or left untreated to allow the natural light golden brown of the wood to shine through. This fireplace surround can be used with either gas or wood fires. It is available in two styles: arched or flat.

For those who have a bit more experience with DIY home improvement projects, there are a lot of tutorials available online to assist you in creating your own fire surround from wood. One example is this comprehensive step-by-step guide by H2O Bungalow which teaches you how to make a rustic inspired wood surround using pine.

The tutorial teaches how to construct the horizontal part, and then the vertical pilasters that will support the mantel. After these are built you can put in the mantel itself. The tutorial also will show you how to install the crown molding to cover up any gaps between the cladding and surrounding wall.

Because a fireplace surround made of wood is made of combustible materials, it is important that you follow the fire codes of your area and keep it 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to attach the decorative molding to the surround and ensure it stays in the correct position.