Choosing a Fireplace Surround

If you're using a fireplace to provide aesthetics or warmth, choosing the right surround can give your living room personality. It isn't easy to select a fireplace surround which is both safe and compliant with the code.

These custom-built surrounds are built from non-combustible materials and adheres to the National Fire Code. They look great in any style of home.

Simple Concrete Surround with Slabs of Marble

A fireplace surround can be a focal point in an area and it can provide warmth and a sense of style. It can be made from various materials and designed to suit a variety of design styles. Before you decide on a fireplace stove design, it's important that you take into consideration the style and the budget of the room.

Marble fireplace surrounds give a sophisticated appearance that can be paired with many different styles of design. They can be paired with rustic woods or modern metals to create a unique, contemporary style. Marble is easy to maintain and can withstand extreme temperatures making it an ideal choice for a surround.

Stone is a timeless material for fireplace surrounds and has a timeless appearance that can be found in a variety of homes. It can be carved and cut to give it a more contemporary style or left untreated for a more traditional feel. Stacked stone veneers are a popular option that can be used to add texture and depth to a room.

Granite is a popular choice for modern fireplace surrounds because it's durable and stands up to heat extremely well. It is also available in a range of colors and patterns, making it a great choice to create a variety of design styles. Quartzite is a second option that can be shaped and formed to fit into a contemporary fireplace surround.

If you're a DIYer the installation of a concrete fireplace surround could be within your capabilities. This task may seem daunting but it's much easier than you think if you work with professionals and think ahead.

A professional is also recommended when building a marble fireplace surround because it requires particular attention to avoid damage. A carpenter with experience will help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you're planning to use tile for your fireplace's surround, be sure it's suitable for high-temperature uses. This information is usually found on the packaging or you can inquire with an employee at the home improvement store.

Leaning Frame Surround

The fireplace's surround can transform the look of a room. It's not just meant to look beautiful, but also has a functional purpose, which is to protect the wall behind the fireplace from fire damage and also to help reflect heat away from the room. It's available in various materials and can be made to match any style or desiglace an eye-catching feature in a room. The most popular materials for fireplace surrounds are metal and wood. Metal surrounds can be required by building codes to safeguard the surrounding areas from combustibles or they can simply enhance the look of a fireplace to make it look more attractive.

The fireplace in this modern living space features the black firebox surround, with white marble accents. The stone is a more expensive 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 ties to the dark hues of the furniture and the wood flooring to create a cohesive appearance.

While you might associate concrete with sidewalks and driveways, it's a very flexible and attractive material for fireplace surrounds. It can be cut into a variety of shapes and then poured in place, allowing for almost endless designs. This concrete surround was cut to create a curved design. It creates a sleek and modern look that contrasts the darker shades of the brick wall and wood flooring.

Wood is another popular choice for fireplace surrounds. It comes in a variety of textures and colors that will match any style of decor. Wooden surrounds are lighter and more affordable than masonry surrounds, and they can be finished to match the color of your existing hearth pad. The majority of wooden surrounds are designed to accommodate household decorations above the mantel, like lamps and vase.

Some wood surrounds include a faceplate which covers the top of the mantel and houses the fireplace doors. This plate can be hung to the mantel with hinges or decorative fasteners that mimic the look of iron.

When choosing a mantel made of fireplaces wood; the original source, or metal fireplace surround, it is important to consider the height of your chimney. Building codes specify minimum clearance distances that prevent a fire from spreading into the home. The distance will differ based on the type of fireplace used 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 appearance, there are different types of surrounds available for purchase. Some surrounds are entirely solid oak, while others use an assortment of materials, including stone legs matched with mantels made of oak or pine. You can also find pine or oak fire surrounds that are designed to be a simple and affordable alternative.

Many people prefer to purchase pre-made wood fireplaces fireplace surrounds since it's an economical way to achieve the style they want without having to hire a carpenter. Certain pre-made pine fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of finishes to blend it with your existing decor.

Another popular style of wood fire surround is one that is hand-crafted using a top quality oak. This can be stained in a light oak color or left untreated, allowing the natural light golden brown of the wood to show through. This fireplace surround is suitable for Fireplaces Wood wood or gas burning fires and is available either with an arched or flat opening.

For those of you 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. This comprehensive step-bystep guide from H2O Bungalow shows how to build a rustic wood surround using pine.

The guide explains how to build the horizontal portion of the fireplace surround first, and then how to build the columns or pilasters vertically that support the mantel. When the columns or pilasters are built, you can install your mantel. Finally, the tutorial shows you how to add the crown molding that will cover up any gaps between the cladding and the wall.

Because a fireplace surround made of wood is made from combustible material, it is important to adhere to your local fire code and keep it at least 6 inches from the edge of the chimney opening. Use a non-flammable glue to join the decorative molding to the surround and make sure it remains in place.