Building a simple fireplace surround requires some basic carpentry skills and some materials that you can easily find at most hardware stores. Here are the steps you can follow to build a simple fireplace surround:
1. Measure the dimensions of your fireplace, including the width and depth of the firebox, as well as the height of the mantle.
2. Head to your local hardware store and pick up the lumber you will need to build the surround. You’ll need 1-inch thick pieces of wood, such as oak or poplar, to create the framework of the surround.
For the mantle, you’ll need a piece of 2-inch thick wood, such as walnut or hickory.
3. Cut the wood to the measurements you took in step one, plus an extra inch so that the wood will fit over the edges of the fireplace.
4. Assemble the fireplace surround with nails, screws, and wood glue. You’ll want to make sure that the pieces fit tightly together, so take your time here.
5. Secure the mantle to the framework of the fireplace surround with a few pieces of 1-inch thick lumber. Make sure to use strong screws in order to keep the mantle secured.
6. Sand down the entire surround until you have a smooth surface. You may want to apply some wood stain or paint to give the surround a more finished look.
7. Once you have the surround assembled, install a 4-inch wide, non-combustible piece of stone or brick around the outside of the firebox. This will act as a buffer between your wood and the fire that is burning in the firebox.
8. Install the finished surround on your fireplace, making sure to secure it to the wall with screws and anchors.
And that’s it! With some carpentry skills, basic materials, and a bit of patience, you can easily build your own simple fireplace surround.
How can I make a cheap fire surround?
Creating a cheap fire surround is certainly possible, provided you have some basic DIY skills and the right materials. All you need is some timber, nails, a spirit level, goggles and a saw. Before you begin, draw up some plans for your fire surround, taking into consideration factors such as the size of your fire, the type of material you wish to use, as well as the height and positioning of the mantelpiece.
Once you have your plans in place, you can begin constructing the basic structure. Start by measuring the inside of your fireplace to determine how much timber will be needed, and then cut the wood to the desired size.
When it comes to the corner joints, you can either opt for butt joints or mitre joints – this is entirely personal preference.
Next, add in the supports and batting. Once these are securely positioned and checked with a spirit level, you can add the mantelpiece and a decorative trim. When attaching the mantelpiece, make sure to use metal handles for extra safety.
Be sure to also add some felt to the bottom of the fire surround, as this will prevent any damage or harm from the heat of the fire.
Finally, stain or paint the fire surround to give it the effect you want. This will not only be an inexpensive final touch but also give your fire surround a unique look. With some time and effort you should have a completed fire surround, giving your room a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Can you use wood as a fireplace surround?
Yes, you can use wood as a fireplace surround. Fireplaces surrounded in wood can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, as wood is a beautiful material that can be stained or painted to match the décor in a room.
However, it is important to note that wood can be a fire hazard and should be treated with care and caution due to the possibility of sparks and smoke. That said, there are a variety of treated woods and paints available that can make your wood fireplace surround safer and more durable.
As with any other part of your fireplace, you should also ensure it is installed according to local building codes to ensure the safest experience.
What is the material to surround fireplace?
And what you choose will depend largely on the type of fireplace, the style of the home, and your budget.
For example, if you have a masonry fireplace, the most common materials are brick, stone, or something else crafted from masonry such as tile or pavers. All of these materials can be used to provide a rustic, natural look.
If you have a manufactured wood or gas burning fireplace, you can use brick, stone, or tile to surround it too. You should also consider non-masonry materials such as drywall, cement board, or even Surround board which is specifically made to be used around a fireplace.
There is also the option of glass block, although this is not as popular.
If you are looking for a more modern or contemporary look, then a variety of materials can be used, such as stone, stainless steel, marble, concrete, or even a combination of materials such as wood and stone.
Ultimately, the material you use to surround your fireplace is entirely up to you, your style preference, and, of course, your budget.
How do you make a wrap around a mantel?
Making a wrap around a mantel is a fairly straightforward process.
First, measure the length and height of the mantel. You will need enough fabric plus extra to create the wrap around look. Make sure to allow for plenty of extra fabric, at least 4 inches all around.
Use an appropriate fabric for your wrap, something durable and flame resistant.
Next, cut the fabric with an extra inch on either side and tie a piece of string at each point where the fabric will join. Tie another string just below the top and one just above the bottom of the wrap.
Then, it’s time to attach the fabric. Start by draping the fabric over the mantel and tying each end down with the ribbons, adjusting as needed to ensure a tight fit. You may need to use some spray adhesive or a hot glue gun to ensure everything stays in place.
Once the fabric is secure, trim off any excess.
Finally, for a decorative touch, top the wrap with ribbon or another trim to give it a finished look. Avoid adding any objects like figurines or candles that could interfere with the fire safety screen or increase the risk of fire.
With the right fabric and careful measurements, it is easy to make a wrap around a mantel.
What kind of wood do you use for a fireplace mantel?
When deciding what kind of wood to use for a fireplace mantel, you have a few options. The most popular wood for fireplace mantels is hardwood, such as oak, cherry, or mahogany. All hardwoods offer long-lasting durability and resistance against warping and fading, so they are ideal for this application.
Additionally, they can be stained or sealed to give the fireplace a beautiful finish and to blend in with the home’s décor.
Another option is softwoods such as pine, cedar, or redwood. Although they are not as durable as hardwoods, they do offer a slightly more economical option. Softwoods can also be painted or sealed to give them a more finished look.
Regardless of the type of wood you decide to use for your fireplace mantel, it is important to protect it by sealing or hanging a piece of glass or LEXAN in front of it to protect it from heat and soot.
This is a simple step that can help to ensure your mantel will look great for many years to come.
How do you wrap a mantel on wood?
Wrapping a mantel on wood can be accomplished with a few basic tools. First, use a circular saw to cut your wood to size. If the mantel is square, use a miter saw to square the corners. Make sure the mantel is properly measured before cutting the wood.
Next, use a power drill to pre-drill the holes for the mounting hardware. If the mantel is large and heavy, use a stud finder to locate studs in the wall so that the mantel can be securely mounted into the wall.
Sand any rough edges of the mantel using sandpaper. Finally, attach the mantel to the wall using screws and anchors. Make sure the mantel is level and properly secured before hanging any decorations or other items from the mantel.
How are fireplace mantels attached?
Fireplace mantels can be attached to a wall in a variety of ways, depending on the weight and size of the mantel in question. For lighter mantels made of wood, use wall anchors and screws, as this will provide the most secure hold against the wall.
If your mantel is made of stone, you may need to use lag bolts and anchors. In either case, make sure the anchors are placed into wood studs or solid masonry components to ensure a secure anchor point.
If the mantel will be located in between two walls, you will need to use studs and lag bolts, as the mantel will need to be securely attached on both sides. For attaching a mantel to a brick or stone fireplace wall, use pins, masonry anchors, and liquid nails for a secure hold.
Additionally, for any mantel, you may need to use a level or straight edge to ensure that the mantel is even.
How deep should a mantel be?
When mounting a mantel, it is important to consider the depth, or the distance of the mantel from the wall. Generally, mantels should have a depth of between 6 and 12 inches. It’s important to measure the distance from the wall to ensure you get the mantel of the right size.
This helps to ensure the mantel is securely mounted and will not slip or fall when in use. If you are considering a heavier mantel, it’s important to get a deeper mantel to ensure that it is securely mounted to the wall and provide the desired look.
Additionally, the mantel should be in proportion with the space in which it’s mounted. Too shallow, and the mantel won’t make a statement, however too deep and it will overpower the space. A good rule of thumb is to have the mantel be about two-thirds of the width of the opening of the fireplace.
