QA

Question: How To Install A Fireplace Surround

How are fireplace surrounds attached?

Fireplace surrounds are typically hollow structures (as shown below) and so can be attached to the wall with metal brackets located at the edges of the surround, or even screwed onto another piece of wood that’s already joined to the wall.

What is the surround around a fireplace called?

The mantel is located at the top of the fireplace surround, or top of the face of an open fireplace. The mantel provides a shelf on which decorations and other items can be placed, but can sometimes help with preventing smoke from the fire from coming into the room.

How do you install a cast iron fire surround?

Fitting cast iron inserts with wooden surrounds Place the insert on top of the hearth in front of the fire back. Place the surround against the insert. Use a pencil to mark the position of the surround on the wall. Remove the surround.

How do you hang a heavy mantle on drywall?

Holding your drill at a 45 degree angle downward, drill a pilot hole through the shelf and drywall and into the stud. Install a finishing nail into each of the pilot holes with a nail gun or hammer; the nails must be long enough to penetrate at least 1 inch into the drywall. These nails will secure the mantle in place.

How do you secure a fireplace mantel to Brick?

Mark where the anchors or brackets line up on the mantel and drill the corresponding holes. Lift the mantel and place it so that the lag bolts or brackets fit into the holes. For extra security, coat the tip of each bolt with liquid nails or another adhesive just before installation.

What is a floating mantel?

Our mantels are hollow on the inside, providing an easy alternative to solid wood mantels. Live grain end caps maintain the look of a solid piece of wood. Each mantel is hand crafted from reclaimed longleaf pine, providing a unique look and character that cannot be duplicated.

What material is best for fireplace surround?

Material Choices for a Fireplace Surround STEEL. Steel is one of the most popular fireplace surround materials. WOOD. Wood is a less obvious choice for a fireplace surround than steel.. CONCRETE. STONE. BRICK. TILE.

Does a fireplace need a surround?

A fireplace does not always necessarily need a surround, but the requirements for a fireplace surround must be in line with local and national codes and building regulations. A fireplace can also look very bare if there’s no surround.

Are wooden fire surrounds safe?

Unless you are going to use twin wall flue to protect combustibles then I would suggest you refrain from considering wooden beams or wooden surrounds.

What holds up a fireplace mantel?

Since neither option is very sturdy, we recommend you attach the mantel to a cleat—a simple piece of lumber securely fastened to the wall. One cleat runs horizontally under the mantel shelf, and the others run vertically inside the legs (most mantels are hollow in back).

How far should a mantle stick out?

A mantel should stick out at least 6 inches (15.24cm) from the wall. It’s the perfect depth that allows you to have a mantle effectively deflect heat without compromising aesthetics. You can extend it to have more depth for your decorative pieces, but we don’t recommend having it less than 6 inches (15.24cm).

How do you fit a fireplace insert?

Installation Steps Put a Cover Plate on Your Chimney. It is recommended to put a cover plate on your chimney before installing an electric insert to prevent water from coming in. Close and Seal the Damper. Install a Power Outlet. Insert the Firebox into Your Fireplace. Attach The Trim or The Frame.

How heavy can a mantle be?

The maximum weight for all 60INCH MANTELS is 150 lbs. The maximum load for all 72 inch mantels is 180 lbs.

How much does it cost to build a fireplace surround?

A stone fireplace surround usually costs between $3,000 and $7,500 but could run anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 or higher. The surround refers to any part of the fireplace built with stone, or the area surrounding the firebox.

Can you use MDF around a fireplace?

You can use paint-grade wood (such as MDF) or finish wood (cherry, maple, oak). The ends of that piece of moulding should be cut at 45-degree angles. Then, to complete the job, extend the moulding around the bottom of the mantel.

What type of wood is used for mantels?

Walnut is a popular choice for fireplace mantels. It is a harder and heavier type of wood than most and is extremely durable. The rich dark brown wood is an excellent for an impressive fireplace mantel. Hickory is also a great choice for a fireplace mantel if you are going for a unique look.

How long should floating mantel be?

The mantel should not be shorter than the length of the fireplace, and should leave at least 3 feet above the mantel for decor. Start by measuring the size of the fireplace.

How far should mantle be above fireplace?

As a general rule, it’s important to mount the mantle an average of 12 inches over the fireplace opening, which is a general rule from the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) to ensure it’s up to code. The mantle can also be 4 1/2 feet above the floor.

Can you drywall around a fireplace?

In the fireplace world, even fire-rated drywall is considered to be combustible and should be installed with the necessary clearance. The only instance in which it is acceptable to install drywall around a fireplace is when you have a zero clearance fireplace.

How hot does a fire surround get?

The hottest temperature in most wood fires are found in the red embers after the fire has been going for awhile. These temperatures are from 1200 degrees to 1500 degrees. However, since so much air is circulating around the fire, grates and other nearby object rarely exceed 1000 degrees.

Can I use quartz as a fireplace surround?

Since quartz stones are typically made with about 93% quartz and 7% resin, quartz is an incredibly durable stone that is resistant to cracking, staining, scuffing, denting, or burning. Plus, quartz is heat resistant – making it perfect for using as a fireplace surround.