Refurbishing Your Fireplace Surround – How to Get Started

How to get started

Firstly you should consider whether your project is going to take place in a new build, or a pre-existing house that you plan to renovate? Usually new build projects allow for more possibilities as the insert of the surround still needs to be determined and the fireplace wall has not yet been framed. Renovations can be a bit trickier as you are working within the confines of a pre-defined space. Equally, the character of the house and its interior design could make it easier to choose and/or tailor the surround to your personal tastes.

(For more tips on how to choose the right style of surround for your home click here.)

Measurements  

However uninspiring, measure twice and cut once is a good rule to live by. Our measure up guide is a great starting point to help you decide the perfect style and sizing of a fireplace for your home and is available here. So, take a few measurements and a few pictures if possible and Solus can provide the best design options for you. 

How much will it cost? 

A Solus fireplace surround will range from $3,000 – 6,000 to start, potentially more depending on the fireplace surround model, size and if adding hearth or wall tiles. Although this may seem like a large cost upfront, we provide the best warranties and customer service in the business and can guarantee quality and durability in our product that outshines other options. 

How long will it take? 

At Solus, all of our fireplace surrounds are made to order and take 4-6 weeks. Our ultra high performance concrete is what sets us apart from the crowd as it is more durable whilst providing a more polished look than the glass fibre-reinforced concrete that is typically used. Requiring 28 days to cure, the surround is then hand finished and sealed prior to packing and shipping. 

What are the different components of a fireplace surround? 

Simply put, a fireplace consists of the mantle (top piece over the fireplace), the 2 legs, and a hearth (the area that sits in front  of the fireplace on the ground). The hearth is optional depending on your design preferences and/or the flooring. Moreover, surrounds will often include a trim kit, (the tiles that are used between the mantle and legs and the fireplace insert). Additionally, matching tiles can be used to complete the fireplace wall around the fireplace including the return or the above the fireplace itself.

Colour options

Solus offers 12 beautiful colours, ranging from soft earthy tones, to cool and contemporary, so there are plenty of choices to suit your home. Please let us know if you would like to receive samples and we can ship them to you.

Who will install your surround

We suggest that you hire a stonemason or stone tile setter (as opposed to a ceramic tile setter)  as they are best qualified for cutting and installing stone and our particular type of concrete. If you have a builder it is recommended that you ask them for an installer as they are likely to know of a qualified professional in your area. Should your installer have any questions, they are more than welcome to contact Solus. We also provide an easy to follow- Fireplace Surround Installation Guide and we have a series of videos on our youtube channel that can guide you through installing a surround.