I am looking to add some 1/2" strips of metal to a new fireplace surround (to be made out of MDF and red oak) as an accent. I thought that aluminium sheet would be good for this since it is easily workable for a DIYer and not cost prohibitive. The decorative trim will not be particularly close to the fire.
After reading about some different types online, I'm unsure what the best type is to order. Has anyone had experience in this? What would you recommend?
Update: I am looking to create something similar to http://www.chesneys.co.uk/products/fireplaces/designer-collection/eric-cohler-collection/ealing – replacing the marble with painted MDF. I was intending to get some aluminium sheet cut down into strips (may be spray-painted dark), which are to be used instead of the blackened steel seen in the photos.
Update 2: See image below for the current situation. The fireplace is a prefabricated wood burning unit that was installed at time of construction (1983). The unpainted drywall shows the position of the original surround that was made of wood and was highly out of date w.r.t. style. The surround idea that I have will only go over the existing drywall, maintaining the current clearances with the firebox.
Best Answer
Your local H.D./LOWEs carry various decorative sheets and bar stock aluminum.
But it is better to head to your local metal supply house. They generally have the best price and most even will make cuts for free or a very low cost. And will have samples of material they stock as well as catalog of what can be ordered.
If a suppler asks you what alloy, stick with 1100, 3003, or 5052. This is the most common and cheaper alloys used for common fabrication and decorative use.
A supply house should be able to supply a brite finish or a matte. Sone can even offer one side enameled (sheets) or anodized.