Natural fireplace, made of fireclay and solid ceramic bricks, made by molding. Appearance such a portal leaves much to be desired. The fireplace needs to be lined with artificial and natural stone. Exist general rules and recommendations related to selection and installation finishing material.
What stone is used for facing a fireplace?
External walls fireplace are not subject to the same thermal load as the inner surface of the hearth. The heating temperature, as a rule, does not exceed 80°C. Therefore, the stone for facing the fireplace should not be heat resistant.
The following requirements apply to the material:
- Beautiful appearance.
- Color spectrum.
- Weight restrictions.
- Ease of installation and subsequent operation.
Types of artificial stone
The term “artificial stone” refers to a whole group of finishing materials. Includes fine crumbs rock, polyester resins and other fillers.Budget versions artificial stone for facing the fireplace, made of colored concrete or gypsum. In appearance, the material is almost identical to natural stone.
Artificial facing stone for a fireplace has the following characteristics and features:
- Heat resistance.
- Beautiful appearance.
- Cheapness.
- Easy to install.
- Light weight.
This is where the advantages of fireplaces lined with artificial stone end. It's time to move on to the disadvantages:
- Susceptibility of the material to mechanical damage. Any accidental impact will damage the surface, which is especially important to consider when laying and subsequently firing the fireplace.
- Inconvenience during operation - the uneven structure of the material is difficult to clean. Judging by the reviews, dirt and soot get clogged into the pores of the material. To avoid problems when decorating a fireplace with artificial stone, its surface is immediately coated with a special heat-resistant varnish.
Fireplaces lined with artificial stone are cheaper, approximately 70%, taking into account the cost of paying for the services of a mason. Work gets done faster. This option is indispensable when cladding structures in rooms with restrictions regarding the load on the floor.
Types of natural stone
Natural stone for facing a fireplace is best option finishing: characterized by beautiful appearance and long service life. The following types of natural stone are suitable for finishing a fireplace:- Marble – ready-made portals and facing slabs are offered. Cladding a fireplace with marble, one of the most labor-intensive processes. For marble tiles, produce a special adhesive with high adhesion and adhesive strength to the surface.
Before laying, the surface of the brick is treated with a primer, which includes marble or granite chips. The thickness of the marble does not exceed 1 cm. Compliance with the proportion is necessary to reduce the load on brickwork.
- Granite is a noble material. Manufacturers offer ready-made portals and tiles with patterns and inclusions, as well as in the traditional black color. Finishing with granite, like marble, requires highly qualified masters Doing the work yourself is not recommended.
Granite and marble are almost eternal materials: wear-resistant, maintaining a beautiful appearance and strength throughout the entire period of operation.
- Slate is a stone in the form of slabs and cobblestones. Slate finishing is popular due to the strength of the stone, its long term operation and beautiful colors.
- Shell rock is a porous stone with beautiful texture. Disadvantage: susceptibility to mechanical damage. Decorative inserts are mainly made from shell rock. Soot quickly accumulates on the surface. After facing, the stone requires mandatory treatment with protective compounds.
- Rubble stone is actually a cobblestone used for cladding facades, fences and expensive construction. Rubble stone is used to line fireplace portals longer than with any other material. Among analogues, it is relatively inexpensive, and with high-quality cladding, it creates a unique pattern.
- Limestone is a common name that combines several types of natural stone. The advantage of the breed is that it is easy to process due to its soft structure. Limestone cladding is made using both broken pieces and specially made tiles.
- Onyx is a mineral considered semiprecious stone. Elite fireplaces are lined with onyx. The advantage of the stone is that it is able to transmit light through itself, while the walls of the mineral begin to emit a soft yellow light. Onyx is an expensive elite material, and an experienced craftsman will be able to create a portal of unique beauty.
- Sandstone – budget material, mined in quarries. Fireplaces are rarely lined with sandstone, due to the absorption of soot and dust. To make a mantelpiece, polished stone is used. After treatment, there are no chips or potholes on the surface of the sandstone, which makes it easier to operate and keep the shelf clean.
- Quartzite is a natural type of stone, characterized by durability and beautiful appearance. Small cobblestones are used for heaters in sauna stove. When heated, no harmful substances are released. Quartzite does not absorb unpleasant odors. To remove soot, simply wipe the surface of the material with a damp sponge.
- Travertine is another durable material. It combines strength with a soft structure. For cutting, a regular one will do. Circular Saw. The advantage of travertine is its unique golden color. The stone does not absorb water and does not slip like marble or granite.
The cost of facing a fireplace with stone depends entirely on the choice of facing material. An expensive solution is the use of onyx, granite and marble. A budget option is to use rubble, sandstone and limestone.
How to cover the surface of a fireplace with stone
The technology of facing the fireplace with natural stone pays great attention to preparatory work. Already on initial stage, the professionalism of the cladding master becomes obvious. Before starting any finishing works, the veneerer performs two mandatory steps:- Determination of the pattern - the rules of cladding require that even before the start of finishing work, the general pattern must be determined, taking into account the characteristics of the material. Torn stone, also called wild stone, has uneven edges and is not the same thickness, which will need to be taken into account during further installation.
Wild stone is selected in such a way as to ensure smooth transitions and uniformity of the pattern. Some craftsmen initially lay out the future cladding on the floor to get general idea about what the fireplace will look like after finishing. - Rejection - for cladding you need a stone that has a beautiful structure, without chips or visible damage. All stones that do not meet these requirements are rejected.
As experience shows, up to 20-30% of the total time required for facing a fireplace is spent on determining the pattern and rejecting it. Only after this do they move on to the next stage of work: surface preparation.
Flexible stone, like marble, granite and onyx, is made in the form of slabs, which greatly facilitates the cladding process. Manufacturers offering finished products, often, on the back side the direction that is followed when gluing the slabs to the fireplace is marked.
Preparing the fireplace surface
The next feature of cladding is the correct preparation of the masonry surface. Natural stone creates a strong load. If you do not prepare the brickwork properly, over time, the material will simply fall away.Preparation of the base for cladding includes the following:
- All sagging and irregularities left during brick laying are removed from the surface.
- In some cases, a reinforcing mesh is attached.
- The masonry is treated with a special primer, which includes marble or granite chips. The primer ensures strong adhesion of the stone to the surface.
The use of artificial stone in the decoration of fireplaces is a budget option. After a few years, even with high-quality work, the surface of the material may become covered with cracks due to constant temperature changes. To prevent this from happening, use thermal insulation. Thermal insulation is glued directly to the brick and prevents the destruction of artificial stone.
Mixtures for stone cladding
There are many blends to choose from different compositions, intended for specific purposes. When deciding which adhesive to choose, consider the following aspects:- Fireplace surface temperature - for cladding around the firebox, special heat-resistant mixtures that can withstand heating up to 300-350°C will be required. High-temperature adhesive compositions are expensive, therefore, their use is limited to the area of the outbreak.
- The dimensions of the stone are on the bags with mixtures; it is separately indicated how much weight it can withstand adhesive composition. For marble and granite, a special adhesive is made that can withstand heavy loads.
- Type of material - artificial stone is often placed on a solution containing gypsum fillers. For cladding natural rock, glue with the addition of clay and plasticizers is used.
When choosing a coating composition, follow the manufacturer's recommendations indicated on the packaging.
Grouting stone joints
Grout (joint) for seams has several characteristics:- Heat resistance - when heated and cooled, the grout does not lose elasticity and does not crumble.
- Thickness - unlike the standard grout used for tiles, the grout for stone is applied in a layer several centimeters thick. After drying, due to special plasticizers, cracking of the seams does not occur.
- Colors.
The grout is applied using a special gun. The work is carried out carefully. Excess composition is removed with a damp sponge.
How to care for stone cladding
Soot on the lining is an unpleasant but integral aspect of using a fireplace. The appearance of soot is taken into account when choosing a finishing material and carrying out work to protect the surface after facing with stone.Be sure to carry out work on applying a special heat-resistant varnish or impregnation. The compositions are completely transparent and leave no traces behind. The coating closes the pores of the stone and gives it soot- and soot-repellent properties.
There are compositions for cleaning and restoring the coating. After 2-3 years of intensive use, the portal inevitably loses its original attractiveness and the stone becomes dull. After treatment, the appearance is restored.
The stone portal is washed with a damp sponge without the use of abrasive cleaners and materials.
Before deciding to make a stone portal, take into account all the advantages and disadvantages of finishing. Additional material costs and the need to invite a qualified specialist lead to the fact that some customers refuse additional cladding of a brick structure.
The advantages of finishing with natural or artificial stone are the beautiful appearance and prestige acquired by the fireplace immediately after finishing the facing work. The costs are completely justified and justified.
The fireplace is a place for family gatherings, warm and cozy corner, conducive to calm conversation and stories about daily affairs. This oasis of peace and comfort attracts everyone at home. But before you settle down in front of the fireplace in a comfortable soft chair, you will have to work hard to create that atmosphere of well-being and harmony that this indispensable attribute of any country house. One of the stages of building a family hearth is facing fireplaces. The style of the room and the durability of this interior element largely depend on how and with what the façade of the fireplace is finished.
Finishing a fireplace with stone is one of the most popular cladding methods and there are several reasons for this.
- Such fireplaces are very beautiful, because no material can compare with natural stone and its unsurpassed attractiveness and aesthetics.
- When heated, natural stone slabs do not emit any smoke or toxic substances, leaving the indoor air clean and fresh.
- A natural monolith can withstand almost any physical exercise(beats, mechanical damage etc.).
- This facing material has high heat resistance.
- Natural stone can be processed in various ways, giving it the shape that you like, which means you can create your own image and style in your home, once again emphasizing your impressiveness and individuality.
Selection of facing stone
In principle, fireplaces can be decorated with almost any natural stone, because this material, in any case, has all the properties that have just been listed. The main advantage of natural stone is its design capabilities. But regarding durability, then approximate dates fireplace services from various kinds stones may vary significantly. So, for example, a fireplace made of limestone or colored marble will begin to “age” after 30-70 years, and final destruction may occur after 100 or 600 years. This figure may vary depending on the conditions in which the product is located and how it was properly cared for.
Most often, granite and marble are used for cladding the façade of a fireplace. Granite- a strong and fairly durable rock, it is well processed and polished, but its cost is quite high, since the process of extracting this stone is labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Marble It is no less popular than granite, because its unique pattern is very beautiful and interesting. It is not for nothing that in ancient times various statues, columns and even entire houses were made from marble.
Marble cladding combines the beauty of a natural pattern with maximum durability
But in addition to marble and granite, various sandstones, limestones, tuff and other materials can be used for cladding fireplace groups.
I would like to highlight stove stone (talc chloride) in a separate line. This mineral has a very high heat capacity (almost 2.5 times higher than that of ordinary ceramic bricks). It warms up much faster and retains heat longer.
A fireplace lined with sandstone looks unique - this material is much cheaper than granite and marble
If you do not have the financial ability to purchase natural stone, then facing the fireplace with artificial stone is great alternative natural materials. This type of finishing will not only save significantly cash, but will allow you to create a beautiful fireplace, which in its aesthetic appeal will be no worse than a fireplace lined with a natural monolith.
Technology of facing a fireplace with natural stone
Finishing a fireplace with decorative stone is a labor-intensive process, and its features are determined primarily by the physical properties of the material and some nuances of its production technology.
Surface preparation
- first you need to thoroughly clean the surface of the brickwork from dust and various inclusions;
- we deepen the masonry seams to a depth of at least 1 cm;
- covering the surface of the fireplace reinforcement mesh with cells 5x5 cm.
- Let's start adjusting the facing material
On the floor, we draw a figure with chalk that exactly matches one of the vertical walls of the fireplace (the shape and size must be absolutely identical) and begin laying out all the cladding elements, matching them to each other in color and thickness.
Important: if the discrepancies in the thickness of the tiles are significant, and they themselves have an uneven structure, then it is not at all necessary to strive for them to fit perfectly with each other - anyway, their surface is curved and the overall mass of the fireplace will look harmonious.
If the surface of the material you have chosen is smooth, then it is better to discard tiles that differ in thickness from the rest, because otherwise you will have to change the thickness of the adhesive layer in those places where a similar slab will be laid.
Important: attach the thickest tiles first, using a minimal amount of glue. This unique guide will help you in your future work.
Nuances
Cladding a fireplace with your own hands is a fairly simple process and anyone can do it. However, this work still has its own nuances.
Small pieces remaining after trimming are placed in inconspicuous places, for example, near internal corners or at the very bottom of the fireplace.
If the natural stone you use for cladding has irregular shape, then it must be marked before installation. After adjusting all the elements to each other, its number is written in the center of each tile with crayons, and the numbers of neighboring tiles are written along its edges. This way you won’t get confused about which tile should be in which place.
Fitting and marking of natural stone tiles
Laying natural stone
The installation process should begin from the bottom corners from bottom to top. Then we lay out the top horizontal row, and after that - all the other rows from left to right, from top to bottom.
Sequence of gluing tiles
If the surface of your fireplace is more than 50 cm high, and the tile you have chosen as a facing is quite thick (up to 10 mm), then it is advisable to use S-wire fasteners, which will add additional strength and reliability to the entire structure. This hook is fixed to the reinforcing mesh, and tiles are installed on its lower edge. Such fastenings should be used approximately every half meter of height, but in general, the thicker facing tiles, the more often.
You don't need to start grouting the joints too early. than two days after finishing finishing work. You must first check in an inconspicuous place or on a piece of tile whether the grout leaves any marks, so as not to spoil the appearance of your fireplace.
Finishing fireplaces with artificial stone is similar to the process just described for laying natural stone tiles.
Decorating a fireplace with tiles is a classic of the genre
Fireplace tiling in last years has become no less popular than cladding with natural stone, because tiles are not only beautiful and stylish, but also modern.
Terracotta, majolica, porcelain stoneware and clinker are used as facing materials. All these types of finishing materials, although they have similar features, still differ quite significantly from each other.
Majolica - This is a pressed ceramic tile with a pattern, covered with glaze. Due to this, it has a bright shine and gloss, which wonderfully complements rooms made in classic style.
Fireplace covered with majolica and terracotta
Terracotta- ceramic tiles without glaze.
Porcelain tiles- a finishing material similar in properties to natural stone. This “similarity” is associated not only with external data, but also with the characteristics of the material.
Clinker- thick ceramic tiles made of clay with various additives.
Since the main component ceramic tiles- this is clay, it does not affect the efficiency of the fireplace in any way, although it slightly increases the heating time of the heating device.
Preparation for installation
The surface of the fireplace, of course, needs to be carefully prepared and cleaned of all kinds of contaminants. Then we attach the mesh. It is best to secure it to wire tabs left in the joints of the brickwork. But if they are not there, then you can use ordinary nails up to 10 cm long with metal washers on them. These nails are driven directly into the seams.
The surface prepared and covered with reinforcing mesh is leveled using adhesive solution, intended for gluing ceramic tiles. Apply glue using a spatula. When the surface is completely dry, you can proceed directly to laying the tiles.
Laying ceramic tiles
Before starting work, it is advisable to mark using a regular rope with a weight, which can be secured to a nail. It is along this line that we will conduct the installation process.
Correct placement plumb line when installing tiles
You need to start from the bottom row. Using a notched trowel, apply the glue directly to the wall with the expectation that we will lay one or two tiles on it. Press them tightly with your hands, if necessary, you can tap them lightly rubber mallet. We put the scraps and leftovers last.
The process of installing tiles on the surface of the fireplace
Special plastic crosses, stuck two on each side, will ensure constant gaps. Special attention Pay attention to ensuring that the position of all tiles corresponds to the marking lines, and also to ensure that they all lie in the same plane, which can be checked with a regular strip. If deficiencies are discovered, they must be eliminated immediately, since it will no longer be possible to correct errors after the glue has hardened.
Remains of the adhesive solution must be removed immediately after installation is completed, and after about a day you can start grouting the joints. For these purposes they use mineral compounds the most different colors. They are applied using a spatula or grater. After carefully filling all the seams with a fugue, they are leveled with a damp sponge, passing carefully without much pressure along the seam.
After 15-20 minutes, the surface of the tiles can be cleaned of fugue residues with a clean cloth, but it must take at least a day for final drying.
Tiles for facing fireplaces are a universal finishing material that is ideal not only for heating devices, but also for finishing rooms.
And so that you can see the possibilities of ceramic tiles, natural and artificial stone, as well as how the decoration of fireplaces transforms the room in the photos below, we recommend that you look even before you decide to do the renovation.
The solid decorative decoration of the fireplace with marble slabs is reminiscent of royal chambers
Fireplace trimmed with artificial stone tiles
Option for facing the fireplace with ceramic tiles
Finishing with artificial stone allows you to harmoniously fit the fireplace into a high-tech interior
Natural stone in the decoration of the fireplace: like in a medieval knight's castle
Fireplace decoration with ceramics stylized as natural stone
A classic fireplace lined with marble turns the room into an antique palace
Natural stone retains the heat generated by burning a fireplace for a long time and “gives” it to users for a long time
Fireplace with tiles - cozy ethnic style
A home fireplace in itself is a wonderful addition to the interior of your home. Of course, in modern apartments in multi-storey buildings it is not possible to install a real wood-burning fireplace, but it is quite possible to replace it with an electric one.
Happy owners country houses are in a better situation. The design of private houses makes it possible to install both a wood-burning fireplace and a gas fireplace with an imitation of the flame of a fire from wood. In order to best fit it into the interior of the house, you can finish it with stone to harmonize with the style of the room in which it is located.
For this purpose, both natural and artificial materials are used. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Entrust the facing of the fireplace with decorative stone to professionals, this will guarantee a high-quality result and safety for the residents of the house.
Fireplace decoration with natural stone
To decorate a fireplace with natural stone, the following types are most often used: marble, granite, shell rock, sandstone, soapstone, granite ceramics. Each of them has its own characteristics of operation, texture, and natural pattern. If you are not limited on funds and want to add style, nobility and elegance to your home, pay attention to this option for finishing fireplaces.
Marble for fireplace cladding
This noble natural stone is considered the most common material for finishing fireplaces. Featuring a wide range of shades of grey, green, white, pink, black and brown colors, you should not have any difficulty choosing. The pattern on the cut depends on the structure of the stone and the method of cutting it. Marble can be recognized by the characteristic shades of inclusions, stripes and veins. Various ways processing allows you to obtain different textures of the material: aged, smooth, glossy.
Marble goes well with any other materials used in construction. The most profitable option for using stone in finishing is considered to be ground marble. Almost all types of this rock are suitable for grinding into crumbs of various fractions, from which mosaics or filler for finishing materials are produced. The most popular types Marbles are black and white, monochromatic without interspersed with other shades.
Fireplace trim with granite
This is the most durable and reliable type of natural stone. In addition, it is durable and has an attractive appearance. A granite fireplace fits harmoniously into any interior. The texture of the material has a uniform grain size and bright patterns, which make it possible to unmistakably identify granite in it.
The shade of the stone directly depends on the mining area. It is thanks to its durability that granite has enjoyed its popularity for many centuries. History confirms some facts about the use of granite fireplaces in estates and castles that are more than 100 years old. In addition, it is worth noting that the material can be processed without any particular difficulties, making it possible to implement various design ideas. The combination of granite with mosaics and various tiles looks quite impressive.
Advantages of fireplaces made of marble and granite:
Soapstone lining
This is a modern finishing material that has gained popularity relatively recently. The layered structure guarantees a high level of conductivity and heat retention (accumulates it on the surface). In ancient times, people believed that soapstone could give a person strength and health, since it emits heat that matches that of humans. Among physical properties stone, it is worth noting its special density and low thermal expansion. These qualities allow it to be used for lining fireplaces.
Sandstone fireplace trim
This natural material is very often used for finishing fireplaces, as it has the ability to withstand high temperatures. In addition, it is durable and has a long service life. Its use makes it possible to embody original design ideas.
The advantage of sandstone is its ease of processing and cutting. Also, the material has wide choose shades that allows you to create unique paintings. Sandstone combines environmental friendliness, decorativeness, practicality, and also affordable cost.
Granite ceramics
This is a decorative stone for facing a fireplace, which is made from natural clay. The appearance of the finished product resembles the structure and color of marble or granite. The main difference from ceramic tiles is the basis for production. For the manufacture of granite ceramics, clay is used, which has increased strength. It is this component that ensures the reliability and strength of the material, immunity to mechanical stress, and resistance to high temperatures. During long service life, granite ceramics do not lose their original appearance, maintaining their shine and color.
Shell fireplace
This is a unique natural material that helps create a unique decoration of the fireplace with decorative stone. The porous structure of the stone provides a high level of thermal insulation and resistance to temperature fluctuations. Shell rock contains the remains of seashells and mollusks that were fossilized many years ago. To create from stone the required form, it needs to be sanded.
Shell rock is hygroscopic and easy to process. The stone has an airy, porous structure, thanks to which it absorbs moisture and then releases it to the surface. In addition, it is these pores that give shell rock its special strength. Among the decorative features of the material structure, it is worth noting the originality of the patterns.
For cladding fireplaces with natural stone, white and yellow shades of shell rock, which have additional shades, are most often used. The material allows you to cut out various details from it to decorate a decorative item.
Note. Finishing fireplaces with natural stone is suitable for those who are satisfied with the low heat capacity of the material’s surface.
When choosing a finishing material, keep in mind that:
Advantages of natural stone for facing fireplaces:
- Uniqueness of texture, pattern and shades;
- Powerful positive energy;
- Resistance to temperature fluctuations and high humidity levels;
- Can be used on any surface;
- Durability;
- Durability and reliability;
- Environmental friendliness;
- Attractive appearance;
Disadvantages of natural stone:
- Tarnishing of marble and the formation of a mesh on the surface through certain time operation;
- High cost associated with extraction methods;
- Emission of natural radioactive background from granite;
- Sandstone abrasion;
- Shell rock accumulates soot, dirt and dust.
If you look at these shortcomings from the other side, they do not have special significance, compared to the advantages natural materials, and their beauty.
Types of home fireplace designs
- Corner ones are suitable for installation in small rooms, take up little space;
- Wall-mounted options are placed in the center of the room, have a fairly large design, and are more suitable for large rooms.
- The islands have low sides and an internal firebox, above which a hood is mounted to remove smoke;
- Built-in ones have a chimney and masonry walls, which in turn requires the use large quantity material.
Cladding the fireplace with artificial stone
Modern technologies make it possible to create facing materials, which are in no way inferior in performance characteristics to natural ones, and in some cases even surpass them. If you want to decorate the fireplace with stone, but do not have enough money for natural material, turn your attention to imitation. Convenience and ease of use make it possible to bring bold ideas to life.
Advantages of artificial stone for facing a fireplace:
- Ease of processing, the ability to create any shapes and sizes of elements;
- Light weight;
- Possibility of combination with other materials (ceramics, metal, glass);
- Creating an imitation of natural stone finishing.
- Maintaining quality of finish;
- Aesthetic appearance.
Results
For city residents who live in high-rise apartments and want to have a fireplace in the living room, there is an excellent alternative - lining false fireplaces with artificial stone. This simple designs, not requiring complex installation, arrangement of a chimney, construction of heat-resistant walls. Special firewood is used as an imitation of firewood. heating elements. The installation of a biofireplace can be done near, which eliminates the need to supply an additional heat source.
Installing a fireplace in the house helps not only to create an additional source of heating for the room, but also to decorate the interior in an original way. There are many ways to decorate the surface of a fireplace. Most of them can be used without help professional craftsmen. And we will tell you how to do this in the article.
Tile finish
For this cladding method, you will need a heat-resistant material with high level thermal conductivity. Porcelain stoneware or clinker tiles are suitable. To avoid cracking, it is advisable to take small plates and attach them to glue with a high level of heat resistance.
The options for finishing the fireplace and its decorative decoration are varied in the patterns and designs created.
The advantages of the material include:
- ease of installation;
- low maintenance requirements;
- resistance to elevated temperatures;
- variety in color and texture.
At the beginning of facing work it is necessary to prepare standard set tools. The surface should also be treated. All masonry seams are unstitched, the walls of the fireplace are cleaned of dirt and treated with a primer. To strengthen the structure, it is necessary to make reinforcement by securing the mesh with screws.
To lay the tiles, prepare a solution of water and heat-resistant glue. Work starts from the lower level. Glue is applied to the wall at the rate of 3-4 plates and leveled with a spatula. Having placed the tile, you need to tap it with a rubber hammer and check for level.
Protrusions and corners are finished using special devices, and to attach the second row you need to secure the crosses. After completion of the work, the surface of the tile is treated with a heat-resistant varnish.
Brick finishing
If you are looking for an answer to the question of what is the best way to decorate a fireplace, then you don’t have to think long and leave the exposed brickwork without decorative ornaments. But you still have to work hard. Firstly, you need to more clearly highlight the coating by applying a hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid solution.
And secondly, it is advisable to carefully sew the seams. To do this with outside masonry, a space of up to 7 mm is left unfilled with mortar. They need to be treated with grout, but only after the glue mixture has dried. It is advisable to sand the surface of the brick. The originality comes from chamfering the edges.
Stone cladding
The use of natural or artificial stone, as can be seen in the photo of the fireplace decoration, will create a very durable coating. Along with this advantage, the simplicity of masonry should also be noted. After all, the craftsman will not be required to create perfectly even seams. On the contrary, some carelessness can become the highlight of the decoration.
But you shouldn’t forget about the disadvantage - the material is quite heavy, which complicates the laying a little. Although a technique similar to fixing tiles is used. You just need to seal the seams differently.
Among the most commonly used materials are:
Shell rock is an inexpensive stone that is easy to install and affordable. However, its softness creates a risk of damage, and the presence of pores leads to the accumulation of soot in them.
Limestone and sandstone allow you to choose any style decorative design, but their strength is low, they strongly absorb soot.
Granite – can be used both in its raw form and after polishing. Color palette diverse. The stone is durable and resistant to detergents.
Slate is an aesthetic and durable material, but it is demanding the right choice style.
Marble is distinguished by its decorative diversity and the ability to decorate a fireplace in interiors decorated in many styles.
Using plaster
Finishing a fireplace with your own hands is possible by applying plaster. This method is very simple and does not require large financial investments. Cladding does not require strengthening the foundation of the fireplace, and after some time the surface can be easily updated or another decorative solution can be chosen.
You need to choose heat-resistant mixtures that include fixing components, for example, clay, lime, asbestos additives, hemp and straw. If the plaster contains fibers, then its reinforcing properties increase by several orders of magnitude.
And for decorative purposes, the surface must subsequently be painted with heat-resistant paint materials.
The plaster is applied using the following technology:
- removing old coating and cleaning from dirt;
- moisturizing the walls of the structure;
- jointing masonry joints up to 10 mm deep for better adhesion;
- heating the base;
- fastening reinforcing mesh with nails or screws;
- diluting the mixture and applying it to the surface;
- drying the plaster for 2-3 days with periodic heating of the fireplace;
- applying decorative paint or putty to the surface.
Decoration with tiles
These are decorative tiles made from ceramics or clay. Their shape is box-shaped. This cladding ensures quick heating of the fireplace and long-term heat retention. The coating is durable, environmentally friendly, moisture and heat resistant.
With the help of tiles you can hide structural defects and strengthen it. But at the same time, such decorative decoration of the fireplace has some disadvantages:
- high cost;
- complexity of masonry;
- heavy weight of products.
At the first stage of cladding, it is necessary to prepare the surface. It is cleaned, the seams are deepened by 10 mm, and self-tapping screws are attached to them. The plane is primed, and then the mesh is attached. For quality work, the level is checked and then the beacons are fixed.
Used for masonry clay mixture. During the cooking process, you need to sift the clay, removing lumps and stones. The clay is filled with water and kept in this form for 24 hours. Then you need to mix clay with sand in a proportion suitable for the heat resistance level of the fireplace.
After determining the pattern and order of laying, work is carried out in the following order:
- pre-soaked samples are applied to the wall for testing;
- The tiles are fixed from the corner, and the solution is applied to their reverse side;
- Pins are attached to the holes in the tiller, a wire is fixed to them, which is tied to the mesh and to the masonry with a self-tapping screw;
- The pumps are connected together with staples, and the space between them is closed with mortar.
Wood finishing
This option may not seem very successful from the standpoint fire safety. But it is not so. Thanks to the naturalness of the wood, it turns out very beautiful finish fireplace.
It is necessary to use heat-resistant species - alder or ash with a special coating against fire. It is also advisable to finish with wood only individual elements structures that are not in contact with the firebox. And cover it with a protective screen.
Cladding a fireplace is a very important stage in the interior design of a room. By being creative using original materials, you can decorate your home and make it more comfortable.
Photo of fireplace decoration
Cladding a fireplace with decorative stone is quite common these days. Firstly, it's cheaper.
By parameters decorative elements are not inferior to natural ones. This article will be devoted to facing with this element.
Cladding is a final job that can ruin everything, so it must be done correctly. You can watch a video on how to do this work.
Instructions on the rules of work will be given.
First you should look at the photo and choose desired design. This will determine the color and size of the elements.
After that, you make their purchase and you can get to work. The fireplace can be active or a portal.
Our instructions apply to both options. We will make reservations where necessary
Surface preparation
Cladding fireplaces with decorative stone begins with this work. We need to make a base for installation.
It will also determine the quality of surface bonding. If this is not done correctly, then the durability of the structure will be significantly reduced.
For the portal, it will be enough to clean the plane from the previous coating and cover it with a primer.
For the current structure, everything is somewhat different:
- We completely clean the surface of the previous coating. To do this, use a metal brush.
The previous tiles and plaster should also be removed. You can also use a chisel. But the surface must be completely clean; - Now we need to deepen the seams. This will largely determine the quality of the bond.
They should be deepened by about one cm. For this we use a chisel and a hammer; - To ensure a high-quality connection between the solution and the wall, we will need to pull the mesh onto the plane. To do this, you need to drive nails into the seam.
If the masonry is strong, then we make holes using a hammer drill and then screw in the screws; - We coat the surface with a primer. It will ensure a high-quality connection of materials.
To do this, use a brush or spray gun; - After this, we cut the mesh to the required size and hang it. Just don’t forget to put washers on the hats. They do not allow the mesh to fall off.
- We inspect and determine the level of cladding application. To do this, use a plumb line and building level.
After completing the work, the fireplace must have the correct geometric shape. We install beacons to determine the height.
Preparation of the solution
Decorative stone for facing fireplaces is best, of course, laid on the mortar from which the masonry was made. It will connect with the highest quality and increase durability.
At this time, there are generally three types of solution, from which you can choose exactly what you need.
Clay mortar
This mixture the best way suitable for finishing a fireplace. It fully meets all parameters.
Will withstand high temperatures and is resistant to temperature changes, but it is much more difficult to prepare.
So:
- We start by determining the fat content of the clay. The proportion with sand will depend on this.
This is one of the most important parameters. We make a dozen balls with different proportions. And let them dry completely;
Attention: When you make balls, do not forget to number them and write down what proportion was used in each individual case.
- After complete drying, we launch them onto a hard surface from a height of one meter. One that will not break or deform and will have the correct proportion;
- Now we take the clay and pass it through a sieve. We need to remove the weight of debris and stones.
The mixture must be clean; - Now put it in a container and fill it with water. Leave it in this form for a day.
The material should become plastic and sour. Set the desired viscosity; - After a day we begin to add sand to the required proportion and knead the mixture. If necessary, add water.
There should be a viscosity of thick sour cream. Knead all the lumps with your hands; - Now we need to make the solution homogeneous. A drill with an attachment is best for this.
It is this that will make the entire mass completely homogeneous;
Attention: If you use in a fireplace solid fuel, then it is worth adding about 10 percent of fireclay powder to the solution. It will allow the masonry to withstand higher temperatures.
Cement mortar
This solution is also used for laying a fireplace. Only if you are using solid fuel then it will not be as durable as in the clay solution issue.
So:
- First we fill in the sand and then add cement to it in the required proportion;
- Stir until dry and ensure uniform distribution of components;
- Now add water in the required amount and mix at the same time;
- We bring the composition to homogeneity using a drill with an attachment.
Dry mixture solution
Decorative stone for facing the fireplace is also placed on a solution of dry mixture. Its price varies quite a bit, but it is perfect for attaching elements to a portal.
The sequence of its preparation is as follows:
- Before use, it is best to pass the dry mixture through a sieve, removing all debris;
- After this, you need to pour it into a container. The best way to do this is to use a plastic paint bucket.
It has an edge without edges and a flat bottom. It is the best way to knead; - Add water and mix at the same time. Complete uniformity can be achieved using a drill with a hen. Bring the mixture to a thick sour cream state.
Making a fireplace surround
Now after proper preparation plane and the mortar made, you can begin finishing the fireplace with stone. For this there are rules that must be followed.
All work is done entirely by hand:
- Before laying the parts, spray the mounting plane. To do this, make the solution more liquid, at the level of liquid sour cream, and spray it onto the mounting plane using a ladle.
This work is not performed for finishing portals; - Cladding fireplaces with decorative stone begins from the bottom row and from the corner and then moves upward;