How to veneer a brick fireplace with your own hands. Do-it-yourself stone fireplace cladding

20.02.2017
3015
Pechnik (Moscow)

Finishing fireplaces allows you to use almost all known materials and coatings, to realize any idea and idea. In order to get a quality result, we suggest that you read the instructions, tips and photos located in this article.

Finishing with ceramic tiles

Finishing fireplaces and stoves can be done with ceramic tiles. We will need the following tools and materials:

Building level and plumb;
Ceramic tiles of one thickness;
Clay mortar;
Putty knife:
Bulgarian;
Crosses and pencil;
Mesh and adhesive solution.

Finishing instructions:

We prepare the surface and clean it well, eliminating the weight of unevenness and roughness;
We prepare the clay solution;
Evenly apply the clay mixture to the entire surface of the frame;
We lay the construction mesh, which is necessary to create a good adhesion of the tile to the surface;
We lay out the tiles and visually assemble the picture, pattern;
Thicker tiles should be attached from below;
We prepare the adhesive solution;
We start laying from the bottom corner;
We apply glue to each element of the product, fix it on the surface and press it tightly for several minutes;
In the necessary places, we cut the tiles with a grinder;
We remove the excess solution with a spatula after partial drying;
After complete drying, we produce a joint joint;
To give additional shine, you can use various means, which are based on wax.

This option is most often used for finishing decorative installations or structures made of the same material. In order to complete the finish, we need:

Drywall;
self-tapping screws;
Corners and fasteners;
Building level and marker;
metal profiles.

Finishing materials for fireplaces allow you to realize any idea and do it on your own.

Finishing a fireplace insert with your own hands and a plasterboard portal:

pre-prepared metal carcass we sheathe with sheets of drywall, taking all the necessary measurements and cutting out the details manually;
We fix each sheet on self-tapping screws and check all corners with a building level;
From drywall, if desired, you can make such additional decorative elements as: columns, shelves, countertops. To do this, you must first make a metal frame and sheathe it accordingly with plasterboard;
The back walls are covered with special heat-reflecting materials.

Important: in the manufacture of a three-dimensional structure, the sheathing must be done in several layers.

On the last step All seams must be well sealed. special solution, and then in the same way apply it to the entire surface in several layers.

Artificial and natural stone

Finishing the fireplace insert with artificial or natural stone- this is a rather complicated and painstaking process, for which we need the following materials and tools:

The preparatory stage is carried out according to a scheme similar to finishing with tiles;
The stone is laid out on the floor and selected according to thickness, size and pattern;
For fixing, mastic or tile glue is used;
Each element must fit snugly to the surface;
After drying, the seams are processed, rubbed and filled with a colored solution.

Brick in decoration

For those who do not know how to finish a wood-burning fireplace, we offer one of the simplest solutions - brick.

If your fireplace already has standard brickwork, as an additional decor, you can use special varnish and colorful solutions that not only make appearance installations are well-groomed and stylish, but also reliably protect the material itself from sudden changes in temperature and significantly strengthen it, preventing all kinds of cracks from forming.

Brick joints can be additionally filled with a solution of any color.

Paint and varnish coatings

Finishing fireplace inserts with special refractory paint is one of the easiest options.

Necessary materials:

Dye;
Brush;
Clay mortar;
Primer;
Putty knife.

Finishing execution:

We prepare the surfaces and apply a layer of putty;
After complete drying, we re-mash;
We apply the clay composition in two layers, so that the previous one is partially dry;
We prime the surface and let it dry completely during the day;
Using a brush, apply paint in two to four layers.

Additionally, after painting, a special varnish coating can be applied in order to achieve maximum smoothness and a visually perfect structure.

Wood use

Natural wood can be used as a facing material. In order for it to retain its original appearance for a long time, it is necessary to impregnate it with a special antiseptic.

Wooden elements are also fixed on the surface, after which they are covered with various varnishes and other coatings to give the surface a well-groomed appearance and smoothness.

Finishing fireplaces should be done in such a way that the design of the portal and the firebox should be in complete harmony with the overall interior of the living room or any other room.

The main purpose of the fireplace can be considered to maintain the air temperature for a comfortable stay. But in some cases, it is an integral part of the interior of the room. It means that general form and the style of the room are determined by the shape and cladding of the portal, and its design should be given Special attention. Finishing a fireplace with your own hands is possible not only for experienced craftsmen, but also for those who have minimal knowledge and skills in the construction industry. To make the hearth look attractive on the outside, you can use both natural finishing materials and artificial ones.

Do-it-yourself fireplace decoration

tiling

Tiles are widely used in the design of fireplaces. This is explained by the fact that the material has a high thermal conductivity. For work, they most often use porcelain stoneware, glazed ceramic tiles or gypsum volumetric tiles that imitate natural materials.

tiling

Facing tiles used as a fireplace decoration have a number of differences:

high temperature resistance,
ease of use and care,
variety of colors,
the ability to create different styles of design.

Fireplace decoration ceramic tiles takes place in several stages:

Preparing tools. To carry out a quality finish, you must have the appropriate tools: building level, pencil, spatulas, sponges, rubber hammer.
Surface preparation for finishing. The surface needs to be cleaned various pollution, carry out primer treatment. In some cases, it is recommended to install a metal mesh. This will prevent coloring of the bricks that make up the fireplace.
Fitting the material. Before laying, the tiles are laid out on the floor, collecting the future composition, and adjusting the size of the tiles.
Preparation of the adhesive solution. Laying is carried out using heat-resistant glue, the preparation of which is carried out according to the instructions.
Laying tiles. Work starts from the bottom of the firebox. Glue is applied to the surface of the hearth, then the tile is applied and pressed against the base. It is sealed with a light tap of a rubber mallet. Finishing of protrusions and corners is carried out with special elements.
Material processing. To protect the finished surface from soot and dirt, a heat-resistant varnish is used, which covers the entire finished surface.

Related article: Roof rails for the kitchen - their classification and installation rules

Decorating with ceramic tiles

stone fireplace trim

Stone is more often used for wall decoration, but can be used in the design of fireplaces. It not only gives a solid appearance to the hearth, but also retains heat. Stone differs from other finishing materials in its increased strength and in the fact that when laying it is not required to leave even seams. But the severity of the material and the high cost are its main disadvantages. Stone laying is carried out using the same technology as tiles.

Finishing the hearth with natural and artificial stone

The design of fireplaces is carried out using the following materials:

Shell rock. This is one of the cheap minerals that have a decent appearance. Its disadvantage is the porous structure, which becomes clogged with soot within a short time, which leads to a decrease in attractiveness.
Granite. Use raw and processed material. Both types look great on the fireplace. Ease of care is the main advantage of the material. It is not afraid of scratches, so various detergents can be used during operation.
Marble. The material that is used most often for decorating fireplaces. Natural beauty, affordable price and a variety of varieties of marble - this is only part of the advantages that are inherent in the material.

Fireplace plastering

Facing the hearth with plastering can be considered a quick and inexpensive finishing option. After all, the cost of the material is available to everyone, and the work process does not require special knowledge and skills. In addition, plastering does not make the main masonry of the fireplace heavier, therefore, it is not necessary to strengthen the base. It is also easy to change in a short time color design, a new fireplace style is created.
The main condition for a quality finish is right choice plasters. It must be heat-resistant with the addition of special fibers. These conditions are met by adding clay, lime, hemp or straw to the usual solution. The decorativeness of the plastered portal is achieved by painting with compositions that are resistant to sudden changes in temperature: from strong heating to the final cooling of the fireplace.

In country houses, fireplaces have always been very popular designs. In any case, any owner thought about building a fireplace in his room. Someone built a real one, someone is limited to a false version - this is already a matter of taste. Still, the days have already passed when, among other things, fireplaces performed an important function of heating the living space.

Each of the options looks great, very original, creates comfort in the room - and in general, a very soulful atmosphere - everyone will agree with this. That is why the decorative finish of the fireplace is an important aspect of housing cladding, you can not even argue with this.

What is the best way to decorate a fireplace today, what options are there? There are many materials, all of them are diverse. Let's talk about this topic in more detail - and you will definitely find something interesting for yourself.

Materials for the construction of fireplaces

Build a fireplace country house today you can use different materials - there are plenty of options. But even in simple city fireplaces there are such designs - this is quite normal.

So, in a private house for construction use:

gas blocks;
foam blocks;
Brick.

Such Construction Materials good for their fire resistance. They respond well even to very high temperatures - because of this they are chosen.

In a situation where the fireplace is built of brick, red material is recommended for use. It perfectly retains heat, outwardly looks more beautiful, aesthetically pleasing.

Also, in construction actively apply such solutions:

If there are no options, you can always use white brick. The decorative finish of the fireplace in this case can also be made of brick. The master can use a brick of different shades - there is nothing complicated about it. It’s just that certain coloring special substances are added to the concrete solution - the result is impressive;
When the structure is built from aerated concrete or foam blocks, it's time to think about how to finish the fireplace, because without a special lining it will not look the best. The materials are fine, they keep the heat perfectly, but aesthetically there is something to work on.

Please note: such materials are quite large - so if you make a mistake in the calculations, the fireplace can turn out to be very large. If this moment is critical, calculate everything in advance.

The master must also remember that fireplaces usually have a chimney. In case you are making a false design, this element is decorative, so anyone can do it. But if the fireplace is real, you won’t be able to do without a high-quality and working chimney. Removing combustion products is vital;
For the construction of the chimney, the same brick is used - this is the easiest. The design assumes the presence of a damper - so that enough air enters the fireplace - then the combustion process will be more productive, of high quality
Building fireplaces from natural stone is a costly task, but if you have the funds, this is a great option.

Especially, if you create a real office in a country house, hunter's room or hall.

Features of fireplace inserts (interior decoration)

If you are interested in what you can finish the fireplace with, you should also learn about something else: what is a firebox. A fireplace is a place where solid substances are burned - it can be wood, coal or some other fuel. Decorative finishing of the fireplace also includes work with the firebox, but more on that below.

To finish this part of the design, apply today:

Brick;
Drywall sheets;
The stone is natural.

Plasterboard cladding

You can indeed use sheets of drywall to sheathe a fireplace insert (after all, such material can even be - it is durable). But, only if the work is carried out with a false fireplace. However, exceptions to the rules are also allowed. Drywall may be necessary if it is necessary to level the surface in the firebox;
Only a special material can be used in works of this level - moisture-resistant drywall. Some other one is not recommended to be used here;
In the process of work, it is also worth paying attention - if such material is used, the volume of the furnace can be significantly reduced. This happens because the fastening of the sheets is performed on the frame (of course, metal). It is made from a special profile on the surface.

What is used for to carry out installation work:

Need directly material;
Metal profile;
Screwdriver and screws.

Now for the installation details.:

In the course of work, some difficulties may arise - their probability is especially high when there are places in the fireplace that are difficult to access. That is why it is recommended to work with a screwdriver (a tool that functions with batteries);
The fireplace insert is usually sheathed with plasterboard when the size of the insert needs to be reduced - to a large extent. This happens when the fireplace is large - and the owner wants to fix the situation;
If you decide to use sheets of such material, it is important to think over the interior decoration in advance so that the material can be protected from the damaging effects of fire and high temperatures.

This will definitely help you.:

Decorative stone;
A natural stone;
Ceramic tiles (not often used, rather an exception).

When the fireplace insert is lined with drywall, there are usually no difficulties. First, they mount the material, then they start finishing work (here, too, only one's own strength is fully enough).

We use brick

Usually a brick is used in a situation where the fireplace itself is built from this material. The firebox in this situation is erected together with the rest of the structure; there is no need for additional decorative finishing.

In addition, a brick is chosen in the case when the entire fireplace structure was made of another material - which cannot cope with temperature effects in any way (or simply flammable, does not tolerate heat).

Such materials are:

Wood;
Drywall that is not fire resistant.

A chimney is laid out of brick, the firebox itself is inside the structure. And in order to ensure maximum safety, it is important to maintain a certain distance from the fireplace box to the facing brick layer. This interval should be at least 200 (and even better - 250) mm.

Facing with ceramic tiles

If the decorative finish of the fireplace is exactly what you are interested in, you cannot pass by such a wonderful material as ceramic tiles.

In general, it is rarely used for interior decoration of fireboxes, it is attached only to a surface that is flat (usually to drywall, we have already figured out above that its installation is not such a difficult task).

You can easily install ceramic tiles if you have at hand:

Concrete mortar;
Two spatulas;
Myself finishing material;
Cross-shaped plastic beacons (needed so that the seam is even).

Features of the use of ceramic tiles:

The material is highly fire resistant. To perform the installation efficiently, it is best to use a special construction adhesive or concrete mortar.

To be beautiful, the distance between the tiles should be uniform. It is for this that it is worth using cruciform beacons - they are installed between the finishing elements. They are not expensive.

When the installation work on installing the tiles is completed, the seam is usually masked - for this there is a special decorative putty (it can be of different colors - you can easily find the one you want). In general, nothing complicated - while the result will be great.

Decorative exterior finishes for fireplaces

Since fireplaces can be both real and purely decorative (they work with the help of various electrical appliances), the finish options are drastically different. Of course, when the fireplace is just an imitation, there is a completely different approach to the facing process.

What kind materials for finishing fireplaces and stoves can be used? Here is the list:

Glass;
Wood;
Marble;
Porcelain stoneware;
Drywall;
Decorative stone;
Ceramic tiles;
The bassoon is decorative.

Marble and exterior cladding

Decorative fireplace trim with marble - expensive, but very nice solution, aesthetic. The design will acquire a really solid appearance - a great way for the owner to emphasize his high social position;
Today you can buy a fully finished facing for fireplaces - there is a demand, which means you can easily find an offer. Order by the right size- this is also possible with professionals;
The master can use individual parts to assemble the cladding on his own.

Decorating a fireplace with marble is not the best simple task. This process is time-consuming, in addition, it is worth remembering many subtleties and trifles.

For example:

Marble weighs quite a lot. Because of this, its installation on the wall is impossible if the surface was previously sheathed with drywall. However, this rule does not apply to decorative elements, which are provided to the buyer already in a completely finished form;
It is customary to install such natural stone on a brick or some other surface. For this, a concrete solution with various additives is used, or a specialized adhesive.

What are the properties of marble? One can note such:

fire safety;
fire resistance;
Durability;
Strength.

It is also appropriate to add “practicality” here - but many masters will argue about this. The fact is that this finishing material has a very “capricious” surface. It reacts very poorly to the effects of certain detergents, which contain abrasive particles.

In addition, stains may appear on the marble surface over time - but only when the material has been processed poorly.

Finishing the fireplace with plasterboard outside

How to decorate a fireplace? Drywall? Quite a good option, especially since it occurs quite often. Especially when electric fireplaces are sheathed.

The process as a whole looks like that:

First, with the help of profiles, a frame is made - drywall sheets are already fastened to it. After these sheets are plastered (this can help), then a fine finish is performed;
But here it is worth considering such a moment: the fireplace insert should also be lined with drywall;
Decorative stone or bassoon - these options look great from the outside. The installation of materials is very simple on the surface of the fireplace, especially if you use a specialized adhesive in your work.

Timber cladding, glass application

It is no secret that the tree is famous for its beautiful texture. Decorating a fireplace with such material is quite realistic, lining is perfect for this.

Installation of the material is possible on any surface - there would be a desire.

And for installation you need the following:

Screwdriver;
Self-tapping screws for wood;
Wooden bars or planks;
The finishing material itself, without it nowhere.

Of course, wood paneling can only be used in outdoor finishing work, because this material burns very easily.

To make the lining look aesthetically pleasing and the material serve you as long as possible, it is recommended to apply a special varnish on its surface after the installation is completed.

In facing works, you can also use glass. AT modern interiors this material is in high demand..

Details about the use:

How can glass be used in the decoration of the fireplace? It doesn't happen very often, that's a fact. The fact is that this material can easily burst due to high temperature - and in such a situation there is nothing surprising;
To prevent such a disaster, the decorative decoration of the fireplace with glass is made only with a special fired thermal material that can withstand even exposure to direct fire or high temperature;
Fireplace glass - interesting solution to make an aesthetic element for closing the firebox. Also, with its help, interesting imitations of fireplaces are obtained (we are talking about false structures). Such options look unusual, very original, they will decorate any interior, add zest to your room.

The use of porcelain stoneware

Such a finishing material is relatively recently chosen in order to finish the fireplace. Here it is worth noting the following technical properties:

Porcelain stoneware does not burn;
It tolerates high temperature exposure;
Recognized as practical, moisture resistant;
Installation work is carried out easily, without unnecessary difficulties.

Thus, facing fireplaces with porcelain stoneware is popular today.

There are reasons for that:

Finishing material is attached very easily, simply. The main thing is that the surface to be treated is even. It is best to level with plaster, but drywall sheets can also be used;
Porcelain stoneware is mounted on the surface using a special adhesive composition. Since this material is chosen when a decorative finish is needed for the fireplace, it is made light even at the factory.

findings:

As you have already seen - you can finish the fireplace different materials, there are plenty of ways. Watch a video about how professionals do this job - they definitely have a lot to learn.

Today, fireplaces mainly perform only a decorative function, equipping them to create coziness, an appropriate atmosphere.

special element home interior creating comfort and creative surroundings is a fireplace.

With proper design and proper execution of all ideas, it can be made very effective. To achieve this, the fireplace must be correctly and efficiently decorated.

Finishing the fireplace is performed in various options depending on a group of significant factors:

- room design;

— device type;

— structural features;

— preferences of the owner (customer).

Regardless of these, undoubtedly, very important conditions, the external design of the fireplace, no doubt, must harmoniously “merge” with the interior of the room without interfering with the normal functioning of the device.

Consider the most popular options for external (front) decorative finishes fireplace.

Watch a video with a selection of fireplace finishes

The nuances of choosing a material for decoration

Before the final choice of any one finishing option for decorating a fireplace, it is necessary to accurately determine the essential technical and operational aspects:

1. The place where it is planned to equip the structure. For devices placed in unheated areas, for example, on open veranda, it is imperative to use frost-resistant (and sometimes also moisture-resistant) material. This factor for other fireplaces is not so relevant.

2. Type of fuel used. Here everything is determined by the material that will be burned in the fuel area of the structure:

- wood - it is necessary to equip the cladding that can withstand up to 910 C;

- coal and oak firewood - the material must be tolerant to temperatures of about 1220 C.

3. The total weight of the proposed fireplace. Devices installed in private homes on the ground or basement floor can be quite heavy. Here, the cladding can be made in any desired variant.

Advice! If the fireplace is planned to be very large (weight, dimensions), then it is recommended to bring an auxiliary (additional) foundation under it!

When the structure is assumed to be on higher floors, there are special limiting standards for the total weight. In such cases, for example, cladding with natural large stone is unacceptable.

4. Resistance to water (moisture). All materials for decorating a fireplace placed in a damp, unheated room must be completely resistant to moisture, otherwise, after a while, the lining material will crumble and peel off.

Options for self-finishing fireplaces

There are a lot of ideas for implementing fireplace design, so it’s quite easy to choose suitable option decor. Let's analyze the simplest in execution, but very worthy in beauty ways.

1. Decorative plastering of the heating structure

The indicated type of finish is especially common. Today, he was able to fully acquire exceptional popularity only thanks to the appearance of special decorative plasters. They are able to obtain special coatings with unique reliefs and interesting textures. Although, ordinary material also allows you to create exclusive decorative effects.

Read also: Do-it-yourself infrared (electric) film floor heating

Recommendation! If the top layer of the coating is applied with a large-mesh sponge or a rubber spatula, then the texture is displayed in the form of small “waves”. You can enhance the effect of the finish by touching up a sufficiently dried plaster surface with lime or water-based paint!

Plastering technology performed according to the following sequence of steps:

- preliminary preparation of the fireplace surface for finishing. It is necessary to scrape off the old surface coating to the base. Seam stitching is performed to a depth of 1.0 cm;

— development and fixation of a special masonry mesh on the prepared surface. The mesh provides a more reliable, high-quality adhesion of the finishing mixture to the base. The material is fixed with self-tapping screws or classic nails equipped with washer extensions on the caps;

- surface priming;

- immediately before plastering, the fireplace must be heated so that all its walls are evenly warmed up to a warm state. Further, the masonry is moistened and the initial plaster layer (about 5.1 mm) is applied, which will be the basis for subsequent work;

Clue! If the solution is thinner than necessary, then the material is “thrown” with a trowel (trowel) with sharp, confident movements, for the most dense laying of the solution and its best fit to the base!

- after complete drying of the initial plaster layer, a solution of greater density is placed. This layer will be the main one and it should completely cover the masonry mesh and fill in the existing irregularities;

- the finishing (last) layer (2.3-3.2 mm) is laid on a sufficiently dried main plaster layer. Here the solution should be applied with a wide metal spatula, gently smoothing the surface;

- grouting the fireplace. Manipulation is performed when the finish layer is 50% dry. You need to take a grater, attach it very tightly to the base, and then, in a circular motion, carefully rub the surface. The resulting excess solution is cut off by the edge edge of the tool and removed.

Carefully! The working part of the grater must be periodically moistened with water so that the finish layer is smooth, without defects!

2. Finishing the fireplace with decorative tiles

A particularly popular solution is the finishing decoration with ceramic tiles. The fireplace she designed looks really amazing. In addition, the material is strong, durable, easy to clean (even with aggressive agents) and, moreover, resistant to regular temperature changes.

Perform lining heating structures usually the following materials:

- clinker tiles;

- glazed tiles with ornaments or majolica;

- terracotta elements or unglazed cladding;

- porcelain stoneware.

For each material, the mounting solution is selected exclusively individually. It is best to use the composition that was used in brick (stone) masonry.

Read also: Cornices for lighting the ceiling: types, installation instructions, expert recommendations

Exception! Clinker tiles should be fixed to the fireplace surface with a special mortar. This is due to the ability of clinker tiles to actively absorb water from the fixing composition. Special blends are sold separately and labeled accordingly!

Decorative design is best done with small-sized plates, since they are easier to fit to various ledges and niches.

Also, if deformations begin to appear, they will most likely remain intact. Large ones, in such a situation, will crack and will move away (fall off) from the surface.

The technique for gluing tiles is as follows:

- the surface of the fireplace is being prepared for lining - you need to clean off the old finishing material and carry out the jointing of the masonry joints;

- a mounting grid is fixed on the base and the surface is carefully leveled with an adhesive mass;

Nuance! It is required to leave the fireplace alone until the glue and the underlying base are completely dry!

- in accordance with the dimensions of the tiled elements, the surface is marked. Usually, a plumb line, level or building level is used for this;

- Laying must begin with the bottom row of tiles. A layer of adhesive solution is applied to each element with a notched trowel. Then, the tile is firmly pressed against the prepared base with force, and in order to improve adhesion, it should be gently “tapped” with a rubber mallet or rubber mallet. Excess adhesive solution protruding through the tile joints is immediately removed.

To maintain evenness and consistency of the seams, special PVC crosses are used, which are installed between the corners of the tiles or in the middle between them. Using this technology, row by row, the entire planned surface of the fireplace is filled with tiles;

- after waiting for the complete drying of the fixing composition, you can begin the grouting process. The inter-tile joint spaces are filled with a matching mineral paste-like grout mixture. Until the composition has set, it should be leveled with a damp, dense sponge. With a soft cloth soaked in water, you need to clean the surface of the tiles from the remnants of grout and other dirt;

- after a day, each seam must be treated with a special compound that repels all kinds of pollution.

3. Use of decorative or natural stone for cladding

The use of stone for finishing fireplaces - traditional way decorative decoration of heating structures. This decor is characterized by durability, solidity and elegant creativity. He is not afraid of temperature fluctuations, level high humidity, significant mechanical impacts and most especially aggressive substances. Stone material can be mounted on the surface in rooms and rooms of any purpose.

A significant disadvantage of the described cladding is the significant weight of the resulting fireplace, which is typical for natural stone finishes. Better apply artificial material which is lighter in weight. This facilitates transport and installation work.

Peculiarity! It is better to fix stone slabs with the mortar used in laying chimney bricks. When this option is not feasible, you need to choose ready-made heat-resistant mixtures for lining stoves and fireplaces!

Finishing a fireplace with natural stone looks much more impressive than unpretentious brickwork. For lining the fireplace with stone with your own hands, you should learn how to choose the right material, prepare the base and carry out facing work. We will tell you about the main nuances and the order of work.

What stone to use for the fireplace

Despite the fact that the fireplace lining does not experience pronounced sudden temperature changes, it is still located inside the living space. Because of this, it is necessary to completely eliminate even the slightest possibility of harmful emissions, which means that sedimentary rocks such as shale or sandstone should not be used.

From a radiological safety point of view, best solution will veneer the fireplace with granite stones. The main risk factor from the use of such materials in interior decoration is associated not with the natural radiation background of the rocks, but with the gases with which the stones are saturated and emit many times more intensively even with a slight heating. The greatest danger is radon.

For lining the fireplace, it is recommended to purchase noble rocks of volcanic origin. In the most budgetary projects, large pebbles and pebbles are used, it is also possible to use relief concrete products, that is, stones of artificial origin.

Basalt

Diabase

A truly magnificent look can be achieved using the same rocks that are used for bookmarking. sauna stove: basalt, diabase, jadeite. These rocks, even with strong heating, do not form harmful emissions and are completely safe. It is better to select stones on your own, preferably a flat format of different sizes mixed with equilateral pebbles of the same thickness, due to which I will fill empty layout places. It is better to buy stones of medium polishing or generally raw.

Jadeite polished

jadeite chipped

Adhesive selection

If you use dense hardwoods without defects, the durability of the fireplace lining will depend entirely on the quality of the adhesive mixture and the reliability of its setting with the brick base. work in such temperature regime cement mortar will not be able to for a long time, so the choice narrows down to two options: buying a ready-made dry adhesive mixture special purpose or preparing your own solution based on fireclay clay.

With ready-made formulations everything is simple, in most cases the usual Ceresit ST-17 or Knauf "Marble" will be enough. You can also use more specialized mixes like Scanmix Fire. The main limitation in the use of this kind of glue is the maximum thickness of the seam, which is why the choice of masonry material is limited to artificial stone. Natural rock has an irregular shape, and it is possible to lay it on tile adhesive only after careful fitting.

Relative freedom in this regard is provided by homemade mortar: with it, stones can be laid without tedious grinding, which will give the fireplace a more authentic look. The composition of the solution includes chamotte clay, river or mountain sand and cement grade not lower than 300 in a dry weight ratio of 3:1:1. Clay must be wiped through a sieve in advance, rid of debris and inclusions, and then poured with water for 40-50 hours. After that, sand is added to the mixture, it is necessary to eliminate cracking at the initial stage of setting. Cement is necessary to accelerate setting and increase adhesion, it is added immediately before masonry. In such a solution, it will not be superfluous to use heat-resistant plasticizers. Final mixing should be done with a mixer or a drill with a tile adhesive attachment.

How to prepare the masonry surface

The third component of a quality fireplace lining is a carefully prepared base. brickwork priming is strictly necessary and the composition for this must be of the highest quality possible. It is recommended to use Knauf Tiefengrund or similar acrylate-based primers Dufa Putzgrung, Marshall Export Base, but mandatory for indoor use.

The second step is fixing the plaster mesh. The cell size must be chosen twice as large as the planned thickness of the adhesive joint. It is impossible to fasten the mesh with dowels in plastic plugs; metal anchor wedges with a diameter of 6 mm should be used. Attachment points are located with a frequency of about 25-30 cm. It is necessary to attach it to the body of the brick, and not to the seam. To prevent the masonry from splitting, turn the hammer to a lower speed.

Additionally, you can “tear” the surface of the masonry by tapping it with a hammer and a chisel with the formation of many notches. This will significantly increase adhesion, but this can only be done at the initial stage before priming. At the end of the preparation, the surface must be carefully dedusted; it is also possible to open the masonry with another layer of primer from a manual spray gun.

Layout scheme

The entire lining of the fireplace, as a rule, can be divided into a number of flat sections. These include the front and side walls, it is also possible to expand the lower part to form a plinth. The fireplace shelf, as a rule, is not veneered in order to have an additional functional surface.

Flat sections must be displayed in the development scheme on A4 sheet and all key dimensions must be indicated. According to the resulting cutting, a mosaic of stones and their fragments is assembled on the floor, which are fitted to each other as tightly as possible. The seams between the elements of the cladding should not exceed 20-25 mm, in the best option it is recommended to adhere to values of 5-6 mm.

It is not very difficult to fit irregularly shaped stones closely, but at the same time it is quite problematic to maintain the natural look of the faces. Most rocks are perfectly cut with an angle grinder disc for concrete. You can give the edges chips and breaks with the help of a pick, and a disc grinding disc, commonly called a "turtle", will also be a good help.

Stones must be soaked in water before cutting and grinding. This will not only protect the workplace from dusting, but also allow you to visually see the finished result without color distortion from uneven refraction, and subsequently improve adhesion with the solution. The edges of each cut section should be left even with an overlap along the line of intersection of the planes of about 30-40 mm. It is very good if you can provide a corner dressing: where there are gaps on the edge of the flat section of the reamer, stones of a suitable shape from the adjacent plane will be inserted.

Cladding order

Facing always starts from the bottom of the front of the fireplace, on which the firebox is located. A shelf made of solid wood or artificial stone should already be fixed, the top row of stones will be brought out and adjusted under it. When sorting, the most beautiful stones should be selected for the front part, which fit tightly together and harmonize in shape and size.

Since the lifetime of the adhesive is quite high, it is recommended to first thoroughly wipe the entire surface, hammering the mortar under the mesh, and then add the mixture in small portions during the laying process. Planting stones is carried out on a continuous seam without voids, each element of the masonry has to be torn off several times to make sure that the glue has filled all the cavities.

When the front of the fireplace is lined, protruding elements may remain at the edges and in the mouth of the firebox. They will be removed after the mixture has dried, the easiest way is to carry out the final grinding with a disc disc. In the meantime, you should focus on facing the remaining planes. After the front, the sides of the fireplace are laid out, the lower zone is lined last.

Until the glue has dried, the seams should be embroidered. In the simplest version, the glue is simply wiped off with a finger, forming a semicircular hollow. It is also possible to scratch out the remaining glue with a scraper almost completely, they do not carry any payload. Instead of standard jointing, in this case, they wait for the final trimming and grinding of the protruding elements after they dry. Finally, a tinted glue mixture is blown into the gap between the stones using a confectionery syringe or a trash bag with a cut corner, which forms a convex seam with bizarre sagging.

How to lay out an arched vault

The greatest difficulty for amateurs is the lining of the semicircular vault of the firebox. To realize such an idea, it is required at the first stage of masonry before facing the front to lay out two wide columns in the lower corners of the opening. They should protrude above the common plane of the front part exactly as much as it is planned to make the protrusion of the arch.

Further, all the difficulties come down to the correct selection of stones. They should be wedge-shaped. It is also possible to compensate for circular masonry with a variable thickness of the seams, but this does not look as aesthetically pleasing as in a brick arch. To support the arch, as usual, formwork is constructed from a bent sheet of kragis.

Do not forget that the highlight of any arch is a large trapezoid-shaped cornerstone, set in the center of the upper part. It should be selected in advance from all the source material, it should be the most beautiful element of the cladding. If you fit the stones carefully enough and laid the arch dry several times, it will hold even if the adhesive mixture cracks: the central stone will keep the tightly built vault from collapsing.

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