Many owners of private country property have a fireplace in their house. This element of luxury, which represents comfort, inevitably becomes the epicenter of attention in any room where it is located. In most cases, it is arranged in the living room, and therefore it appearance should evoke sympathy. And among everyone available materials fireplace cladding natural stone looks more impressive and bewitching.

Features of choice

Although the finishing is not exposed to sudden temperature changes, it is still located inside the living space. Therefore, it is important to ensure complete safety in using the fireplace - its materials should not emit harmful substances. This means that the use of slate, granite or sandstone is highly undesirable.

This is due to the fact that these stones are capable of releasing gases that negatively affect human health. In addition, they stand out even with slight heating. Therefore, to decorate a fireplace with natural stone, you should opt for a noble rock of volcanic origin. For budget project pebbles or large pebbles are suitable. In addition, embossed concrete products will also come in handy.

For beauty

But more attractive design fireplace can be created by using basalt, diabase, jadeite, with which they are usually laid sauna stoves. Even if they are heated strongly, there are no harmful emissions from them, which means that their use is completely safe. Marble, shell rock, limestone, and sandstone are also very popular.

It is better to select stones for lining your fireplace yourself and it is better to pay attention to flat pancakes various sizes. But equilateral pebbles of the same thickness will also work - they can be used to fill empty spaces during laying. Also, when decorating a fireplace with natural stone, you should purchase untreated material or with a medium degree of polishing. In this case, you can create a more natural look, which will be closest to nature.

Advantages of natural material

More and more people are resorting to using natural stones to decorate their fireplaces. This is due to completely understandable reasons:

• Any other material, especially all varieties of artificial origin, cannot compare with natural stone in terms of aesthetics.
• When heating natural material, the air is not polluted with smoke or hazardous substances.
• Natural stones can withstand large physical exercise, including blows.
• The stone can withstand high temperatures.
• In addition, natural material can be processed, so you can make your fantasies come true. At the same time, the natural color will harmonize with any surrounding environment.

Another advantage of natural stone in the decoration of fireplaces is that its use allows you, almost literally, to immerse yourself in the Middle Ages.

Finishing using natural stone

Cladding a fireplace is a responsible and difficult process, despite its apparent ease. In many ways, everything depends not only on the physical properties of the material used, the technology of its production itself also plays an equally important role.

Therefore, such work requires certain skills, abilities, as well as serious preparatory stage. If, however, the stones were purchased of different sizes and shapes, then they should first be adjusted to each other in size. It is also advisable to select the required shade so that the color scheme harmonizes well with the decor of the living room. And for this you can’t do without help stone cutting machine or grinders with appropriate discs.

Surface preparation

The recipe for creating home luxury is simple - a fireplace, natural stone (photo as proof below), a dose of desire and room for creativity. And to obtain such a result, you should carefully prepare the surface before laying the cladding. In this case, special attention should be paid to the primer - without this mandatory step nothing will work. And what better composition, all the better. For example, the Knauf Tiefengrund primer has these necessary qualities. But you can also choose acrylic-based products - Dufa Putzgrund, Marshall Export Base, but only those that are designed for indoor work.

In addition, a reinforcing mesh with 50x50 mm cells should be fixed to the brickwork. In this case, the use of fasteners with plastic stoppers is strictly not welcome. Instead, it is necessary to use metal anchor wedges (6 mm in diameter), and the attachment points themselves must be located in increments of 250 to 300 mm.

Moreover, the fastening should not be in the seam, but directly in the body of the brick. You can avoid cracking of the masonry by lowering the rotary hammer speed. As you can see, the photo of finishing the fireplace with stone (and not artificial, but material natural origin) are simply mesmerizing. You can create such a masterpiece only through hard work, doing everything with taste.

Additional measure

As an additional lining measure, you can make several notches (the more the better) on the surface of the bricks using a hammer and chisel. This will also significantly increase the adhesive properties of the surface of the fireplace walls. Only this procedure should be carried out before coating with primer.

At the end, the surface should be clean and, if necessary, dust free. To be on the safe side, you can apply another layer of primer using a hand sprayer.

Finishing schemes

The entire surface of the family hearth can be divided into separate flat sections, which will significantly simplify the implementation of facing the fireplace made of natural stone. As a rule, these are the front and side walls. You can also widen the bottom to form a plinth. As for the fireplace shelf, it cannot be finished with stone in order to maintain its surface functionality.

All flat areas of the fireplace should be depicted on an A4 sheet indicating all key dimensions. According to the resulting “pattern”, lay it out on the floor, as closely as possible, assembling it into a kind of “mosaic”. This makes it much easier to select all the elements and, if necessary, file them for a perfect fit to each other.

It is important to take into account not only the size of each decorative element, but also its shape, so that the overall picture is harmonious. And the layout on the floor will allow this to be achieved best - by placing stones next to each other, you can visually assess their relationship.

Don’t forget about the seams between the mosaic elements, which should be from 20 to 25 mm. But facing fireplaces with natural stone looks better when their size is no more than 5-6 mm.

Material adjustment

Even if these are stones with an irregular shape, fitting them close to each other is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. But maintaining the original appearance of the edges is already problematic. This can be corrected, since many stones can be easily processed.

Edges can be given the required form, cutting off the excess with a disk on the concrete towards the corner sanding machine. If it is necessary to create chips and breaks, they can be made with a pickaxe. A sanding disc may also come in handy.

To avoid confusion, each stone should be numbered. In addition, it wouldn’t hurt to somehow mark the joints of the parts on the wrong side. As an option, simply draw an arrow that will indicate the direction of installation.

Before cutting or grinding, it is imperative to moisten the stones with water. This will allow you to avoid dusting the workplace, and also look at the result without distortion due to uneven refraction.

Glue selection

Has the same meaning as the adhesive composition. When using hard rocks without defects, the service life of the cladding will largely depend on the reliability and quality of the adhesive composition, as well as its adhesion to brick surface. Cement mortar in this temperature conditions I’m simply not able to work for a long time. In this regard, the choice comes down to two options:

• Purchasing a ready-made special mixture.
• Self-preparation of an adhesive composition using fireclay based on fireclay powder.

Buying ready-made glue does not result in certain difficulties; as a rule, it is enough to purchase Ceresit ST-17 or Knauf “Marble”. You can also pay attention to highly specialized compounds like Scanmix Fire. However, there is one limitation, which is the maximum thickness of the seam.

In relation to natural stones for the fireplace, their peculiarity is that before laying the “mosaic” elements of irregular shape, they should be carefully adjusted to each other. When using artificial stones there is no such problem, but at the same time the appearance is not so attractive.

We cook it ourselves

A solution you make yourself simplifies everything a little. With its help, stones can be laid without the need for grinding, which will add more aesthetics. The ratio of dry ingredients is 3 parts fireclay clay, 1 part river or mountain sand, 1 part cement (grade 300, not lower).

The clay must first be passed through a sieve, which will allow you to get rid of debris and other inclusions. Then pour water and leave aside for 40-50 hours. Now you can mix the remaining components - sand (its presence will avoid cracking when the solution begins to set) and cement (thanks to it, adhesion increases and the setting process itself noticeably accelerates). Moreover, the last ingredient should be added just before laying. That's all - the glue for lining fireplaces and stoves with natural stone is ready.

The use of various heat-resistant plasticizers will also be justified. It is easier to mix all this using a mixer or armed with a drill with an appropriate attachment.

Cladding technology

Work on facing a fireplace always starts from the bottom front side. Laying out the initial row horizontally, you should move further upward. In this case, the largest and thickest elements are laid first. And only after this you can move on to filling the remaining space with small pebbles. You can adjust their position by increasing the amount of glue. Smaller gaps can be removed at the very end of the work using small pieces.

The stones must be laid on a continuous layer of mortar so that there are no voids. To achieve this, you will have to tear off each element more than once, then put it back in its place. This will ensure that all cavities are filled with glue. Only this approach will give a stove or fireplace made of natural stone a more attractive and natural look.

Having finished with the front part of the fireplace, you should move on to its side surfaces. At the same time, there may be protruding elements along the edges of the front part, as well as in the throat of the firebox. They will be removed after completely dry adhesive solution, and the easiest way to do this is by grinding with a disc disc. In the meantime, we need to take care of the remaining planes.

Completion

While the composition has not yet dried, it is worth widening the seams, for which it is enough to simply walk with your finger, forming a semicircular hollow. You can also go the other way - wait until everything dries, and then trim and polish the protruding parts of the stones.

At the final stage, the resulting gaps between the stones should be filled with tinted glue mixture, which is convenient to do pastry syringe or some kind of bag with a corner cut off (soft milk packaging). The result will be a seam with fancy beads. Some stones can be varnished, which will add a special shine, and at the same time extend the service life of the fireplace lining with natural stone.

Arch formation

For some connoisseurs, give originality, and the more of it, the more attractive the fireplace looks. An alternative is to create an arch at the cladding stage. However, it is worth considering that this is the most difficult, but at the same time quite doable job. Therefore, it is worth weighing everything in advance, and only then making a decision. Yes, it's beautiful, but you have to work hard for the desired effect.

This idea needs to be implemented even further. initial stage work when finishing the front. To begin with, you should lay out two columns of stones on both sides of the opening. In this case, they should protrude above the common front surface by an amount equal to the protrusion of the arched vault.

Now the difficulties begin: you need to choose the right stones. At the same time, do not forget about the highlight of any arched opening - the cornerstone is trapezoidal in shape and large in size. It is installed strictly in the center. And since this is the most noticeable element of the entire “mosaic”, it is advisable to choose the most beautiful specimen, which will allow it to stand out favorably against the background of all the cladding of fireplaces with natural stone.

If all the elements were carefully adjusted, more than once and dry, then the arch will hold on, even if the dried glue cracks. It is the central stone that will prevent the entire structure from collapsing.

As a conclusion

The presence of a fireplace with an open fire in the house in itself creates a favorable comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Such an environment is best conducive to a friendly conversation against the backdrop of a tea ceremony. In addition, you can simply watch how the flame, as if alive, absorbs its “meal” and listen to the crackling of the logs. It’s not without reason that popular wisdom says: you can endlessly look at three things, and fire is right on that list.

And if the fireplace also has a design that is pleasing to the eye, then there is simply no price for it! Of course, there can be many more options for finishing this interior decor. It’s worth giving free rein to your imagination, and the result may even exceed all expectations!

Mantel decorative stone It's quite common these days. Firstly, it's cheaper.
In terms of 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. She will provide quality connection 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.
IN given time In general, there are three types of solution from which you can choose exactly what you need.

Clay mortar

This mixture is most in the best possible way suitable for finishing a fireplace. It fully meets all parameters.
It 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, let them dry 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 in 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 to the right 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;

Gained great popularity. Many began to create a place in their homes where they can sit with their families, sitting comfortably near a warm fireplace. But before this can be achieved, it is necessary to create such an atmosphere according to all the rules. It is necessary not only to lay out a fireplace, but to choose a facing for it so that the hearth fits harmoniously into the room and becomes its “highlight”. High-quality facing materials have a long service life and are easy to use. If you don’t know which ones to choose, be sure to pay attention to, which can be used for finishing.

Advantages

The great popularity of natural stone is due to the following advantages:

Advantages
Aesthetics	The natural material looks very good; in terms of attractiveness, it is unlikely that any other cladding can compare with it.
Resistant to high temperatures and non-flammable	When heated, such a finish will not release toxic substances into the atmosphere.
Resistant to physical damage	The stone can withstand various kinds impacts, it is difficult to scratch or damage in any other way.
Processable	From this material it is easy to create any shape that will make your fireplace original and individual.

How to choose the right material?

Almost any of those available on construction market natural stones can be suitable for decoration, and all of them have unlimited design possibilities. Materials differ in terms of durability of use. The most short-lived are limestone and colored marble– they change after 30-70 years.

Note! The service life depends on external conditions and factors that affect the material, as well as on whether the fireplace was properly cared for.

On a note! The most popular options are granite and marble. The first is a durable rock that is easy to polish and process. However, such material has a fairly high cost due to the complexity of its extraction..

Marble is not as popular as granite, but it is particularly beautiful and allows designers to create bright, extraordinary masterpieces.

On a note! In addition to these materials, limestone, tuff or sandstone are often used for cladding. The latter has high heat capacity, which ensures its rapid warming up. This stone retains heat longer.

When choosing material for cladding, it is worth considering the following criteria:

1. The price of the product depends on the manufacturer and will be significantly higher for imported manufacturers.
2. Availability of a certificate of compliance with sanitary standards.
3. An important point is the good reputation of the manufacturer and the length of time it has been on the market. An experienced manufacturer will provide quality products.
4. The strength of a stone is affected by its structure.
5. The packaging must be branded with the manufacturer's logo.
6. Pay attention to the production date of the product.

Quality is also important adhesive composition For . Choose only a reputable supplier and a composition recommended by the stone manufacturer. If artificial turf is glued, then a specific adhesive on a base is usually recommended for it, which ensures strong adhesion of the material to the surface.

How to make cladding correctly? Stages of work

It should be noted that such work will require certain skills and effort. There are some nuances that you need to know before you begin the cladding process.

First stage. Preparatory

First of all, surfaces are cleaned of dirt and dust. The joints of the masonry must be deepened by at least 1 cm. The entire surface of the fireplace must be sewn up metal mesh. Next we move on to the process of adjusting the cladding.

It is best to draw one of the following on the floor with chalk. vertical walls fireplace. It is important that the size and shape are exactly the same. We lay out all the cladding elements on the prepared template and adjust them to each other.

Note! If you have chosen a material with a smooth surface, then all that will differ in thickness must be put aside and selected with the same parameters. If the structure is uneven, you can use materials of different thicknesses. The thickest ones must be fixed at the very beginning on thin layer glue: they will become a guide for further work.

Second phase. Securing the stone to the fireplace surface

Work starts from the bottom corner and works from bottom to top. After this, the horizontal top row is fixed, and then the remaining space is laid out. Provided that the height of the fireplace is more than half a meter, to which thick tiles are fixed, additional wire fastenings will be required in order to create a reliable structure.

Advice! This fastening is attached to the reinforcing mesh, and the tile is fixed to the lower edge. It is necessary to use fasteners more often, the thicker the cladding is chosen.

Important! Having secured the entire stone to the surface, you need to wait two days, after which you can rub the seams. It is worth checking in an inconspicuous area how the component fits and whether it leaves marks.

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.

1. Such fireplaces are very beautiful, because no material can compare with natural stone and its unsurpassed attractiveness and aesthetics.
2. When heated, natural stone slabs do not emit any smoke or toxic substances, leaving the indoor air clean and fresh.
3. A natural monolith can withstand almost any physical load (shocks, mechanical damage, etc.).
4. This facing material has high heat resistance.
5. Natural stone can be treated different ways, giving it the shape that you like, which means you can create your own image and style in the house, 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 possibilities. But with regards to durability, the approximate service life of fireplaces made from different types of stones can 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 don't have financial opportunity purchase natural stone, then fireplace cladding artificial stone- this is a great alternative natural materials. This type of finishing will not only save significantly cash, but will allow you to create 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 physical properties material and some nuances of its production technology.

Surface preparation

• First you need to thoroughly clean the surface brickwork from dust and various inclusions;
• we deepen the masonry seams to a depth of at least 1 cm;
• we cover the surface of the fireplace with reinforcing mesh with 5x5 cm cells.
• let's start fitting 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 each other perfectly - anyway, their surface is curved and total mass 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 an 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 to see if the grout leaves any traces, 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— finishing material its properties are similar 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 of a 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 lightly tap them with a rubber mallet. We place the trimmings and leftovers in the most last resort.

The process of installing tiles on the surface of the fireplace

Special plastic crosses, stuck two on each side, will ensure constant gaps. Pay special attention to ensuring that the position of all the 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, mineral compositions of 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

In country houses, fireplaces have always been very popular designs. In any case, any owner has thought about building a fireplace in some room. Some people built a real one, others limited themselves to a fake version - it’s a matter of taste. Still, the days have already passed when, among other things, fireplaces were used important function heating 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 decoration of the fireplace is important aspect cladding of housing, you can’t even argue with that.

What is the best way to decorate a fireplace today, what are the options? There are many materials, they are all varied. 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 in country house Today you can use different materials - there are plenty of options. But even in simple urban fireplaces such designs can be found - this is quite normal.

So, in a private house they use for construction:

• Gas blocks;
• Foam blocks;
• Brick.

Such Construction Materials good for their fire resistance. They react well even to very high temperatures - this is why they are chosen.

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

Also in construction actively apply such solutions:

• If there are no options, you can always use white brick. Decorative finishing of the fireplace in this case can also be made with brick. The master can use bricks of different shades - there is nothing complicated about it. Just in concrete mortar add certain special coloring substances - the result is impressive;
• When the structure is built from aerated concrete or foam blocks, it’s time to think about how to decorate the fireplace, because without a special cladding it will not look its best. The materials are beautiful, they hold heat perfectly, but aesthetically there is some work to be done.

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

• The master should also remember that fireplaces usually have a chimney. If you are making a false structure, 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;
• The same brick is used to build a chimney - this is the easiest way. The design assumes the presence of a damper - so that enough air gets into the fireplace - then the combustion process will be more productive and of high quality
• Building fireplaces from natural stone is an expensive task, but if you have the funds, this is an excellent option.

Especially, if you are creating 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 use to decorate a fireplace, you should also learn about something else: what a firebox is. The fireplace is the place where solids burning - it could be wood, coal or some other fuel. Decorative finishing of the fireplace also includes working with the firebox, but more on this below.

To finish this part of the structure, used today:

1. Brick;
2. Drywall sheets;
3. Natural stone.

Plasterboard cladding

• You can actually use sheets of plasterboard to cover the fireplace insert (after all, such material is even possible - 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 special material can be used in work of this level - moisture resistant drywall. It is not recommended to use any other;
• During the work, it is also worth paying attention - if such material is used, the volume of the firebox can be significantly reduced. This happens because the sheets are fastened to a frame (of course, metal). It is made on the surface from a special profile.

What is used for to execute installation work :

• The material itself is needed;
• Metal profile;
• Screwdriver and screws.

And now about the installation in detail:

• During the work, some difficulties may arise - their likelihood is especially high when there are places in the fireplace that are difficult to access. This is why it is recommended to work with a screwdriver (a tool that operates using rechargeable batteries);
• A fireplace insert is usually sheathed with plasterboard when the size of the firebox needs to be reduced – to a significant extent. This happens when the fireplace is large and the owner wants to correct the situation;
• If you decide to use sheets of such material, it is important to think through the interior decoration in advance so that the material can be protected from the destructive effects of fire and high temperatures.

They will definitely help you with this:

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

When the fireplace insert is lined with plasterboard, difficulties usually do not arise. First, they install the material, then they begin finishing work (here, too, only your own strength is fully sufficient).

We use brick

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

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

Such materials are:

• Wood;
• Drywall that is not fire resistant.

The 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 (or even better – 250) mm.

Ceramic tile cladding

If the decorative decoration of the fireplace is exactly what interests you, you cannot pass by such a wonderful material as ceramic tiles.

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

You can easily install ceramic tiles if you have:

• Concrete mortar;
• Two spatulas;
• The finishing material itself;
• Cross-shaped plastic beacons (needed to ensure that the seam is even).

Features of using ceramic tiles:

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

To make it beautiful, the distance between the tiles should be uniform. This is why 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 - there is a special decorative putty for this (can be of different colors - you can easily find the one you want). In general, nothing complicated - but the result will be great.

Decorative external finishing of fireplaces

Since fireplaces can be either real or purely decorative (they work using certain electrical appliances) – finishing options differ radically. Of course, when the fireplace is just an imitation, the facing process has a completely different approach.

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

1. Glass;
2. Wood;
3. Marble;
4. Porcelain tiles;
5. Drywall;
6. Decorative stone;
7. Ceramic tiles;
8. Decorative bassoon.

Marble and external cladding

• Decorative finishing of a fireplace with marble is expensive, but very nice solution, aesthetic. The design will acquire a truly solid appearance - a great way for the owner to emphasize his high social position;
• Today you can purchase completely ready-made linings for fireplaces - there is a demand, which means you can easily find a supply. Order by the right sizes– 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 easiest task. This process labor-intensive, in addition, here it is worth remembering many subtleties and little things.

Eg:

• Marble weighs quite a lot. Because of this, its installation on a wall is impossible if the surface was previously covered with plasterboard. However, this rule does not apply to those decorative elements, which are provided to the buyer in a completely finished form;
• Installation of such natural stone is usually done on a brick or some other surface. For this, concrete mortar with various additives or a specialized adhesive is used.

What properties does marble have?? The following can be noted:

• 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 influence of certain detergents that contain abrasive particles.

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

Finishing the fireplace with plasterboard outside

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

The process as a whole looks like that:

1. First, a frame is made using profiles - plasterboard sheets are already attached to it. Afterwards, these sheets are plastered (this can help), then the finishing is done;
2. But here it is worth considering this point: the fireplace insert should also be lined with plasterboard;
3. Decorative stone or bassoon - these options look great outside. Installation of materials on the surface of the fireplace is very simple, especially if you use a specialized adhesive composition in your work.

Wood paneling, glass use

It's no secret that wood is famous for its beautiful texture. Decorating a fireplace with such material is quite possible; lining is perfect for this.

Installation of the material is possible on any surface - if desired.

For installation you need the following::

• Screwdriver;
• Wood screws;
• Wooden blocks or planks;
• The finishing material itself, you can’t go anywhere without it.

Of course, it is permissible to use wooden lining only in external finishing works, because this material burns very easily.

• In order for the lining to look aesthetically pleasing and the material to serve you for as long as possible, it is recommended to apply a special varnish to its surface after the installation is completed.

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

Details about use:

• How can glass be used to decorate a fireplace? This 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 from happening, the decorative finishing 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;
• Glass for a fireplace is an interesting solution to create an aesthetic element for covering 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 and add zest to your room.

Application of porcelain stoneware

This finishing material has recently been chosen to decorate a fireplace. It is worth noting the following technical properties:

• Porcelain tiles do not burn;
• Tolerates high temperatures well;
• Recognized as practical, moisture resistant;
• Installation work is carried out easily, without unnecessary complications.

Thus, facing fireplaces with porcelain stoneware is popular today.

There are reasons for this:

1. The finishing material is attached very easily and simply. The main thing is that the surface being treated is smooth. It is best to level with plaster, but you can also use sheets of drywall;
2. Porcelain tiles are mounted on the surface using a special adhesive composition. Since this material is chosen when decorative finishing of the fireplace is needed, it is made lightweight at the factory.

conclusions:

As you have already seen, you can decorate the fireplace different materials, there are plenty of ways here. Watch a video about how professionals handle this kind of work - they definitely have a lot to learn.

Today, fireplaces mainly serve only a decorative function; they are equipped to create coziness and an appropriate atmosphere.