Decorating the fireplace with decorative stone. Correct finishing of fireplaces with artificial stone. Advantages of natural stones

A fireplace in a country house looks elegant and chic. If it is made professionally, it will provide not only a decorative function, but also reliably warm the room. When designing, it is important to create beautiful decor, which will fit well into the interior of the room and will last for many years. For several centuries, the fireplace decoration was made of clay refractory bricks. Now other materials are used, which, in terms of their coefficient of thermal expansion and resistance to high temperatures close to brickwork.

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The fireplace is covered with baked clay tiles, porcelain stoneware, natural or artificial stone. These materials can withstand high temperatures and are protected from harmful effects moisture and soot. Finishing a fireplace with decorative stone has the following advantages:

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Compared with decorative tiles, plaster or porcelain stoneware, natural stones can cost significantly more. If they have uneven edges, then installing the fireplace wall will be more labor-intensive than laying even rectangular fragments; the rubble also weighs a lot. But as a result of the work carried out, you can create a magnificent fireplace in a noble classic style.

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Types and devices of fireplaces

According to their design and location in the interior, fireplaces are divided into 4 types:

Wall-mounted – located near the wall of the room, mainly in its center. Such models are usually the largest and are designed for heating large rooms. The wall-mounted fireplace dominates the interior and immediately catches the eye. You can place several chairs around it and relax with the whole family.

A corner fireplace is built into the corner of the room and is usually smaller in size than a wall fireplace, so less material will be needed to finish it. But this design creates a very cozy atmosphere and will allow you to sit around a small company.

A built-in fireplace has a firebox and chimney in the masonry of the wall, and therefore requires a minimum of materials for cladding. Usually it protrudes outward to a thickness of no more than half a brick, and the dimensions do not exceed 70 x 80 cm. The material with which the wall is lined can be used as its finishing.

The island fireplace is not adjacent to the walls of the room; it is open on all sides and looks like a swimming pool with small sides, inside of which there is a firebox. To remove smoke, a suspended hood is installed above it. Finishing of such a fireplace is required only for the side edges, so a very small amount of decorative stones is needed.

A wall or corner fireplace has the following elements:

firebox where wood is burned;
a smoke collector designed for a smooth transition of smoke into the chimney;
the portal, most often U-shaped, is the facade of the fireplace, decorated with decor;
a chimney that removes smoke outside and provides draft, which is also lined with decorative stones.

Thus, finishing is needed only for two parts of the fireplace - the portal and the chimney. But many options for such home stoves may contain additional elements: compartments for firewood or decorative shelves for small items.

Materials

Rubble, limestone, granite, marble, and shell rock are used as natural stones for finishing a fireplace. Rubble is the name given to fragments of sandstone rocks weighing no more than 50 kg, but in the case of a fireplace facade, it is optimal to take pieces of 15–45 cm that weigh no more than 10 kg. This material has been used in construction work since ancient times, and its main advantages are its excellent strength and accessibility. Rubble, like a footstone, is found almost everywhere, so it does not have a high cost, and the architectural elements lined with it look very representative.

Due to its uneven shapes and dimensions, it is difficult to build an even wall from rubble - you should select elements that do not protrude and match each other. The unevenness between the stones is compensated by the solution that binds them. This is the usual mixture of cement and sand.

IN last years Artificial rather than natural rubble is increasingly being used to decorate fireplaces. Its advantages are that it is lighter than natural material, you do not need to look for paste material or buy raw materials in a store, you can make smoother fragments for your needs. It can be made at home in shaped forms from dry mixtures based on silicone and pigments. You can make the base for the solution yourself, but gypsum powder will not work as a binding material, since it can collapse when the temperature changes. It is best to use traditional cement as a gluing component.

White limestone for facing a fireplace is good because it has high fire-resistant properties and strength, and does not expand or deform when heated. It is lighter than natural rubble, easier to process and installed on a horizontal surface. And the pleasant white shade of the stone will create a bright and cozy atmosphere in the room. Limestone has another remarkable property - it becomes stronger over the years.

Marble has beautiful textures with veining and a variety of colors. Many people prefer to use this material when arranging a country fireplace, as it gives the interior a luxurious look. Marble slabs have high strength and heat capacity; thanks to processing, parts of any shape can be obtained. But cutting, polishing and installing this mineral itself is very labor-intensive, the raw materials are expensive, so a fireplace with a marble portal will cost a lot of money for the family.

Natural granite, unlike marble, has a heterogeneous structure of many inclusions with different physical properties. Therefore, with large temperature differences, cracks and deformations may appear in its structure. But expensive and high-quality varieties of this stone, mined at great depths, can withstand temperatures up to 600 ° C, which is quite enough for a home fireplace.

Shell rock should be used for finishing a fireplace because of its ease of processing and installation, strength and good hygroscopicity. It absorbs surrounding moisture and then gradually releases it out. Its structure has many small air pores, the more of them, the stronger than stone. When facing a fireplace, shell rock is preferable, as it always has warm colors and original patterns created by nature.

Among artificial stones for decorating the facade of a fireplace, acrylic is the most popular. It is made on the basis of chemical components with the addition of marble, granite or silicate chips, crushed stone and other components. Dyes can be used for acrylic plates various colors. Thanks to aging in special forms, the fragments have flat surface and are easily attached to cement glue. Acrylic does not absorb dust and dirt, is easy to clean with a rag, and does not emit harmful substances at high temperatures.

Second popular artificial material- this is quartz. It has all the advantages of acrylic stone, but has a lower cost. Quartz slabs can be of various light and dark colors, opaque or translucent. For a variety of textures, chips of marble, granite or quartzite can be added to them.

Finish options

Worth considering good example corner fireplace, built from several types of natural stone. The lower part with a recess for firewood is made of large rubble of various dark colors in cement mortar. The portal with the firebox and the chimney are lined with flat limestone of a pleasant beige color. Overall, this finish gives the fireplace a very nice rustic look that can go well with a country house interior.

A fireplace in a house or country house is a place of attraction for the whole family. It’s clear that you want it to be beautiful, but practicality also doesn’t hurt - soot and soot, dirt or tar from firewood, all this often ends up on the walls of the portal. For this reason, the surface must be easy to clean. In addition, the finish of the fireplace must be heat-resistant - although the sides of the fireplace do not heat up to the same temperatures as the stove, this requirement should not be neglected. Not many materials meet these requirements. This is heat-resistant plaster, special types of ceramic tiles and stone - natural or decorative.

Fireplace plaster

Plaster is one of the simplest and practical options design of a brick fireplace. A few years ago, plastered surfaces were whitewashed or painted. Today there is an opportunity ordinary plaster, apply a decorative layer with different textures.

Types of plaster for fireplaces

Finishing a fireplace with plaster is popular for the reason that any design can be developed. The second plus is that if everything is done correctly, you can achieve a smooth surface, the finish is beautiful and durable. For plastering fireplaces, the same compositions are used as for brick stoves. Although the heating temperatures of the surfaces differ, plaster mixtures they make the same ones. There are two options: make the plaster composition yourself or buy a ready-made one. If you don’t have experience working with clay and determining its fat content, it’s better to buy one. Store-bought plasters for fireplaces and stoves contain additives and additives that make the surface more durable and cracks are less likely to appear in it.

As a rule, each manufacturer has two formulations with different properties. The first is basic, for rough finishing. It can be applied in a fairly thick layer - up to 10 mm. After drying, the second layer is laid - the finishing layer. It contains more finely ground substances and is applied thin layer- usually up to 3 mm, the surface is smooth. Such a surface can already be painted if it has been plastered smoothly) or decorative plaster can be applied.

If you want the fireplace finishing to cost minimum amount, can be done plaster compositions from clay, sand and lime yourself. But, let us repeat once again, without experience working with clay, it is difficult to ensure that homemade plaster does not crack. Compositions for plastering a fireplace for making them yourself are different, here are a few proven ones:

Clay-lime:
- 1 part clay and slaked lime + 2 parts sand;
- based on slaked lime - 2 parts lime, one part gypsum and sand.
Cement-clay: one part each of clay and cement (M 500) + 2 parts sand;

To make the fireplace plaster solution more durable, reinforcing fibers are added to it. Previously, it was finely chopped straw, later - asbestos fibers, and today glass or fiber fiber is mainly added. The fractional part of this additive is small - 0.1-0.2 parts. It is added to the dry components (cement and sand), and everything is mixed. The dry mixture is added to the clay and/or lime dough, mixed thoroughly again, and water is added if necessary.

It is better to take lime already slaked, in the form of lime paste. If you extinguish it at home, unreacted particles always remain, which are then extinguished during the operation of the fireplace, destroying the plastered surface. Regarding sand, its quantity is precisely selected depending on the fat content of the clay. The solution must be sufficiently plastic. The fat content of the solution is checked using a piece of wood. Dip it into the solution and remove it. If an even layer 2-3 mm thick remains on the surface, the solution is normal. If the layer is thick and lumpy, you need to add sand; if the stick is almost clean, add clay.

The clay is pre-soaked (2 days or until all the lumps are limp), then rubbed through a metal sieve with a mesh of 2 cm. The ground clay dough is once again pressed through the mesh, but with a fine mesh of 0.5-0.7 mm.

You need quarry sand, it must be clean and dry. It is also sifted before use.

For those who don’t want to deal with homemade compounds, here are several companies that produce plaster for fireplaces and stoves. The following compositions performed normally:

Plitonite super fireplace refractory;
Petromix KU;
heat-resistant Terracotta plaster;
Bossnab;
RS Parade;
rtner;
Kiln plaster HEFNERPUTZ.

The list includes how domestic producers, and European. This is not to say that Russian compounds are worse, but working with imported ones is easier.

Features of plastering stoves and fireplaces

The technique of applying the solution itself is no different: a certain layer is applied (sprayed) with a spatula or a special ladle, then leveled (possibly using beacons). The main points are to prepare the fireplace surface for plastering:

First, all old finishing, if any, is removed from the walls - paint, lime, remains of plaster, mortar, etc. Only clean brick should remain.
For better adhesion of the plaster mortar to the surface, the seams are deepened by about 1-1.5 cm. Take jointing, a chisel or a screwdriver and scrape out the mortar in the seams.
All existing cracks are sealed with a repair compound or heat-resistant sealant (which can withstand heating up to 800°C).
When everything is prepared, take a brush with long bristles and clean the surface well. It must be clean.
The following are the options:
- If the surface of the fireplace is relatively flat (the difference is less than 5 mm), you can wet the walls and begin to apply plaster.
- If, due to the curvature of the surface, the layer will have to be made more than 5 mm, reinforcement is necessary. Stuffed on the walls of the fireplace metal mesh with a small mesh. It is secured with nails, which are driven into the seams (the seams can be left unstitched, or stitched, but not so deeply). In order for the caps to hold the mesh, metal washers of size larger size cells. Plaster is applied over this stack. In this case, you can be sure that the plaster will not fall off.

Before you start plastering the fireplace, carefully read the instructions on the package. It usually describes under what conditions and how the plaster should be applied. But experts advise lighting the fireplace, heating the walls to 60°C, then moistening the surface and starting to plaster. The walls are heated so that the brick takes on its “working” dimensions. In this case, there is less chance that the plaster will tear when heated. Wetting with water is necessary to ensure that the solution is not too dry: brick is hygroscopic. If it is dry, it quickly draws water out of the plaster mortar and it becomes too dry, it does not harden to normal condition. The result is cracks on the surface.

A few more points regarding drying. When plastering a fireplace, at least two layers are applied. The second can be applied only after the first has dried completely. To speed up drying, you can create a draft, but you cannot light the fireplace. The same applies to the second - finishing - layer.

For the technology of plastering stoves and fireplaces, see the following video.

Fireplace cladding with tiles and porcelain stoneware

The fireplace is finished with tiles or porcelain stoneware using a special heat-resistant adhesive. Not all tiles are suitable for such work. It should withstand heat well, be durable, dense (with small pores), plus, it should be easy to care for.

Regular fireplace decoration ceramic tiles is a lottery. If you're lucky, it will stand normally; if not, after a while the layer of glaze will be covered with a network of tiny cracks. The appearance will be “not very good” and it will be difficult to wash. If possible, it is better to use special materials:

Terracotta. The tile has an unglazed surface and has a characteristic color, which is how it got its name. It has a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to brick, so it does not crack.
Terracotta - tiles for finishing fireplaces and stoves
Majolica. These are the same terracotta tiles only with glaze applied to the front side. The technology is more complex, the price is higher. Decorating a fireplace with majolica requires careful development of the sketch - you won’t be able to cut such tiles. It also requires a highly qualified craftsman - the slightest deviations are noticeable. Apparently, for this reason, and also because of the very high price, you can more often see fireplaces and stoves with majolica fragments. I must say that these fragments greatly decorate and enliven the interior.
Majolica - colorful and beautiful
Heat resistant clinker tiles. It is made from a mixture of several types of clay, with the addition of fireclay. It is molded, pressed, then fired. The result is a thin - 9-12 mm thick - and durable tile. Colors range from whitish-gray to brown.
Porcelain tiles. The production technology is similar - first the composition is pressed, then fired. The components differ: in addition to several types of clay, quartz sand, fine granite or marble chips, dyes, oxides and metal salts are added. The structure of porcelain stoneware is low-porous, it tolerates both high and low temperatures well. The technology makes it possible to obtain material that imitates marble, other natural stones, terracotta, clinker and majolica. The disadvantage of porcelain stoneware is that it is difficult to cut and has heavy weight. For cladding fireplaces, thin slabs are used, so the weight is not terrible, and cutting can be done by a company (you just need to know exact dimensions required fragments).
Finishing the fireplace with porcelain stoneware - you can design it in any style
Tiles. The production technology is not much different - the clay is molded and fired in a kiln. The main difference is the shape and method of installation. The tiles are installed during the laying of the stove or fireplace - the fragments are fixed in the seams using wires. So finishing a finished fireplace with tiles is impossible.

Special tiles for facing fireplaces and stoves are made in small or medium formats, and the same porcelain stoneware is available in large slabs. Seamless installation is certainly attractive, but there is no guarantee that such a finish will not fall off. The coefficient of thermal expansion is quite different, which is why incidents are possible.

Technology for installing tiles on the walls of the fireplace and exhaust pipe

All listed species tiles, except tiles, are mounted on fireplaces using the same technology. Finishing a fireplace with tiles begins with the preparatory stage, and it coincides exactly with the one described above: clean the surface, unstitch the seams, heat to 60°C, moisten and you can start finishing the fireplace with tiles.

If there are large irregularities, the fireplace must be plastered. Mortars - any containing clay and cement, but not containing lime. Preparation is standard, as is the plastering process. The difference is that the second leveling layer does not need to be applied.

It is necessary to lay tiles on the walls of the fireplace after completely dry. The laying technology is standard, the difference is in the thickness of the seams. For a fireplace, it is better to make them larger (to compensate for different amounts of thermal expansion), so instead of crosses, pieces of 9.5 mm thick plasterboard are used.

The adhesive is applied to the wall or tile and leveled with a notched trowel. The tile is pressed against the surface, rocking it from side to side to set it in the desired position. Set the distance between the fragments using plasterboard spacers. Remove from 3-4 hours after installation.

The tiles on the fireplace are left to dry. The exact time depends on the glue used and the weather, and is usually indicated on the glue packaging. Final stage- filling seams. The grout used for the joints is also special; it is better to buy it together with glue from the same company, so that there are no compatibility problems. The process is also standard - the composition is diluted with water according to the instructions, the seams are filled with a rubber spatula or from a construction syringe. The freshly applied solution is leveled, forming beautiful seam. Excess is wiped off with a soft cloth.

Here are some tips from the experts:

To ensure that the tiles do not fall, attach a metal mesh with a fine mesh to the wall. Better yet, hammer nails into the seams and intertwine them with soft steel wire, creating a wire frame. This option the better that in difficult places the mesh can be made thicker. This step is necessary if you are going to install heavy porcelain tiles or large format tiles.
In order not to put a thick layer of glue, apply it both to the wall and to the tiles, and remove the excess here and there with a notched trowel.
Before laying the tiles, lay them out on the floor so you can get a realistic idea of how attractive the finish will be.
After laying each tile, excess mortar is removed from the joints. They will then be filled with a special paste. The surface of the tile is immediately wiped clean - if the glue hardens, it is almost impossible to clean it.

The main thing during this work is to ensure that no air cavities form under the finishing. Air has a high coefficient of expansion and, when heated, it will eventually tear the tiles away from the wall.

Video tutorials for finishing a fireplace with tiles

No matter how much you read about how to do it, it’s much more useful to look - you can grasp more details.

How to veneer a fireplace with stone

Finishing a fireplace with stone is technologically not much different from laying tiles. The difference is in working with the material itself, but there are almost no technical features. The only thing is that when using natural flagstone, be sure to cover the fireplace with mesh. Without it it will fall off.

Finishing the fireplace with stone is one of the options

Features of working with artificial gypsum stone

This type of decorative stone is inexpensive and lightweight; it can be used to decorate fireplaces, especially without overloading the ceilings. There are only some nuances without which good result you won't achieve it.

The technology for producing gypsum stone is such that each element has some irregularities, sagging, and protrusions. We grind them off with a knife, fortunately the plaster is cut without problems. We grind each cladding element so that at the back, around the perimeter, a frame is formed with an angle of 45° (or so).

Moreover, often the corner elements of the gypsum decorative stone are several millimeters higher than the ordinary ones from the same collection. In order for the cladding to look monolithic, this difference also has to be removed - grinded down. When all the cladding elements are adjusted, they can be glued into place. Heat-resistant glue is used for cladding fireplaces, even if correct design it barely gets warm.

Working with natural stone

Most often, fireplaces are faced with natural stone, sawn into plates. It is also called flagstone or stone tiles. The shape of all the fragments is different, you have to adjust it to make everything look beautiful. In this case, it is definitely better to first lay out the entire picture on some plane, select and process the elements. Only after the mosaic is complete can it be glued. The entire technology for installing a fireplace on the walls is described above and is practically no different. The whole process can be seen in the video.

Interesting options for finishing fireplaces (photo)

All the methods described above can be combined to create a finish in different styles. Sometimes it turns out very beautiful. We post some already implemented ideas below.

There are two options to achieve this effect - paint the existing brick fireplace or veneer with clinker tiles

This is polished porcelain stoneware

This is unpolished porcelain tile, small format. As you can see, it fits well into round shapes. Horizontal surfaces and columns are also porcelain tiles of a similar texture, but in the form of slabs

Smooth clinker tiles - strictly and functional

Tile inserts - beauty

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

Today you can build a fireplace in a country house using 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 building materials are 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 burn - it can 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:

Brick;
Drywall sheets;
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 one here;
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;
Myself finishing material;
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 - for this there is a special decorative putty (maybe different colors– you can easily find what 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:

Glass;
Wood;
Marble;
Porcelain tiles;
Drywall;
Decorative stone;
Ceramic tiles;
Decorative bassoon.

Marble and external cladding

Decorative finishing of a fireplace with marble is an expensive, but very beautiful and aesthetic solution. 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 that 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? It’s quite a good option, especially since it occurs quite often. Especially when covering electric fireplaces.

The process as a whole looks like that:

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;
But here it is worth considering this point: the fireplace insert should also be lined with plasterboard;
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 oh, 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.

You can also use glass in cladding work. 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;
Fireplace glass – interesting solution to create 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 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:

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;
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 a fireplace with different materials; there are plenty of ways. 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.

Back in the old days for construction hearth and home stones were used. Nowadays, when technology allows the use of synthetic materials, stone is still very often used for facing the fireplace.

Demand stone materials due to the nobility, excellent taste and reliability of this type of cladding. The finishing not only adds beauty to the appearance, but also corresponds to the practicality and durability of the structure.

Stone is a natural, environmentally friendly material that can withstand long periods of heating at high temperatures, retaining heat in the oven. Has a long service life.

Cladding involves coordinating the overall design of the room with the location and color shades of the fireplace for harmonious composition the entire interior.

Characteristics of natural stones

The facing stone is chosen from many varieties of natural materials. At the same time, the texture reflects the elegance, style and nobility of the structures being built.

To have an idea of the variety of natural materials, let's get acquainted with the most popular options.

Marble

The most common type of cladding. Marble has a rich palette of shades of white, red, gray, pink, green, brown and black. Stone patterns are created by its structure and depend on the methods of sawing the rock. The unique pattern of marble is used to create picturesque compositions.

Marble is characterized by many inclusions of different shades with veins and stripes. Processing methods affect the surface texture of the material: smooth, glossy or aged.

Cladding a fireplace with marble can be used in combination with other building materials. An excellent option based on marble stone, while maintaining high natural quality, is the use of ground marble.

Almost all varieties of rock are crushed into various fractions, which are used to produce marble mosaics or the main filler. Most often used plain varieties white and black marble.

Granite

It is one of the most durable, massive and durable types of materials. Finishing the fireplace with natural granite ensures the reliability and attractiveness of the structure. The natural texture fits harmoniously into the design of the space, containing matching granite objects, such as furniture or railings.

Granite material is unique decorative properties. The finish is characterized bright patterns and uniform grain size throughout the entire plane.

The location of extraction affects the variety of colors and its shades. High strength ensures long-term use. History has recorded facts of hundred-year-old granite fireplaces that still heat castles, as well as large mansions.

This stone is easy to process, providing the embodiment of a wide variety of design ideas. The combination of various slabs, mosaics, and collages created when facing the fireplace looks impressive. This design method gives exclusivity to each design element.

The use of granite to decorate a fireplace demonstrates the status of the owner and his attitude to life. Rich people enhanced the impression by using rare colors in order to add not just beauty, but to create originality and uniqueness of the interior.

Advantages of marble and granite for decoration:

resistance to temperature changes;
when heated, they do not emit harmful odors and smoke;
always impressive appearance;
combination with various building materials, such as wood, metal, glass, ceramics and other natural stones;
undemanding operation;
high strength, immunity to external influences.

Soapstone chlorite

Refers to a popular type of finishing materials. Thanks to its layered structure, it provides high heat capacity, so heat is retained in the stone and its surface is always warm.

They have known about it for many centuries. In Ancient Egypt and Asian countries, magical properties were attributed to it. The frequency of the emitted heat matches human radiation. The stone is believed to convey healthy natural strength when in contact with the human body. This strength increases the body's immunity and increases resistance to various bacteria and diseases.

IN folk medicine There is information about the beneficial effects on human health, normalization of blood pressure, restoration of the respiratory system and metabolism.

Soapstone has high density, thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion. These qualities are best used when finishing fireplaces and stoves.

Sandstone

It is used for the front decoration of the fireplace, as it is resistant to high temperatures, durable and has a strong structure. Thanks to the uniqueness of this stone, a variety of original solutions for the fireplace.

It is easy to process and can be cut. Has a large selection color solutions, shades and unique appearance. When facing with sandstone, you can create picturesque stone paintings.

This type of material best combines the qualities of decorativeness, environmental friendliness and affordable price.

Granite ceramics

Refers to a kind of finishing material, which is made from natural clay and is used for decorative finishing. The appearance is similar to the texture and color of granite, marble and similar stones.

This material differs from ordinary ceramic tiles only in the basis of its manufacture. Granite ceramics are made using especially durable clay. In other respects they are very similar, especially in appearance.

Thanks to the clay contained in porcelain stoneware, this material has a strong structure, is not subject to mechanical stress, and is resistant to elevated temperatures and durable. During operation finishing stone always retains its color and original shine.

Shell rock

It is one of the most unique natural stones that create an original fireplace lining. Thanks to its natural porous structure, it has high thermal insulation and resistance to high temperatures, which is an important factor for finishing a fireplace.

The shell rock contains the remains of fossilized sea shells and mollusks, which are preserved inside the stone.

To create the required shapes from shell rock, it is polished.

The most common yellow and white colors with various shades are successfully used for interior decoration. Cutting out original parts from sandstone-shell rock allows you to design the structure in accordance with any requests of the owners.

Cladding with natural stone is not always suitable for decorating fireplaces. Modern technologies allow the use of materials that are superior to natural stones in terms of heat transfer.

Therefore, use stone to decorate fireplaces if you are satisfied with the low heat capacity of its surface.

It is important to know that:

stone finishing reduces the efficiency of the structure, absorbing heat;
facing the fireplace with granite can be done in the house if it is not the heat transfer that is important, but the presence of a live fire;
the durability of marble and granite fireplaces is an indisputable fact.

If you use the softest of stones - limestone, then only after a few decades you will be able to see the destruction of its structure. Other stones are less susceptible to external influences, so finishing with natural materials does not have an expiration date.

Disadvantages of natural stones

Marble slabs fade over time and small cracks form on their surface;
All natural stones are mined from the depths of the earth, so they have a high cost;
Natural granite emits a natural radioactive background;
Sandstone is characterized by abrasion and the ability to quickly absorb moisture from the air;
Due to its loose structure, shell rock can accumulate soot, dust and get dirty.

On the other hand, in comparison with natural beauty, such shortcomings are negligible and therefore, when choosing finishing materials, be guided by practical and theoretical knowledge about stones.

Advantages of natural stones

Unique, diverse and beautiful in multiple manifestations of textures and shades of color.
Granite has powerful natural energy; it has a beneficial effect on the human psyche and calms the nervous system.
Stone finishing can be used in rooms without regular heating, as it is resistant to temperature changes.
Almost any shape and configuration of the structure can be veneered.

Finishing with natural stone gives a spectacular appearance and pleases residents with its consistency for many years.

Finishing with artificial materials

Interior decoration with artificial stones conveys the appearance of the power and strength of the stone, creating original beauty modern styles. The latest technologies make it easy to realize the most incredible fantasies using stone finishing.

Due to the ease of working with artificial stone, it is used for making complex structures fireplaces.

The advantages include:

ease of processing and creation of various shapes and sizes when facing;
light weight, which simplifies the decorating process;
can be combined with other types of materials such as metal, glass or ceramics.

Using decorative stone to decorate a fireplace allows you to create surfaces similar in appearance to natural materials, while the work is much easier and faster.

The appearance of artificial stones among building materials allows you to use inexpensive analogues where expensive stones are purchased. At the same time, the functionality and aesthetics of the finishing quality are preserved.

Although, nevertheless, artificial stones may be inferior to natural ones in terms of energy and natural benefits. Natural stones can heal and fill a space with healing ions and vibrations. For these purposes, semi-precious or natural gems such as jadeite, agate, onyx or malachite are used.

The harmony of the home atmosphere created by a stone fireplace conveys not only beauty, but also a feeling of reliability, stability and well-being.

With the help of a fireplace lined with wild stone, you can create a work of art, and its originality and uniqueness will correspond to your plans and attitude to life.

Such a fireplace can only be in a single copy, because natural stones have a unique pattern and inimitable shades created by nature itself. A variety of color shades, different installation methods and decorations create the uniqueness and sophistication of your home.

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 carries. 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(shocks, mechanical damage, etc.).
This facing material has high heat resistance.
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 facing the fireplace with artificial stone is an excellent 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 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;
we cover the surface of the fireplace with reinforcing mesh with 5x5 cm cells.
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 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 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

In recent years, finishing a fireplace with tiles has become no less popular than facing it 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 perfectly complements rooms made in a 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 of ceramic tiles is clay, it does not affect the efficiency of the fireplace, 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 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, mineral compositions of various colors are used. 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.