Back in the old days for construction hearth and home stones were used. Nowadays, when technology makes it possible to use synthetic materials However, stone is very often used for facing the fireplace.

The demand for stone materials is 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 a harmonious composition of 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 by bright patterns and uniform grain throughout the entire surface.

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 connection looks impressive various slabs, mosaics, collages created when facing the fireplace. 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. It has a large selection of colors, 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, is resistant to elevated temperatures and is 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.

Facing natural stone 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. The remaining stones are less susceptible to external influences, so the finishing natural materials has no 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 Decoration 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.

Thanks to the ease of working with artificial stone it is used for the manufacture of complex fireplace designs.

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. Variety of color shades, various ways styling and decoration create the uniqueness and sophistication of your home.

Installing a fireplace in the house helps not only create additional source heating the room, but also decorate the interior in an original way. There are many ways to decorate the surface of a fireplace. Most of them can be used without the help of professional technicians. And we will tell you how to do this in the article.

Tile finish

For this cladding method, you will need a heat-resistant material with high level thermal conductivity. Suitable porcelain stoneware or clinker tiles. To avoid cracking, it is advisable to take small plates and attach them to glue with a high level of heat resistance.

The options for finishing the fireplace and its decorative decoration are varied in the patterns and designs created.

The advantages of the material include:

• ease of installation;
• low maintenance requirements;
• resistance to elevated temperatures;
• variety in color and texture.

At the beginning of facing work, it is necessary to prepare a standard set of tools. The surface should also be treated. All masonry seams are unstitched, the walls of the fireplace are cleaned of dirt and treated with a primer. To strengthen the structure, it is necessary to make reinforcement by securing the mesh with screws.

To lay the tiles, prepare a solution of water and heat-resistant glue. Work starts from the lower level. Glue is applied to the wall at the rate of 3-4 plates and leveled with a spatula. Having placed the tile, you need to tap it with a rubber hammer and check for level.

Protrusions and corners are finished using special devices, and to attach the second row, crosses must be secured. After completion of the work, the surface of the tile is treated with a heat-resistant varnish.

Brick finishing

If you are looking for an answer to the question of what is the best way to decorate a fireplace, then you don’t have to think long and leave the exposed brickwork without decorative decorations. But you still have to work hard. Firstly, you need to more clearly highlight the coating by applying a hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid solution.

And secondly, it is advisable to carefully sew the seams. To do this with outside masonry, a space of up to 7 mm is left unfilled with mortar. They need to be treated with grout, but only after the glue mixture has dried. It is advisable to sand the surface of the brick. The originality comes from chamfering the edges.

Stone cladding

The use of natural or artificial stone, as can be seen in the photo of the fireplace decoration, will create a very durable coating. Along with this advantage, the simplicity of masonry should also be noted. After all, the craftsman will not be required to create perfectly even seams. On the contrary, some carelessness can become the highlight of the decoration.

But you shouldn’t forget about the disadvantage - the material is quite heavy, which complicates the laying a little. Although a technique similar to fixing tiles is used. You just need to seal the seams differently.

Among the most commonly used materials are:

Shell rock is an inexpensive stone that is easy to install and affordable. However, its softness creates a risk of damage, and the presence of pores leads to the accumulation of soot in them.

Limestone and sandstone allow you to choose any decorative style, but their strength is low and they strongly absorb soot.

Granite – can be used both in its raw form and after polishing. The color palette is varied. The stone is durable and resistant to detergents.

Slate is an aesthetic and durable material, but it is demanding when choosing the right style.

Marble is distinguished by its decorative diversity and the ability to decorate a fireplace in interiors decorated in many styles.

Using plaster

Finishing a fireplace with your own hands is possible by applying plaster. This method is very simple and does not require large financial investments. Cladding does not require strengthening the foundation of the fireplace, and after some time the surface can be easily updated or another decorative solution can be chosen.

You need to choose heat-resistant mixtures that include fixing components, for example, clay, lime, asbestos additives, hemp and straw. If the plaster contains fibers, then its reinforcing properties increase by several orders of magnitude.

And for decorative purposes, the surface must subsequently be painted with heat-resistant paint materials.

The plaster is applied using the following technology:

• removing old coating and cleaning from dirt;
• moisturizing the walls of the structure;
• jointing masonry joints up to 10 mm deep for better adhesion;
• heating the base;
• fastening reinforcing mesh with nails or screws;
• diluting the mixture and applying it to the surface;
• drying the plaster for 2-3 days with periodic heating of the fireplace;
• applying decorative paint or putty to the surface.

Decoration with tiles

These are decorative tiles made from ceramics or clay. Their shape is box-shaped. This cladding ensures quick heating of the fireplace and long-term heat retention. The coating is durable, environmentally friendly, moisture and heat resistant.

With the help of tiles you can hide structural defects and strengthen it. But at the same time, such decorative decoration of the fireplace has some disadvantages:

• high cost;
• complexity of masonry;
• heavy weight of products.

At the first stage of cladding, it is necessary to prepare the surface. It is cleaned, the seams are deepened by 10 mm, and self-tapping screws are attached to them. The plane is primed, and then the mesh is attached. For quality work, the level is checked and then the beacons are fixed.

A clay mixture is used for masonry. During the cooking process, you need to sift the clay, removing lumps and stones. The clay is filled with water and kept in this form for 24 hours. Then you need to mix clay with sand in a proportion suitable for the heat resistance level of the fireplace.

After determining the pattern and order of laying, work is carried out in the following order:

• pre-soaked samples are applied to the wall for testing;
• The tiles are fixed from the corner, and the solution is applied to their reverse side;
• Pins are attached to the holes in the tiller, a wire is fixed to them, which is tied to the mesh and to the masonry with a self-tapping screw;
• The pumps are connected together with staples, and the space between them is closed with mortar.

Wood finishing

This option may not seem very successful from the standpoint fire safety. But it is not so. Thanks to the naturalness of the wood, it turns out very beautiful finish fireplace.

It is necessary to use heat-resistant species - alder or ash with a special coating against fire. It is also advisable to trim only individual structural elements that are not in contact with the firebox with wood. And cover it with a protective screen.

Cladding a fireplace is a very important stage in the interior design of a room. By being creative using original materials, you can decorate your home and make it more comfortable.

Photo of fireplace decoration

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

What stone to use for a fireplace

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

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

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

Basalt

Diabase

A truly magnificent look can be achieved using the same rocks that are used for laying sauna stove: basalt, diabase, jadeite. These rocks, even with strong heating, do not form harmful emissions and are completely safe. It is better to select stones yourself; preferably a flat format of different sizes mixed with equilateral stones of the same thickness, due to which I will fill empty seats layouts. It is better to purchase medium polished stones or even untreated stones.

Polished jadeite

Jadeite crushed

Glue selection

If you use dense hardwood without defects, the durability of the fireplace lining will depend entirely on the quality of the adhesive mixture and the reliability of its adhesion to the brick base. Work in such temperature conditions cement mortar won’t be able to for a long time, so the choice is narrowed down to two options: buying a ready-made dry adhesive mixture special purpose or preparing your own solution based on fireclay clay.

WITH ready-made compounds Everything is simple, in most cases the usual Ceresit ST-17 or Knauf “Marble” will be enough. You can also use more highly specialized mixtures like Scanmix Fire. The main limitation in the use of this type of glue is the maximum thickness of the seam, which is why the choice of material for masonry is limited to artificial stone. Natural rock has an irregular shape, and it can only be laid on tile adhesive after careful adjustment.

Homemade mortar provides relative freedom in this regard: with it, stones can be laid without tedious grinding, which will give the fireplace a more authentic look. The solution contains fireclay clay, river or mountain sand and cement grade not lower than 300 in a dry weight ratio of 3:1:1. The clay must be rubbed through a sieve in advance, removed from debris and inclusions, and then filled with water for 40-50 hours. After this, sand is added to the mixture; it is necessary to eliminate cracking at the initial stage of setting. Cement is necessary to accelerate setting and increase adhesion; it is added immediately before laying. In such a solution it would not be superfluous to use heat-resistant plasticizers. Final mixing should be done using a mixer or drill with a tile adhesive attachment.

How to prepare the masonry surface

The third component of a high-quality fireplace cladding is a carefully prepared base. Brickwork Priming is strictly necessary and the composition for this should be of the highest quality possible. It is recommended to use Knauf Tiefengrund or similar acrylate-based primers Dufa Putzgrung, Marshall Export Base, but only for interior work.

The second step is to secure the plaster mesh. The cell size must be chosen twice as large as the planned thickness of the adhesive seam. You cannot fasten the mesh with dowels in plastic plugs; you should use metal anchor wedges with a diameter of 6 mm. The fastening points are located with a frequency of about 25-30 cm. It is necessary to fasten into the body of the brick, and not into the seam. To prevent the masonry from splitting, turn the hammer drill to low speed.

Additionally, you can “tear” the surface of the masonry by tapping it with a hammer and chisel to form many notches. This will significantly increase adhesion, but this can only be done at the initial stage before priming. At the end of the preparation, the surface must be thoroughly dust-free; you can also open the masonry with another layer of primer from a hand sprayer.

Layout diagram

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

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

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

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

Cladding order

The facing always starts from the bottom of the front of the fireplace, on which the firebox is located. Shelf from solid wood or artificial stone should already be fixed, the top row of stones will be placed under it and adjusted. When sorting, the most beautiful stones should be selected for the front part, tightly fitting together and harmonizing in shape and size.

Since the lifetime of the glue is quite high, it is recommended to first thoroughly wipe the entire surface, driving the solution under the mesh, and then add the mixture in small portions during the laying process. The stones are planted in a continuous seam without voids; each element of the masonry has to be torn off several times to make sure that the glue has filled all the cavities.

When the front of the fireplace is lined, protruding elements may remain on the edges and in the throat of the firebox. They will be removed after the mixture has dried; the easiest way to do final sanding is with a disc disc. For now, you should focus on facing the remaining planes. After the front, the sides of the fireplace are laid out, the lower zone is tiled last.

While the glue has not dried, the seams should be unstitched. In the simplest version, the glue is simply wiped off with a finger, forming a semicircular depression. You can also scrape out the remaining glue with a scraper almost completely; they do not carry any useful load. Instead of standard jointing, in this case, they wait until the final trimming and sanding of the protruding elements after they dry. Finally, a tinted adhesive mixture is blown into the gap between the stones using a pastry syringe or a garbage bag with a cut corner, which forms a convex seam with fancy sagging.

How to lay out an arched vault

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

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

Don't forget that the highlight of any arch is the large trapezoidal cornerstone placed in the center of the top. It should be selected in advance from everything source material, this should be the most beautiful cladding element. If you fit the stones carefully enough and put the arch on dry ground several times, it will hold up even if glue mixture will crack: the central stone will keep the tightly folded vault from collapsing.

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 a heat-resistant plaster, special types ceramic tiles and stone - natural or decorative.

Fireplace plaster

Plaster is one of the simple and practical options for decorating a brick fireplace. A few years ago, plastered surfaces were whitewashed or painted. Today it is possible to apply a decorative layer with different textures on top of ordinary plaster.

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, the plaster mixtures are made the same. 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, is applied in a thin layer - usually up to 3 mm, and 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, you can make 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 grip plaster mortar with the surface, the seams deepen 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.

Decorating a fireplace with ordinary 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 front side icing. 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. 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 a lot of weight. For cladding fireplaces, thin slabs are used, so the weight is not terrible, and you can send it to the company to cut it (you just need to know the exact dimensions of the 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 tiles are 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 preparatory stage, and it coincides exactly with what was described above: clean the surface, unstitch the seams, heat to 60°C, moisten and you can start tiling the fireplace.

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, what 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.

Production technology gypsum stone such that on each element there are some irregularities, sagging, 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 rounded 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

The home environment changes amazingly when the languid power of the fireplace appears in it. Everyone bows under this power of calm and eternity, sitting comfortably in a chair, covering themselves with a blanket and enjoying tea that burns their lips.

A fireplace today can be located in almost any house or apartment, because numerous finishing options fit organically into different interiors.

Features of interior and exterior decoration

The fireplace consists of a portal and a hearth. A hearth is a place for burning or simulating it. The portal also performs a decorative function and is richly decorated with various materials. Each detail requires a certain finishing.

Three-sided fireplaces

According to many, a three-sided fireplace best displays the beauty of fire and looks great in a home or apartment. It is a fireplace with a combustion area closed on three sides by a glass-ceramic window.

In most cases, a false wall is used to decorate the exterior of a three-sided fireplace. Less common to see similar model located in the center of the room. Fireplace shapes are different. It can be a cube, pyramid, cylinder and other original options.

False fireplaces

For those whose dreams constantly lead to thoughts about a fireplace, but the possibility of placing it in the apartment does not exist, false fireplaces were invented. They do not have a hearth or fire, so they are the safest.

Why do you need a false fireplace? All for the same comfort. For example, such a design can cover the unaesthetic appearance of batteries, place a heater for additional heat, or use it as stylish shelf, arrange candles or complement a cozy interior.

Drywall is most often used for the base of the fireplace; it is decorated with wood, artificial stone, decorative brick or ceramic tiles.

Artificial fireplaces

In most apartments, installing a fireplace with a real fire is problematic and, as it turns out in practice, unrealistic. Indeed, it is much safer and easier to reserve the soft light of a real fire for country house. For an apartment, the optimal solution would be an artificial fireplace.

The same materials are used for its finishing as for a false fireplace, because it does not pose a threat or any danger when operating from an outlet. Drywall, brick, tiles - these are the finishing options for artificial models.

Materials

Marble

Marble is one of the most noble finishing materials various types fireplace. This is probably why it is especially popular today.

It is worth saying that marble can be used to build the entire structure of the fireplace, or you can complement the finished fireplace in the form of cladding. For the first case, rubble stone is used, for the second - plates. The thickness of the facing plate is no more than 1 cm.

Advantages of marble finishing:

• pure material that does not emit harmful substances when heated;
• high strength;
• does not absorb moisture;
• doesn't respond to high temperatures and their differences;
• the price varies depending on the naturalness of the marble;
• has an aesthetic appearance;
• relevant for any style.

Marble can be artificial or natural. As experts note, this is the case when a substitute is superior to a natural competitor. So, artificial marble It is light and flexible, it can be easily fixed on any surface, be it brick or drywall. Heavy weight natural material requires professionalism and fundamentality of the fireplace base.

Much has been said about the beauty of marble. Indeed, thin veins of contrasting colors cannot be confused with any other stone. The color palette here is multifaceted. Pink and black, gray and white, black and yellow tones will appeal to the most picky aesthetes.

Tree

The wood finish fireplace looks very warm and cozy. However, this material has its advantages and disadvantages, which are important to familiarize yourself with to obtain the best result.

So, wood in decoration is used only for false fireplaces, as well as with artificial flame, after all, it’s no secret that wood is a highly flammable material. In addition, wood should be used in residential buildings and apartments with constant heating. Country wooden house with a chic wood fireplace - a dream that cannot come true. The wood accumulates moisture, and later cracks appear on it.

And even if the wooden fireplace is in your permanent place of residence, it is important to take care of it, and not just wipe it from dust with a damp cloth. Certain wood treatment products and periodic surface renewal are the key beautiful fireplace for many years. Unfortunately, without proper care, wood quickly darkens and loses its luster and presentable appearance.

Wood weighs a little, so finishing the fireplace can be done with your own hands. In addition, you can decorate the model with stucco and give different shades to natural materials. The cost of cladding varies and varies depending on the type of wood.

Porcelain tiles

Decorating a fireplace with natural stone is not cheap, so often, in order to save money, buyers choose artificial material. Porcelain stoneware is rightfully considered the best of them. The material has high strength and long-lasting color, because color mineral pigments are added directly to the mixture for preparation. Using porcelain tiles you can create the effect of natural marble, granite, coils and others valuable species stones.

Brick

Can be used for real and artificial fireplace various materials, so, one of the most durable is brick. Surprisingly, this familiar material can easily compete with natural stone in terms of aesthetic characteristics. Ceramic bricks are used for finishing.

Bricks of various colors, glossy and matte, can be laid directly during the laying of the fireplace itself, or after construction. Brick is not sensitive to temperatures, and also does not tend to crack, which is especially important for country houses.

Mosaic

A fireplace with tile trim is an interesting, but quite rare solution. It’s all about the special preparation of the surface for cladding, because small mosaics can replicate any unevenness.

Features of mosaic finishing:

• not afraid of moisture;
• does not respond to temperature changes;
• can be made of glass and tiles;
• suitable for modern design fireplaces.

When deciding to choose mosaic as a finish, it is important to ask the supplier about its composition, because some options are created exclusively for artificial and false fireplaces.

photos

Himalayan salt

Himalayan salt is a unique natural material native to the Himalayas, which has pink tint. Today this material is actively used in apartments, for example, as salt lamps, wall decoration or fireplaces. What did he do to deserve such popularity?

Benefits of Himalayan salt:

• the ability to absorb excess humidity in the apartment during the unheated season;
• Possibility of use as a room ionizer and air humidifier;
• original appearance;
• Can be used for any type of fireplace;
• antimicrobial action.

The effect of Himalayan salt is great, it is not for nothing that salt caves and visiting them with the whole family are gaining increasing popularity. According to the owners of this unique material, colds and illnesses are avoided at home, which means you can think about buying it. In an aesthetic sense, crystals have a stylish shine, which is perfectly emphasized by flames, as well as additional lighting placed by the fireplace.

Tiles

Truly luxurious fireplaces are obtained by finishing with tiles. And this is not surprising, because in the Middle Ages temples and palaces were richly decorated with this material. The composition of the tiles is simple, most often representing terracotta clay. The tiles are suitable for any type of fireplace, however, for real models, cast iron fireboxes are required.

Another advantage of this material is its versatility. Thus, glazed tiles are filled with a glossy shine and resemble glass, while unglazed tiles are similar to pottery.

Tiles delight in classic, modern and vintage styles. Rich painting makes each tile unique, and the fireplace takes on a unique look, becoming the main accent in the interior of the house.

Onyx

Another beautiful natural stone used to decorate a fireplace is onyx. It is impossible not to recognize it, because smooth transitions, stripes and spots, and besides, transparency belong only to it - the stone, admirable. It is the transparency of onyx that has become a fashionable trend in fireplace decoration. The use of lighting of various colors helps to fully reveal the beauty of the material; however, even without it, onyx looks incomparable.

Continuing the theme of the advantages of onyx, one cannot fail to note its durability and strength. This choice will certainly please its owner for a long period of time. And onyx is a limited natural resource, which means that covering a fireplace with it will not only be a stylish addition to the interior, but also a useful investment.

Granite

Granite is one of the most durable materials for finishing a fireplace. His color palette will conquer picky critics, because it starts from white, goes into red and purple, and ends completely in black.

Granite is a confirmation of the status of the owner of such a fireplace. Due to labor-intensive extraction, prices are high, so the choice often falls on artificial stones. Nevertheless, granite remains a popular material for finishing real and artificial fireplaces.

Foam block

Finishing with foam concrete blocks is ideal for false fireplaces, as well as artificial models. Real fire is contraindicated for foam blocks.

This material will delight you with the simplicity of the work, because it is cut to shape using an ordinary hacksaw. Putty is applied as a decoration, so when applied with a sponge, a unique rough surface appears. Acrylic paint is also used to achieve a presentable look.

Fiber cement panels

Fiber cement panels are a cement-fiber material used in finishing houses, fireplaces, stoves and steam rooms.

Advantages:

• long service life;
• affordable cost;
• variety of imitation various surfaces: brick, wood, metal;
• temperature tolerance from -80 to +80 degrees, i.e. they are ideal for artificial fireplaces.

Metal

The designers were even able to integrate metal organically into the decoration of the fireplaces. First of all, this material perfectly withstands proximity to hot surfaces, which cannot but please the owners of a real fireplace.

Types of metal for cladding:

• polished steel;
• textured rusty panel is often the choice of designers;
• patinated metal;
• copper.

Metal plates can be positioned asymmetrically with respect to the floor, and can also be transformed into intricate shapes.

Tile

The tiles are plates of baked clay. Any tile is suitable for finishing an artificial and false fireplace; for a real one, it is important to take into account some conditions. So, the tile should be dense and have small pores, because large ones will quickly darken from fire and lose their presentable appearance.

Suitable types of tiles for real fireplaces:

• terracotta;
• majolica;
• heat-resistant clinker tiles;
• porcelain stoneware;
• tiles.

Slate

A natural material called “slate” is relevant for finishing real and artificial fireplaces. Its appearance is comparable in beauty to marble, because the composition of this stone is unique. Quartz and mica included in the material fill it with an amazing radiance, which is revealed by the play of flames.

Sawed stone and “wild” stone are equally relevant. In the first case, the owner of the fireplace receives a glossy, smooth surface, in the second - a convex and very embossed surface.

Slate combines well with other materials. For example, marble in combination with slates is ideal for classic models, the Art Nouveau style will be decorated with a fireplace finished with slate and sandstone.

Liquid wallpaper

Liquid wallpaper is often called “silk plaster”, because its composition can indeed include silk, cotton, and cellulose. What distinguishes the material from plaster is the absence of sand in its composition.

Artificial fireplaces are often decorated with liquid wallpaper, because their design and decoration can be thought out to the smallest detail and updated at any time, in addition, all the finishing can be done independently. And also with the help liquid wallpaper You can create almost any surface that imitates natural stone.

Bas-relief

If you want to create a truly unique fireplace decoration, pay attention to the decoration with bas-relief. The voluminous surface with a pattern is the exclusive work of the designers, because all finishing is done by hand, which means that no two fireplaces are exactly alike.

The bas-relief can be made with plaster. This is what beginners prefer, because making a bas-relief by a master is an expensive job.

To add brightness to the bas-relief, paints and a play of halftones are used. However, according to experts, when proper lighting the appearance of the bas-relief without painting looks no less luxurious.

Glass

Decorative finishing a glass fireplace is a rare but very attractive solution. For real fireplaces, only special burnt thermo-material can be used. It is not afraid of even direct fire, so it is often used as an element for closing the firebox.