Modern fireplace finish. Cladding the fireplace and stove How to trim a fireplace

IN Lately The construction of a fireplace in the country has gained particular popularity. After all, this multifunctional product allows you to enjoy natural warmth, its crackling has a beneficial effect on nervous system. In addition, it can become a real home decoration. Who doesn’t dream of enjoying the comfort of radiated heat on cold winter evenings? But in order for it to fit perfectly into the interior, you need to carefully choose it exterior finishing. Surely, many are interested in how to decorate a fireplace on their own, while creating harmony and comfort.
Today there are many options for finishing a fireplace. Cladding a unique fireplace with your own hands, step-by-step instruction which is presented below, allows even an inexperienced owner to become the happy owner of a beautiful piece of furniture.

Joining seams - a simple finishing method

After the fireplace is built, it is imperative to fill out the joints. To carry out this type of work, it is necessary to evenly distribute the solution between the masonry elements using special device. The seams can have a depressed or convex shape. It depends on the individual wishes of the dacha owner.
Today, very often a special pigment is added to solutions, which can color the substance in any shade. This allows you to create original design, fits perfectly into the design.
To fill the seams you will need:

hammer-pick;
trowel;
special jointing for creating convex or concave seams;
spatula for applying the solution.

Instructions for performing the work:

formation of horizontal seams;
formation of vertical seams;
cleaning the masonry with a special brush consisting of natural fibers;
application of a special paint and varnish substance that is resistant to high temperatures.

All work should be carried out very carefully. It is strictly forbidden to clean the masonry with a brush with coarse wire bristles, as it can ruin the appearance by causing scratches. Anyone can do this type of fireplace design with their own hands.

Finishing the fireplace with plaster

Decorating a fireplace with your own hands using plaster is the simplest and, at the same time, inexpensive way to create beauty and comfort. With its help you can create the most incredible scenery. For example, applying the plaster mixture with a sponge will give it a peculiar waviness. You can also in finishing mixture add pigment and thereby color it in the desired shade.
So, after the masonry has dried, you can safely begin plastering:

Add finely chopped fiberglass and table salt to the prepared plaster mixture. This will improve the quality of the coating;
clean the surface of the masonry and seal the seams evenly to a depth of 1 cm;
heat the fireplace for better distribution of the plaster and its uniform drying;
moisten the surface of the fireplace with a spray bottle;
apply the first ball of plaster mixture using the “spraying” method;
ensure that the first ball is completely dry;
apply the finishing ball of plaster.

Applying the finishing layer requires special attention. Using a trowel or brush, apply the mixture, distributing it evenly over the surface. You can eliminate unevenness using a special grater, which should be worked in a circle. The thickness of the ball should not exceed 0.5 cm.

Using drywall to decorate an electric fireplace

When performing this type of design, you should first arrange the frame. It should be installed with precise calculations. That is, vertical frame racks should allow the drywall to be securely fixed, but at the same time its joints should be neat and invisible. Fastening plasterboard sheets should be carried out strictly according to the frame. Fixing them between profiles is strictly prohibited. Thus, decorating a fireplace with your own hands using plasterboard includes the following steps:

clearly plan the design;
apply only visible marks to the surface for fastening profile elements. Marking should be done evenly, clearly and at the same distance;
secure the vertical profiled frame according to the marks. For this type of work, ordinary screws are suitable;
installation of horizontal frame elements;
use plasterboard sheets to sheathe the frame. For fixation, use self-tapping screws, which are fastened at a distance of no more than 150 mm from each other;
seal drywall joints using a special tape soaked in gypsum mortar;
install the corners - this will not only give expressiveness to the shapes, but also ensure the strength of the structure;
carry out external decoration. You can decorate drywall different ways, including plastering.

Installation of drywall is not complex look work and does not require special equipment. For this type of work you only need a screwdriver, which can be found in every home.

Using stone to decorate a brick fireplace

Finishing with natural stone allows you to make the fireplace especially refined and chic. Natural material, like no other, fits into any room design, allowing you to emphasize the nobility and sophistication of the owner. In addition, natural stone has unique performance characteristics.
With special equipment, you can create real masterpieces of art. If you do not have devices for processing natural stone, then you can use shell rock, limestone, and rubble stone. Such a DIY fireplace will become the pride of every home owner.
You can also use artificial decorative stone to decorate the fireplace. It looks similar to natural material, is easy to install and has a long period of use without losing its appearance.

Modern technologies make it possible to select an artificial material to match any natural resource. In addition, you can make artificial stone yourself. To prepare a mixture for making stone, you need to mix cement, sand and pigment. Ready mixture pour into special silicone molds and leave for a certain time until completely hardened. Remove the finished artificial stones from the mold. They are ready for facing works.
Carrying out cladding work with both natural and artificial material happens in exactly the same way: using special glue for ceramic tiles you need to fix the stones on the surface of the fireplace. To create a beautiful pattern, stones can be laid out on a flat surface, choosing the most advantageous options for their placement. Thus, when they are fixed already on the surface of the product, there will be no troubles associated with size or shape.

Using tiles as a fireplace finish

Cladding a fireplace with tiles is one of the most popular design options. Experts recommend using tiles:

clinker, with which traditional designs are created;
majolica, which has a glazed surface with a pattern applied;
terracotta, impressive with its matte finish;
porcelain stoneware, having a variety of shapes and decorations.

In addition, these decorative elements have increased heat resistance. They will last a long period without losing their pristine beauty.
When choosing tiles for finishing a fireplace, special attention should be paid to its size. Naturally, large tiles are installed very quickly, but they are more difficult to adjust to the size of shelves and niches.
Small sizes are easier to install in this regard, but finishing the cladding work will take much longer.
WITH special attention You should also consider purchasing the adhesive mixture. It must be heat-resistant, elastic and provide reliable fixation.
Execution of facing works includes:

performance preparatory work, including cleaning and deepening the seams. Particular care should be taken to remove the old finish, if any;
leveling the surface. To do this, apply the adhesive mixture in an even layer and allow it to dry;
marking the surface of the fireplace;
installing tiles starting from the bottom. To do this, glue is applied to the tiles. Further facing material placed evenly on the base and tapped using a special rubber hammer. To create straight lines, it is recommended to use special plastic crosses, which can be purchased at a hardware store;
removing protruding glue. This must be done while it is not yet frozen, since then it will be very difficult to cope with such work;
allowing time for the glue to dry completely;
Grouting joints using paste-like mineral grout. It is recommended to fill the seams evenly; using a damp sponge you need to level their surface;
time for the fireplace to dry;
covering the seams with a special agent that will repel dirt and dust.

You can veneer a fireplace at any time of the year, but it is best to do it from spring to autumn.

The use of special finishing tiles

Tiles allow you to create an original and unusually beautiful appearance of the fireplace. They can be used in different shapes and sizes. Today, specialized stores offer a choice of glossy and matte decorative elements, with printed patterns and plain ones, with embossed and flat surface. Externally, the tiles resemble tiles, but their reverse side has a special box-shaped protrusion - a rump. In addition to creating a beautiful appearance, tiles help to increase the heat transfer coefficient of the fireplace and retain heat for a longer time.

1 step
Prepare the material by carefully examining it. Tiles from the same manufacturer may have external differences. Next, you should arrange the finishing elements, putting them into a beautiful harmonious pattern.
Step 2
Measure the tiller on each element and, if necessary, adjust it to the same dimensions.
Step 3
Level the surface and apply the solution.
Step 4
Fasten the elements using wire. To fix it on the surface of the fireplace, the pump should be filled with a mixture of clay and pieces of brick, combined in equal proportions. Insert a tiller into the holes; as a rule, a wire with a diameter of no more than 5 mm is used for this. The edges of the wire should be bent upward. Place the finished tile in the original pattern and press it to the surface. Hide the ends of the wire in the solution.

Use of wood – natural and elegant

Cladding a fireplace with your own hands using natural wood is not a difficult task. This natural material makes it very easy to create sophisticated designs. Any species is suitable for finishing, but you should still give preference to strong and durable wood. It is not the main decoration. By using wooden elements You can give, for example, a plastered product a special touch of nobility. Wooden shelves They will decorate any fireplace and fit perfectly into the interior of the room. For use natural wood It is recommended to use special heat-resistant impregnations. They will allow the natural material not to react to high temperature indicators. The wood can also be treated with special paints and varnishes to give it a perfect look.
Whatever finishing method is preferred, it is worth taking care to create a harmonious design of the entire room. After all, the fireplace is part of the room, exquisitely complementing it, providing comfort and coziness.

A fireplace is a popular element for home decoration, and it can be created from different materials.

In addition to the actual creation of the structure, its cladding must be carried out, designed to decorate the fireplace. It can be made using different materials. Such work can be done with your own hands.

What is the cladding done?

What to cover the fireplace with? There is a lot for this various materials, which include:

, which can be created from different components, and it is suitable for both fireplaces and stoves.
Brick, by using which fireplace surround will be durable, reliable and beautiful. This facing material has a reasonable price, but it is important to choose.
Tile finishing is considered an excellent choice, and this material is a tile with a pattern applied to its surface in a unique and specific way.
Decorating a fireplace with porcelain stoneware is an interesting choice, which will allow you to get the design distinguished by beauty and attractiveness.
Finishing is also common, and it is considered a good option for decorating a fireplace with your own hands.
Cladding a fireplace with marble is considered the most optimal choice, because the result is an unrivaled design. Corner structures, a standard stove and other types of fireplace can be designed in the same way.

Cladding with marble

Cladding a fireplace using marble is considered traditional solution for decorating stoves. Do-it-yourself work will provide an unrivaled design of the structure, so it will fit perfectly into any interior.

Even corner and wall-mounted fireplaces can be decorated with this material. Facing marble is natural breed, which easily withstands constant exposure to high temperatures. Because marble can have different colors, the stove can also be decorated in various colors and textures.

For laying marble a suitable mixture must be used, and all work can be easily done with your own hands. However, it may be difficult to cut marble.

Read also: Brick stoves for small dachas

Using tiles for cladding

Modern facing tiles come in a large number of varieties. All materials have their pros and cons. The tiles can be porcelain stoneware or ceramic, as well as any other.

Decorating a fireplace with granite or tiles is not a difficult job, but only if making the right choice material can be obtained unique design. You can tile the stove yourself. It is important to choose the right adhesive mixture, select optimal design tiles, as well as choose other materials to work with to get a bright and unique stove. Do-it-yourself finishing with porcelain stoneware or other tiles should be done in such a way that you get perfect and beautiful seams.

The whole thing does not take much time, but it may be difficult to cut it.

Gypsum decor for fireplace cladding

Finishing with gypsum mixture is original choice for fireplaces and stoves. This is due to many positive properties:

opportunity to create unique design;
efficiency;
opportunity make the mixture yourself;
the rage and uniqueness of the result of work performed using gypsum mixture;
availability and simplicity of materials used for work;
safety, since the mixture contains there are no harmful components;
durability, since the elements are resistant to high temperatures and other negative factors.

Cladding stoves and fireplaces with gypsum mixture is excellent choice for any interior. The use of gypsum mixture does not always imply a white cladding, since it can be painted in different shades.

Application for cladding tiles

Tile cladding is very popular. These elements are formed from baked clay, so they can have different shapes and sizes, ideally suited for specific stoves or fireplaces. Decorations with tiles are distinguished by their originality and brightness, originality and uniqueness, and this facing material can have a design that exactly meets the wishes of the owners ovens.

Fireplace cladding process

It is important not only to choose the right material, but also to know how to veneer a fireplace. An example is porcelain stoneware cladding. She implemented in several stages:

Preparation of the surface of the fireplace or stove on which the finishing material will be applied (consists of cleaning it from dirt and applying a special degreasing solution).
A mixture is created that is necessary for cladding the structure with granite, and it must have high quality and others suitable parameters For use near hot surfaces and open fire.
Carrying out calculations on the basis of which it will be clear how much material will be needed, where individual elements will be located, and also answers to other questions regarding the cladding process.
Direct cladding with granite, which should happen according to plan, and the mixture for work should be applied in the optimal amount.
Removing the solution from the cladding surface and checking correct execution of the entire process.

This question interests home craftsmen who decide to lay a stove or fireplace. It is also very relevant for everyone who has stove heating. Finishing the hearth with simple plaster is not highly aesthetic and after ten years of use requires replacement.

Of course, cracks and peeling of the finishing layer can be repaired. However, after such a procedure, the stove does not look its best and after a short time begins to crack again.

We will tell you how to cover a stove or fireplace so that it looks great, gives off heat well and does not require repairs for a long time.

Selecting materials for cladding a stove or fireplace

The fundamental difference in the finishing of these heating structures No. Everything used to line a stove is suitable for a fireplace. But the requirements for finishing materials in both cases are quite specific:

High thermal resistance;
Good thermal conductivity (thermal output);
Mechanical strength;
Strong adhesion to the solution;
Aesthetic appearance.

Invent the new kind you won't need any cladding. The practice of stove making offers many options for performing this work and materials for its implementation.

Professional craftsmen use the following materials for finishing stoves and fireplaces:

Brick;
Ceramic tiles (terracotta or majolica);
Tiles;
Natural stone (marble, basalt, sandstone, slate, granite).

IN last years they were joined by artificial stone and soapstone.

Brick cladding

If you're happy with the aesthetics ceramic bricks, then use this material for cladding. The most difficult question is that protecting the heated surface from cracks does not arise in this case. The brick cladding stands on a common stove foundation and does not require the use of reinforcing mesh.

Finishing the stove in the house using face brick can be carried out simultaneously with masonry. This material is also good for improving appearance. existing structure. Contrasting colors and shaped details pleasantly transform the appearance of an ordinary stove.

The beauty of a brick fireplace lining is not inferior to expensive marble or granite.

Brick finish is also good for metal furnaces. Here, a ballast backfill of dry fine sand is used between the steel body and the brick cladding. It protects the masonry from the deforming expansion of hot metal and transfers thermal energy well.

Ceramic tiles - an option for soft heating

Glazed ceramic tiles are a very popular and inexpensive way cladding of stoves and fireplaces. The only limitation for this material is the heating temperature of the surface. The tiles do not have powerful hooks and lock connections to resist temperature deformation. Therefore, do not place it on ovens that get very hot during operation. It is optimally suited for fireplaces (low facade heating).

Ceramic clinker tiles– an excellent “simulator”. With its help, you can “create” any type of finish: brick, tiles, wood, granite or marble.

For those who are looking for original and inexpensive solution for facing a fireplace or stove, we recommend trying a combination decorative brick and ceramic tiles.

The combination of smooth and rough textures, dark and light tones will give the hearth a pleasant charm and charm.

Tiles - the experience of centuries

Stove masters spent a long time looking for a way to protect the finish from temperature deformation, until they came up with tiles. Essentially it's ordinary clay tiles, but of a special “volumetric configuration”. On the back side of the tiles there are special projections - rumps. They serve to connect the tiles to each other and connect them to the masonry mass.

The laying of tiles is carried out simultaneously with the construction of a stove or fireplace, row by row. This creates a strong self-supporting wall. It is connected to the main masonry by wire “tendrils” placed in the seams between the bricks.

The tiles are connected to each other using steel hooks. They are connected to the brick wall of the oven not only by wire, but also by mortar placed in the tillers and in the space between the tiles.

The technology of tile cladding differs from conventional stove finishing. First, they place a row of tiles, fasten them together and fill the pumps with clay mortar. Only after this the brick wall of the furnace is placed close to them.

Richness of decor and color range The range of stove tiles is amazing. Therefore, finishing with this material is often equated to high art.

Natural and artificial stone

Natural stone meets all the requirements for finishing stoves and fireplaces. He endures high temperature, has a dense fine-grained structure and therefore transfers heat well. This material is extremely durable and environmentally friendly.

Beautiful texture and natural colors are the undoubted advantages of stone tiles. The only problem natural material- high price. Home craftsmen today have an economical alternative in the form of artificial stone. It is technologically advanced in finishing and is not inferior to natural material in terms of heat resistance, strength, beauty and environmental friendliness.

The production of artificial stone does not involve labor-intensive cutting, grinding and polishing. Modern technologies for pressing and firing clay make it possible to obtain complex shaped elements that are not inferior in appearance expensive products made of natural stone.

Thanks to the creation of heat-resistant mastics, finishing a fireplace with stone has become easier and does not require the use of embedded parts. Therefore, it is being actively mastered by home craftsmen who want to compete on equal terms with eminent masters.

Soapstone chlorite sounds nice, but is it profitable?

Well organized marketing company works wonders. Therefore, today there are rave reviews about soapstone chlorite everywhere. It is a common volcanic rock, heavy, strong and heat resistant. No one can clearly answer why it is better than basalt, granite or sandstone. But in cost it is not inferior to elite marble delivered from Italy (from 7,000 rubles per 1 m2).

So far, soapstone has taken root only in baths and saunas, where heaters are lined with it. You can use it to decorate the fireplace and stove, but there are also more economical options.

The color range of this stone is quite poor. It is dominated by pale gray and greenish shades.

Wood is not only heating fuel, but also a beautiful finish

Wood has never been excluded from the category finishing materials for fireplaces. This material conducts heat poorly, so it should be used sparingly and wisely, using it as an accent to façade decor.

IN heating stove Wood also has its own corner. Here it can be used to decorate shelves, decorate corners, beds and benches.

DIY stove and fireplace cladding

We will consider a simple option - cladding existing furnace ceramic tiles.

The finishing process here consists of the following operations:

Surface preparation;
Installation of steel mesh;
Plastering the mesh;
Tile finishing.

High-quality tiling of the stove will not work if the surface is not freed from old plaster and dust. The seams between the bricks must be cleared of mortar to a depth of 5 to 10 mm (for better adhesion to the mortar or glue).

Now the entire surface of the oven, where the tiles will stand, needs to be tightened with fine steel mesh(cells 15x15 mm). To fasten it, dowels with washers are used. They are driven not into the joints of the masonry, but into holes drilled in the brick. Dowels are placed more often in the area of the firebox, since the greatest temperature deformations occur there. After installing the dowels, the mesh is pulled over them.

Do-it-yourself oven cladding begins with the first bottom row. Here the tiles are fixed using heat-resistant mastic or heat-resistant glue strictly according to the level. To apply the adhesive, use a standard notched plaster trowel.

Pressing the tile against the masonry, it is leveled horizontally and vertically, achieving uniform distribution of the mortar. If the tile is thick enough, then use a hammer with a rubber striker to push it down. For thin cladding, the best installation tool is your hands. To obtain an even seam, plastic crosses are used. The correct installation of each row is controlled by a level and plumb line.

After finishing the cladding, take a break for 2-3 days so that the glue gains brand strength. After this, they begin to grout the joints using a dry cement-polymer mixture and a rubber spatula.

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, 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 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 degree of 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 both domestic and European manufacturers. 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 along the beacons). The main points are to prepare the fireplace surface for plastering:

First, all the old finish, if any - 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 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 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 lay 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 is 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 kind decorative stone inexpensive and lightweight, you can finish 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 fireplace surround plays an important role. It provides not only the aesthetic appearance of the structure, but also its heat capacity. Various materials are used for these purposes, it all depends on the preferences of the owner and the type of fireplace.

Choosing material for facing the fireplace

There is no particular difference in the finishing of the stove and fireplace, and therefore any material suitable for decorating stoves is also suitable for it. However, the material used must certainly meet the following requirements:

Excellent heat resistance.
Strength.
Great thermal conductivity.
Strong adhesion to the applied solution.
Aesthetic appearance.

Types of fireplace linings

Professional specialists use tiles, ceramic tiles, and stone as finishing materials.

Fireplace cladding - ceramic tiles

Tiling a fireplace is not difficult, so anyone can do it. The main task is the selection of high-quality and reliable material and strict adherence to the main stages of work. Most often as decorative design For fireplaces, tiles are used:

- ceramic granite;
- clinker;
- unglazed;
- pressed glazed.

Each of the above materials is characterized by strength, high wear resistance, excellent external design and resistance to high temperatures. As for the size of the tiles, larger ones will be easier to install, but they will be more difficult to adjust to ledges and various niches. You should be very responsible when choosing glue, and therefore it is better to purchase a heat-resistant base that does not allow the adhesive layer to deform.

Fireplace cladding - tiles

For several centuries in a row, facing a fireplace with tiles has been relevant and fashionable. Designs decorated with tiles with or without a pattern always look original. The main difference between tiles and standard ceramic tiles is the presence of a rump. This peculiar protrusion helps the tile to attach to the fireplace and retain heat.

Wooden fireplace surround

This is a good type of finish, but it can only be used for modern electric fireplaces that perform a decorative function. Wood can be given any shape without special costs. However, it should be understood that a tree can last a long time only with proper care.

Since such structures are lightweight, they do not require an additional foundation.

Stone fireplace cladding (natural and artificial)

Natural stone is an ideal material that meets all the requirements for the finishing of any fireplaces. It perfectly tolerates fairly high temperatures, is characterized by a fine-grained structure and transfers heat well into the room. In addition, one cannot fail to note the durability and environmental friendliness of the material.

The undoubted advantages of the stone are its natural color and beautiful texture. Perhaps the only drawback is the high cost of the material. That is why most craftsmen began to use artificial stone in their work, which is not inferior in all respects to natural stone.

Thanks to modern technologies processing clay, you can obtain figures of any complexity that will not be inferior in design to expensive natural stone. The creation of heat-resistant mastic made it possible to simplify the fireplace lining.

Fireplace cladding - marble

Many craftsmen give preference to facing fireplace structures with marble, since it remains the most exquisite material. The material is valued for its unique pattern, and it never goes out of fashion. If you use it correctly, specialists can get amazing results. beautiful mosaic while creating hearth and home. Cladding a fireplace with marble emphasizes the owner’s taste, making his home cozy and modern.

At the request of customers, marble is polished to impeccable smoothness, which highlights the shade and structure of the material, but the surface remains matte. When the interior of the room is made in old style, a fireplace façade made of artificially aged marble will be the most advantageous solution.