Facing with artificial stone is carried out in three stages. Let's see what needs to be done:

1. Prepare the surface - this affects the life of the structure. If it is done incorrectly, the lining will not last long.
2. Select material:

• details should be multiples of the surface width, to reduce waste;
• make sure that the building material can withstand high temperatures;
• artificial stone should fit into the overall decor.

1. Make your own cladding.

Advantages of artificial stone:

• has soft mechanical characteristics, which makes it easy to work with;
• the design will weigh a little, since the material used consists of flexible and lightweight components;
• in the construction market, stone is presented in a wide variety of shapes and textures;
• the price of artificial stone is much lower than for natural material;

There is a list of rules to be followed when working on finishing a fireplace with an artificial stone:

It should be clear what you need to pay attention to when making the facing of different surfaces:

• wood coating is very susceptible to moisture damage, so it should be covered with waterproofing, for example, pigment, before processing with artificial stone;
• an important next step will be the installation of a plaster mesh with special fasteners. To do this, you need to make holes in the masonry with a puncher and insert self-tapping screws into them. Caps should be put on caps. In such circumstances, the grid will not be able to fall when loaded. Fasteners should be about 15 cm apart vertically, and horizontally - 5 cm;
• the plaster on the mesh must be adjusted in such a way that its layer is 1 cm. It must dry completely, after which it is worth continuing to work.

All the same actions can be carried out when laying artificial stone on a concrete or metal surface, with the only difference being that waterproofing will not be required.

Necessary tools for work:

• self-tapping screws or nails for fastening elements;
• a spray gun for moistening before laying the surface of the fireplace;
• construction hammer and trowel;
• grinder, drill;
• a bar with a flat surface;
• utensils for mixing the solution.

It should be remembered that laying is carried out only on material that tolerates elevated temperatures. Clay works well for these purposes.

At the very beginning of the processing of the fireplace with artificial stone, the decoration begins to be carried out from the corner of the fireplace. In the process, you need to alternate material having different lengths.

First, the most dimensional parts of the stone are attached, using a small amount of mortar for this. So you will be able to facilitate the laying of the material in the future.

With a trowel, a solution of 1.5 cm layers should be applied to the stone. Make sure that the surface is covered evenly.

When laying the stone, lightly press on it, moving it to the desired position. So the element is better fixed, and the seam is completely filled.

If you are doing the cladding in a very dry room, then the surface of the fireplace and the inside of the artificial stone must be moistened with a wet brush or spray gun.

If you use seamless masonry, then the material should be moistened, regardless of the room temperature.

How to make artificial stone trim

There is no big difference in facing with artificial and natural materials; masonry is carried out according to an identical scheme.

• when performing the installation of artificial stone, it is required to alternate types, size, change the colors and texture of the material so that the fireplace looks natural;
• it is advisable to start laying from the top of the fireplace in case the jointing will be used in the future;
• the seams should be done when facing the same size, but make sure that they are not very even. The ideal result is seams of different thicknesses, located in the same plane. Avoid placing them in a horizontal position one below the other;
• the stone may have an uneven surface and thickness. This does not affect the finished look of the structure.

When the artificial stone has a rectangular shape, special attention should be paid to vertical seams, controlling the intersection of these lines with horizontal ones. It should be done at a 90 degree angle.

Do not use mixtures with which tiling is done.

To completely fill the seam, you need to use a bag made from a regular plastic bag with one corner cut off, while the hole should be slightly smaller than the width of the seam.

After filling the bag, you should press on it and squeeze out the solution minimally so that it does not get on the outside of the material.

After the beginning of the hardening of the solution, you need to remove the excess with a trowel.

Shutdown

Once the cladding is completed, the surface should be allowed to dry completely. Next, the artificial stone must be treated with a hydrophobic composition.

Even in the old days, stones were used to build a hearth. In our time, when technology allows the use of synthetic materials, nevertheless, very often stone is used for facing the fireplace.

The demand for stone materials is due to the nobility, excellent taste and reliability of this type of cladding. Finishing not only gives beauty to the appearance, but also corresponds to the practicality and durability of the structure.

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

Cladding implies the coordination of 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

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 lining. 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 pictorial compositions.

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

Fireplace cladding with marble can be used in combination with other building materials. An excellent option based on marble stone, while maintaining high natural quality, can be considered 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, plain varieties of white and black marble are used.

Granite

It belongs to 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 blends in harmoniously with the design of the space, containing matching granite items such as furniture or railings.

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

The place of production affects the variety of color and its shades. High strength ensures long-term use. In history, the facts of hundred-year-old granite fireplaces are recorded, still heating castles, as well as large mansions.

This stone is easily processed, providing the embodiment of a wide variety of design ideas. The connection of various plates, mosaics, collages created when facing the fireplace looks spectacular. A similar design method gives exclusivity to each element of the design.

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

Advantages of marble and granite for decoration:

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

Soapstone

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

It has been known about for centuries. In ancient Egypt and Asian countries, magical properties were attributed to him. The frequency of the radiated heat coincides with human radiation. It is believed that the stone transmits a healthy natural force in contact with the human body. Such 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, the normalization of blood pressure, the restoration of the respiratory system and metabolism.

Talcochlorite has a high density, thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion. These qualities are best used in the decoration of fireplaces and stoves.

Sandstone

It is used for the front decoration of the fireplace, as it is resistant to high temperatures, durability and strong structure. Due to the uniqueness of this stone, a variety of original solutions for the fireplace are obtained.

It is easy to process and cut. It has a large selection of colors, shades and unique appearance. When facing with sandstone, you can create picturesque stone paintings.

In this type of material, the qualities of decorativeness, environmental friendliness and affordable prices are best combined.

Granitoceramics

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 manufacturing. Granitoceramics are made using especially durable clay. In other respects, they are very similar, especially in appearance.

Thanks to the clay included 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, the finishing stone always retains its color and original luster.

shell rock

It is one of the most unique natural stones that create an original fireplace lining. Due 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 composition of the shell rock contains the remains of fossilized sea shells and mollusks that have been preserved inside the stone.

To create the necessary forms from shell rock, it is subjected to grinding.

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

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

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

It is important to know that:

• stone finish reduces the efficiency of the structure, taking heat onto itself;
• facing the fireplace with granite can be done in the house, if it is not heat transfer that is important, but the presence of 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 rest of the stones are less susceptible to external influences, so finishing with natural materials does not have an expiration date.

Disadvantages of natural stones

• Marble slabs fade over time, 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 natural radioactive background;
• Sandstone is characterized by abrasion and the ability to quickly absorb moisture from the air;
• Due to the loose structure, the shell rock can accumulate soot, dust and get dirty.

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

Advantages of natural stones

• Unique, diverse and beautiful in multiple manifestations of textures and shades of color.
• Granite has a powerful natural energy, it has a positive effect on the human psyche and calms the nervous system.
• Stone trim can be used in rooms without a regular heating regime, as it is resistant to temperature extremes.
• You can veneer almost any shape and configuration of the structure.

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

Finishing with artificial materials

Interior decoration with artificial stones conveys the appearance of the power and strength of stone, creating the original beauty of modern styles. The latest technology makes it easy to embody the most incredible fantasies with the help of stone finishes.

Due to the convenience of working with artificial stone, it is used for the manufacture of complex designs of fireplaces.

The advantages include:

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

The use of decorative stone for finishing the fireplace allows you to create surfaces that are similar in appearance to natural materials, while the work is much easier and faster.

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

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

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

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

Such a fireplace can only be in a single copy, because natural stones have a unique pattern and inimitable shades created by nature itself. A variety of color shades, various ways of laying and design create the originality and sophistication of your home.

Decorative and natural stone used to be a sign of luxury and prosperity. Just a couple of decades ago, including a fireplace in the interior of a house, and even more so an apartment, was problematic and difficult. Now, manufacturers produce a huge range of electric fireplaces, for which it is enough to mount a plasterboard niche like a fireplace and decorate it. For example, a fireplace decoration with a decorative stone is suitable.

Acquaintance with artificial stone

Decorative stone has such a set of properties as strength, reliability, durability and beauty. But besides this, it also has a number of other advantages that put it one step above other finishing materials:

1. Environmental friendliness. When it comes to high-quality material, it is safe to say that it is produced on the basis of exclusively natural ingredients. That is why even with high surface heating, no toxic substances and vapors that can harm human health will be released from this material.
2. Fire resistance. Artificial stone is a non-combustible product, which allows you to bring it as close as possible to an open hearth.
3. Strength and heat resistance. Even if the fireplace will constantly function, the material will not lose its properties.
4. Ease of processing. Everyone can cope with the decoration with a decorative stone with their own hands, just read the recommendations and instructions.
5. Versatility. You can give the material absolutely any shape.
6. The weight. Artificial stone trim will weigh significantly less than natural stone.
7. Range. In hardware stores you can find a wide variety of colors, shapes and textures.
8. Price. Unlike natural stone, artificial stone will cost several times cheaper.

Due to the fact that manufacturers use modern equipment and innovative technologies in the manufacturing process, decorative stone can be given any look that will be as close to natural as possible. Particular attention should be paid to the components:

• sand;
• fillers (perlite and expanded clay sand);
• natural pigments.

The manufacturing process is primitive and simple: a mixture of components is poured into a special relief mold and sent to settle.

Cement-based stone is resistant to moisture, so it can be placed in the kitchen, but the gypsum base is not suitable for this purpose.

Criteria for choosing a decorative stone

First of all, you should get acquainted with the most common types of decorative stone suitable for facing the fireplace.

1. Porcelain stoneware is similar to natural stone due to its properties and appearance.
2. Majolica is a ceramic tile that is filled with glaze.
3. Terracotta is similar to majolica, but does not have a glazed finish.
4. Clinker is made on the basis of clay, into which various additives are mixed.

Each of them can harmoniously fit into the created interior and style of the room. But, since we are talking about finishing the fireplace, the choice of material should be approached responsibly so that the result of the work will meet all expectations. To do this, it is enough to take into account a few tips from experts.

1. It is important to carefully consider the design of the fireplace, as its shape, size and color of the finish must fit into the interior of the room.
2. Carefully read the technical specifications, which should be indicated in the accompanying documentation.
3. All purchased items must be identical in size, weight, color and texture. The surface should not have any defects: dents, stains, cracks and scuffs.
4. Domestic products will cost less than imported ones.
5. Check quality certificates and documentation from laboratories after testing.
6. Pay attention to the date of their manufacture. Facing material should not go on sale before the expiration of 28 days, since it is during this period that the stone gains strength.

All facing materials are transported in special packages. They must bear the logo of the manufacturer.

Carrying out facing with natural stone is a rather laborious and expensive process that will require special knowledge and skills. Those who decide to save money choose artificial stone. Experienced builders compare this process with laying ordinary ceramic tiles, which does not cause any particular difficulties and problems. The process is divided into several stages.

Tools and materials

In the process of finishing, the employee will need the following tools and materials:

• adhesive mixture (cement mortar or liquid nails);
• grout for joints or putty;
• paint for seams;
• grinder (for gypsum stone);
• mixer for mixing the solution;
• building crosses;
• rubber mallet;
• nails;
• twine with weights;
• level;
• pencil.

Preliminary work

Finishing with artificial stone does not provide for special preparatory work. So, the surface will be sufficiently cleaned of dust and debris. If the cladding will be done directly on the reinforcing mesh, then you will need to first fix the mesh with nails, and then level it with an adhesive solution.

You can proceed to the next step only after the leveled and prepared surface is completely dry.

stone fireplace trim

There is also a simple algorithm of actions.

1. For convenience and accuracy of work, two nails are hammered in the upper part of the fireplace and a twine with weights at the end is tied. This will ensure vertical stacking.
2. Start laying the stone from the bottom. To do this, an adhesive solution is applied to the surface of the fireplace with a notched trowel in an even layer. You do not need to immediately use a large area.
3. The decorative stone is pressed tightly against the surface and the evenness of the masonry is adjusted in accordance with the plumb lines. Lightly tap with a rubber mallet. Plastic crosses are fixed between the tiles to align the seams - two on each side.
4. Evenness must also be observed along the plane, for which a building level or a flat rail is used. If an incorrectly fixed element is found, it should be immediately re-glued until the glue has hardened.
5. Similar actions are repeated for all rows until the very end.
6. After completion of the work, at least 24 hours must pass, after which you can start grouting and removing the crosses. In the store you can find a fairly rich assortment of mineral grouts. The grout should be applied with a rubber spatula, and leveled with a damp sponge without strong pressure.
7. Residue can be removed from the tiles 20 minutes after application, using a dry cloth. You can put the fireplace into operation in a day.

The instructions described the suture method of laying, but to save the adhesive solution, you can also choose a seamless one - the stones should fit snugly against each other.

In the process of laying decorative stone, it is necessary to immediately remove residues and traces of glue from the surface.

It's important to know

1. For a fireplace, it is recommended to choose only heat-resistant stone. The same principle must be followed when choosing glue.
2. Too large stones, the adhesive solution will not be able to withstand.
3. Facing with decorative stone is carried out only on the side, and the upper part must be even so that it can, for example, put photographs and scented candles.

A fireplace lined with decorative stone will look great in combination with a variety of surfaces: wooden, rough, smooth and glass. Using artificial material, you can design a fireplace in various styles. If you want to achieve the effect of antiquity, you should choose a stone with a coarse-grained structure. Unusual relief and irregular shapes will help to realize any idea and design solutions. This element will combine sophistication and elegance at the same time.

Video

The technology of finishing the fireplace with a decorative gypsum stone is described in the video:

Do-it-yourself fireplace decoration is quite possible if there is a desire to carry out this process and certain skills of a tiler. A lot of this work depends on the selected types of finishes. Some of them are quite simple to perform - you just need to carefully study the technology. However, there is such a finish that will require not only theoretical knowledge, but also sufficient experience. Since each master stove-setter has his own little secrets, some fireplace lining techniques need to be studied only in practice, standing next to a professional and adopting what he does tricks.

The complex technique of finishing the surface of the fireplace can be attributed to such as working with tiles. And quite accessible even for beginners, the technique can be called tiling - it can imitate a variety of materials, from wood to wild stone.

Finishing of fireplaces is carried out in order to transform its appearance, in case it is outdated and has lost its respectability, or when the initial masonry did not turn out as we would like or did not plan at all.

Before you start finishing the fireplace, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work. They will help to quickly cope with the work and securely fix the finishing material on the wall.

Preparation for facing work

Whatever material is chosen, the following tools will be needed to work with it:

• Building level for marking the surface and controlling the evenness of the masonry.
• Container for mixing compositions.
• Notched trowel.
• Smooth spatulas of different sizes for applying and grouting solutions on the surface.
• Rubber mallet for fitting tiles to the fireplace wall.
• To cut ceramic tiles, you will need a tile cutter.
• Pencil and ruler.
• Rubber or metal grater.
• Electric drill with mixer attachment.
• Inserts to keep the seams even. As they are often used pieces of ceramic tiles of the same thickness.
• Rule.
• Stone grinder.
• Jointing will be needed if the fireplace is designed for brickwork
• Sponge and soft cloth.
• Knife for cleaning seams.
• Metal brush.
• From auxiliary materials, you will need to purchase a primer, a heat-resistant plaster mixture, the same adhesive for tiles, as well as grout for joints.

When all the tools and materials are ready, you need to work on the surface of the fireplace.

• First you need to use a knife to deepen the seams between the bricks, by about 12 ÷ 15 mm.
• Then both the seams and the entire surface of the fireplace are cleaned of dust deposits. If whitewash or paint was previously applied to the walls, then it is also cleaned with a metal brush.
• The surface and seams must be treated with a primer for better adhesion with the plaster and grout mixture.

Possible types of fireplace finishes

Tidy up the surface of the fireplace in several ways and using different materials.

Seam update

It happens that after cleaning the brickwork and coating its surface with a primer, it turns out that it has a quite decent appearance. In this case, you can only update the grout material.

Since the joints have already been cleaned and treated with a primer, it is only necessary to dilute the heat-resistant mortar for grouting and fill them with a construction syringe. Then it remains to smooth the solution with jointing, giving the seams a neat shape.

tiling

Different materials are used for facing the fireplace - it can be porcelain stoneware, ceramic glazed or unglazed tiles, natural stone veneer, gypsum volumetric tiles imitating various types of stone, and other types.

For each type of tile, it is necessary to choose a suitable adhesive that will go well with both the surface of the walls and the facing material. In addition, the adhesive composition must necessarily be heat-resistant in order to calmly endure high-temperature drops.

• Once the tile and adhesive have been purchased and the surface has been cleaned and primed, the walls of the fireplace must be leveled with plaster before laying.

• If the walls need to be aligned to the ideal, then a reinforcing mesh is installed on them or a reinforcing mesh is fixed on the wall.
• If the wall is aligned with beacons, then a plaster mortar is thrown onto the wall and leveled with a rule. If it is not planned to apply a thick layer of plaster, then it is applied with a wide spatula and evenly distributed over the surface.

• Tiles are laid only after the surface of the walls is completely dry and gains strength.
• Glue is applied to the wall with a notched trowel, which leaves grooves that promote good adhesion of the tile to the surface.

• Laying starts from the bottom row, gradually climbing up.
• The first row is displayed in level to the ideal horizontal, since the accuracy of the entire masonry will depend on it. This applies to all tiles that are laid ordinal and not in a chaotic mess.

• To achieve the same size of horizontal and vertical seams, each master uses his own methods. Someone puts pieces of tiles between the rows, others use special crosses, but they are only suitable if you plan to make the seams very small, no more than 3 ÷ 5 mm.
• If the seams must be wide, then thin wooden or plastic slats are used to maintain evenness and uniform spacing. They are convenient in that they have a sufficiently large length, which greatly facilitates the work.

• When the masonry is finished, it must be left to dry. In the period when the glue has not yet dried out, but it will grab well, you need to carefully remove the leveling rails or other inserts from the row spacing.
• Then, after the glue has completely dried, the seams are sealed with grout, which is applied with a rubber spatula or with a construction syringe, depending on their width.

If the seams are wide, then they are given the desired shape with the help of embroidery.

• When grouting and grouting, grout may accidentally get directly onto the tile. It must be removed immediately with a damp sponge and dry soft cloth.
• After the grout has hardened, tiles or stone, if desired, can be coated with heat-resistant fireplace varnish.

Video: an interesting option for a combined fireplace tile finish

Prices for refractory mortar for stoves and fireplaces

Refractory mortar for stoves and fireplaces

Tiled fireplaces

Tiling fireplaces with tiles is a whole art form, the technology of which has been used for centuries and has shown its effectiveness.

The advantage of this method is that, due to its design and the material from which the tiles are made, the stove or fireplace lined with them is able to retain the heat received two or even three times longer than conventional brickwork. This factor contributes to fuel savings, and hence funds to the owner of the house.

A tile is a tile with a protrusion in the form of a hollow box on the back side, which can have different depths. This structural element is called rumpa. It serves not only as a heat accumulator, but also for fixing the tile in the fireplace masonry during its construction.

For the convenience of masonry and the formation of a single surface, tiles are produced in different types that complement each other - these are not only even tiles, but also corner ones, as well as skirting boards and elements for creating cornices and shelves.

The tiles are produced with various relief drawings and paintings, glazed or not. Previously, all tiles were always painted by hand, and today there are also author's samples, which are made in the singular. Sometimes on the walls of fireplaces and stoves, with the help of tiles, various stories were shown in pictures.

For the manufacture of tiles, special refractory clay is used with the addition of pure quartz sand, so this material is environmentally friendly and does not emit any fumes hazardous to human health. In addition, thanks to the design of the tiles, the surface of the fireplace, finished with them, is not too hot. It gradually releases heat into the room, so it maintains a comfortable temperature for a long time.

Video: interesting information about the types and properties of tiles

Tiling

Traditionally, tiles are mounted together with the erection of walls. The wire attached to each of them is embedded in the seams of the masonry, and the tiles are connected to each other by the ramp with metal brackets.

The diagram clearly shows how the tiles are fastened together from the back and how they are embedded in the wall.

1 - Clay box on the back side - ramp, often has one or two holes. A metal pin can be installed in them or a wire is directly fixed.

2 - Steel pin.

3 - Wire embedded in the seams of the masonry.

4 - Staples fastening together the tiles for the sides of the ramp.

Work is carried out in stages:

• The first step is to simply lay out the bottom row of tiles, without fixing them into the masonry seams. This process is carried out in order to determine the required number of elements on each side of the fireplace. Laying out tiles starts from the corners, and it is possible that one of the middle blocks will have to be made a little narrower. Having determined the number and size of parts, you can proceed to the final masonry.
• Like all other facing tiles, tiles are mounted from the bottom row, starting from the corner elements. Beforehand, a soft wire is screwed onto the holes in the tiller or onto the pin. Between themselves, behind the edges of the rump, on the back side, the tiles are linked with staples. The edges of the front tiles of the tiles are smeared with a solution of glue and pressed tightly against each other.
• The space around the tiller is filled with clay mortar mixed with small pieces of bricks, or filled with dry backfill. It is important to ensure that there are no air bubbles in the solution.
• Twisted wire is laid on top of the laid brick row. Then a mortar is laid on it, and the next row of bricks is laid on top. Here it is important to ensure that the tiller is firmly pressed against the brick wall of the fireplace.
• On top of the first row of tiles, the next one is installed, in the same way as the first one, but it is additionally fastened to the previous row with vertical brackets or rods.
• It is desirable that the seams between rows, both vertical and horizontal, be minimal, so for horizontal rows they should not be more than 3 mm, and for vertical rows - 1 mm. If they are nevertheless formed, then they are sealed with a gypsum-based grout.
• If a ready-made fireplace is laid out with tiles, then the wire is fixed to nails or hooks driven or screwed into the brickwork. Even the smallest hole around them must be covered with plaster.

Video: one of the options for mounting tiles

Prices for different types of tile

Decorative plaster

In addition to finishing the fireplace with tiles, the transformation of this interior detail with the help of decorative plaster, which can imitate stones of different breeds or reproduce a variety of relief patterns, is very popular.

At the moment, several types of decorative plaster are being produced, which are made on different bases.

• The acrylic-based plaster mixture also includes a certain percentage of mineral additives. This type of plaster withstands temperatures up to 90 ÷ 95 degrees and can be used to clean up an existing fireplace.
• The most affordable option for finishing the fireplace is mineral plaster, which is made on the basis of cement. It easily withstands high temperatures and therefore will last a fairly long time. A mineral-based finishing material is quite suitable for decorating a fireplace, which is operated throughout the cold period.
• On the basis of liquid glass, silicate plaster is made, which is produced in different shades, which gives it an advantage over other materials for which dyes must be selected. Such a coating is vapor-permeable, which means it is able to "breathe", which increases its service life. Such plaster withstands quite high temperatures, so it may well be applicable for finishing fireplaces.

In addition to classifying by type of base, plaster can be divided into textured and smooth. A material is produced containing marble chips, which immediately upon application gives a certain relief pattern. If fine plaster powder is used, it can be buffed to a high sheen by adding various shades to create a surface that cannot be distinguished from natural

• The preparation of the base for applying decorative plaster is carried out in the same way as for tiling. The surface must be even and well dried.
• Then, a solution of decorative plaster is mixed.
• If an option is chosen that has crumbs in its composition, then it is applied with a wide spatula, distributing the solution vertically, horizontally or in circular motions.

• If, however, a material of a homogeneous composition is applied and it is planned to finish in several colors, then plaster of a different color is applied to the still wet surface with a spatula. With movements that predetermine the direction of the textured pattern, the required relief is displayed.

You can achieve the desired texture by using any auxiliary means and tools - it can be a brush, spatula, washcloth, plastic bag, or even many other household items that have a certain pattern.

• Another option for finishing with decorative plaster is to apply embossed strokes to a flat surface with a spatula. Further, on top of the already dried plaster, it will be possible to apply the selected color shade, and perhaps even more than one - the main thing is that they harmoniously combine with each other.
• Venetian plaster is called a smooth polished surface, which creates an imitation of polished stone finish.

– Work is carried out on a wet surface of applied and leveled monophonic plaster. Parts of the solution are tinted with different shades and applied to plastered the walls of the fireplace with wide and narrow strokes, and then rubbed and carefully smoothed out, creating the desired picturesque pattern.

- Next, the plaster is given a little time to dry and it is polished with a metal spatula or grout about 80 ÷ 100 mm wide, achieving a shine of natural polished stone.

If you decide to decorate the fireplace with decorative plaster, then a wide selection of various techniques opens up before the master. The advantage of this method is that the plaster surface can always be transformed by applying a different shade, relief or laying it on top. Therefore, for those who prefer to make frequent changes in their interior, decorative plaster is exactly what is required.

Video: finishing a fireplace using Venetian plaster technique

Prices for fireplaces and stoves

Fireplaces and stoves

Fireplaces in the interior

You can give as an example several options for finishing fireplaces in different techniques. Perhaps, after such an acquaintance, it is easier for some owners to choose the option that is more suitable for a particular interior.

A stone veneer fireplace will look perfect in an interior decorated in any style. The material is made from stone of different breeds, which is cut into thin tiles with a thickness of 7 ÷ 10 mm. The material is quite fragile, so an experienced craftsman should work with it, otherwise the tile is easy to spoil. Stone veneer is a natural material, so its price is quite high.

There is also an imitation of natural stone. This finishing material is made on the basis of gypsum and tinted under various rocks. If the tile imitating stone veneer is large enough, then it also needs to be handled very carefully, the larger its area, the more fragile it is.

Both natural material and its imitation can be designed and actively exploited. The material is quite heavy in weight, so the base for laying it must have a certain rigidity, and it is also important to choose the right adhesive composition.

In this case, for the design of the fireplace, a combined version of materials that are harmoniously matched to each other was used. The lower part is lined with ceramic terracotta tiles, which are perfectly combined with heavy oak mantels, which give the structure solidity.

The upper chimney section of the fireplace is decorated with decorative light-colored plaster. It makes this part of the building lighter, not burdening the interior. The color of the upper section is closer to the ceiling tone, and the lower one is in perfect harmony with the shades of the floor and furniture made in the English style. For this interior, such decoration of the fireplace is an ideal option that fits in both in terms of color and style.

A tiled fireplace is perfect for a modern living room or bedroom interior. It has a rather modest design, without stucco elements and a heavy stone base. it looks like a light structure precisely because of the perfectly matched delicate pistachio color and snow-white design.

All the material used in the design of this fireplace is quite possible to purchase in modern hardware stores. For the manufacture of a fireplace portal, both gypsum elements and those made of polyurethane are used, which are coated on top with white heat-resistant paint or disguised as wood of various species, and varnished on top.

Ceramic tiles can also be purchased in various colors and sizes, choosing them to match the color scheme and style of the entire interior of the room. This design of the fireplace is quite possible to do it yourself, if you carefully prepare the surface and carefully approach the masonry.

This design is suitable for fireplaces located in spacious rooms, decorated in classic, romantic and other styles close to them. The surface of the fireplace is covered with decorative plaster in the Venetian style, which perfectly matches the design elements of the portals in the form of columns and relief ornaments. These parts are made of polyurethane and glued to a prepared polymer-based surface. From above they are tinted under a common surface or they are distinguished in white or dark color.

The design in this style gives the fireplace respectability and solidity. It can become the central decorative element of the interior of the hall, to which all other style details are matched.

If there is a desire to carry out the lining of the fireplace on your own, then the main thing is to correctly calculate your strengths and creative capabilities. To do this, it is recommended to start with a sketch of the future structure, according to which it will be easier to estimate the amount of work and determine the amount of material needed.

In order to achieve the desired result without spoiling what was planned, on a small sheet of hard cardboard, you can conduct a “general rehearsal” of all planned works, starting with the primer and ending with the final stage, strictly adhering to the chosen design technology.

A fireplace in a house or in a country house is a place of attraction for the whole family. Of course, you want it to be beautiful, but practicality also does not interfere - 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 such temperatures as a stove, this requirement should not be neglected. Few materials meet these requirements. These are heat-resistant plaster, special types of 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 layer of decorative plaster 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 - if everything is done correctly, to achieve a smooth surface, the finish is beautiful and durable. For plastering fireplaces, the same compositions are used as for brick ovens. Although the heating temperatures of the surfaces are different, the plaster mixes are made the same. There are two options: make the plaster composition yourself or buy ready-made. If there is no experience with clay and determining its fat content, it is better to buy. Shop plasters for fireplaces and stoves include additives and additives that make the surface more durable and less likely to crack.

As a rule, each manufacturer has two compositions 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 one. It contains more finely ground substances, is applied in a thin layer - usually up to 3 mm, the surface is smooth. Such a surface can already be painted if it is plastered evenly) or decorative plaster can be applied.

If you want to finish the fireplace at a minimum cost, you can make plaster compositions from clay, sand and lime yourself. But, once again, without experience with clay, it is difficult to ensure that home-made plaster does not crack. Compositions for plastering a fireplace for making them with your own hands are different, here are a few proven ones:

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

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

It is better to take lime already slaked, in the form of lime dough. 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 amount 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 with a piece of wood. Dip it in the solution and take it out. If an even layer of 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 cell of 2 cm.

Quarry sand is needed, it must be clean and dry. It is also sifted before use.

For those who do not want to deal with home-made compositions, here are several companies that produce plaster for fireplaces and stoves. The following compositions proved to be normal:

• Plitonite superfireplace refractory;
• Petromix KU;
• heat-resistant plaster Terracotta;
• Bossnab;
• RSH parade;
• rtner;
• Oven plaster HEFNERPUTZ.

The list includes both domestic producers and European ones. It cannot be said that Russian trains are worse, but it is easier to work with imported ones.

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 bucket, then it is leveled (you can use beacons). The main points are to prepare the surface of the fireplace for plaster:

• First, all the old finishes are removed from the walls, if any - paint, lime, remnants of plaster, mortar, etc. Only a clean brick should remain.
• For better adhesion of the plaster mortar to the surface, the seams are deepened by about 1-1.5 cm. They take a joint, a chisel or a screwdriver and scrape the mortar in the seams.
• All gaps that exist 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. She must be clean.
• Following are the options:
  • If the surface of the fireplace is relatively flat (less than 5 mm difference), you can wet the walls and start applying the plaster.
  • If, due to the curvature of the surface, the layer has to be made more than 5 mm, reinforcement is necessary. A metal mesh with a small mesh is stuffed onto the walls of the fireplace. It is fastened with nails, which are hammered into the seams (the seams can not be embroidered, or embroidered, but not so deep). In order for the hats to hold the mesh, metal washers are put on that are larger than the cell size. 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 pack. It usually describes under what conditions and how to apply plaster. But the masters advise to melt the fireplace, warm the walls to 60 ° C, then moisten the surface and start plastering. The walls are heated so that the brick takes its "working" dimensions. In this case, it is less likely that the plaster will tear when heated. Wetting with water is necessary so that the solution is not too dry: the brick is hygroscopic. If it is dry, it quickly draws water out of the plaster and it becomes too dry, does not harden to normal. The result is cracks on the surface.

A few more points about 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 organize a draft, but you can not heat the fireplace. The same applies to the second - finishing - layer.

See the following video for the technology of plastering stoves and fireplaces.

Fireplace tiling and stoneware

Finishing the fireplace with tiles or porcelain stoneware is carried out on a special heat-resistant adhesive. Not every tile is suitable for such work. It should tolerate heat well, be strong, dense (with small pores), and besides, it should be easy to care for.

Decorating a fireplace with ordinary ceramic tiles is a lottery. If you are lucky, it will stand normally, if not, after a while the glaze layer will be covered with a network of the finest cracks. The view will be “not very”, it will be difficult to wash. If possible, it is better to use special materials:

• Terracotta. A tile with an unglazed surface, characterized by a characteristic color, thanks to which it got its name. It has a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to brick, therefore it does not crack.

  

  Terracotta - tiles for finishing fireplaces and stoves

• Majolica. This is the same terracotta tile only with glaze applied to the front side. The technology is more complex, the price is higher. Finishing the fireplace with majolica requires careful sketching - you won’t be able to cut such tiles anymore. It also requires a high qualification of the master - the slightest deviations are striking. Apparently, for this reason, and even because of the very high price, you can often see fireplaces and stoves with fragments of majolica. I must say that these fragments decorate and enliven the interior very much.

  

  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 tile. The production technology is similar - first the composition is pressed, then fired. The components differ: in addition to several varieties of clay, quartz sand, fine crumbs of granite or marble, dyes, oxides and metal salts are added. The structure of porcelain stoneware is low-porous, it tolerates both high and low temperatures well. The technology makes it possible to obtain material imitating marble, other natural stones, terracotta, clinker and majolica. The disadvantage of porcelain stoneware is that it is difficult to cut and it has a lot of weight. For facing fireplaces, plates of small thickness are used, therefore the weight is not terrible, and you can cut it into the company (you just need to know the exact dimensions of the required fragments).

  

  Finishing the fireplace with porcelain stoneware - you can design in any style

• Tiles. The production technology is not much different - clay is molded, 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 with the help of wires. So finishing the finished fireplace with tiles is impossible.

  

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

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

All of the listed types of tiles, except for tiles, are mounted on fireplaces using a single technology. Finishing the fireplace with tiles begins with the preparatory stage, and it is one to one the same as described above: clean the surface, embroider the seams, heat up to 60 ° C, moisten and you can start decorating the fireplace with tiles.

In case of large irregularities, it is necessary to plaster the fireplace. Solutions - any containing clay and cement, but not containing lime. Preparation is standard, as is the plastering process. The difference is that the second - the leveling layer does not need to be applied.

It is necessary to lay tiles on the walls of the fireplace after complete drying. 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), therefore, instead of crosses, pieces of drywall 9.5 mm thick are used.

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

The tiles on the fireplace are left to dry. The exact time depends on the adhesive used and the weather, usually indicated on the packaging with the adhesive. The last step is filling the seams. The grout for the joints is also used special, it is better to buy 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. Freshly applied mortar levels out, forming a beautiful seam. Excess is wiped off with a soft cloth.

There are tips from the masters:

• To ensure that the tile does not fall, attach a metal mesh with a fine mesh to the wall. Better yet, stuff nails into the seams and intertwine them with soft steel wire, creating a wire frame. This option is better because in difficult places the grid can be made thicker. This step is necessary if you are going to mount heavy porcelain tiles or large format tiles.
• In order not to put a thick layer of glue, apply it both on the wall and on the tile, and here and there remove the excess with a notched trowel.
• Before laying the tiles, lay them out on the floor so you can really appreciate 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 off.

The main thing in this work is to ensure that air cavities do not form under the finish. Air has a large coefficient of expansion and, when heated, it will someday tear the tile off the wall.

Video tutorials for tiling a fireplace

No matter how much you read about how to do it, it is much more useful to look at it - you can grab more details.

How to line 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, it is necessary to upholster the fireplace with a net. It will fall off without it.

Finishing the fireplace with stone - one of the options

Features of working with artificial gypsum stone

This type of decorative stone is inexpensive and light, you can finish fireplaces, especially without overloading the floors. There are only a few nuances, without which you will not achieve a good result.

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

Moreover, often the corner elements of a plaster decorative stone are several millimeters higher than an ordinary one from the same collection. To make the cladding look monolithic, this difference also has to be removed - to grind. When all the elements of the cladding are fitted, they can be glued into place. They use heat-resistant glue for lining fireplaces, although with the right design it almost does not heat up.

Working with natural stone

Most often, fireplaces are lined with natural stone, sawn into plates. It is also called flagstone or stone tile. The shape of all the fragments is different, you have to adjust to make everything look beautiful. In this case, it’s definitely better to first lay out the entire picture on some kind of plane, pick up and process the elements. Only after the mosaic has formed can it be glued. The whole technology of mounting on the walls of the fireplace 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 finishes in different styles. Sometimes it turns out very nice. Some of the already implemented ideas are posted below.

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

This is polished porcelain stoneware.

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

Smooth clinker tiles - strictly and functionally

Insert tiles - beauty