This question is of interest to home craftsmen who decide to lay a stove or fireplace. It is also very relevant for everyone who has stove heating in the house. Finishing the hearth with simple plaster does not have a high aesthetics and after a dozen years of operation it needs to be replaced.

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

We will tell you how to line a stove or fireplace so that they look great, give off heat well and do not require repairs for a long time.

The choice of materials for lining the stove or fireplace

There is no fundamental difference in the finish of these heating structures. Everything that is lined with 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 look.

You do not have to invent a new type of cladding. The practice of furnace business 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 recent years, artificial stone and soapstone have joined them.

brick cladding

If you are satisfied with the aesthetics of ceramic bricks, then use this material for cladding. The most difficult question is that the protection of the heated surface from cracks does not arise in this case. Brick cladding stands on a common furnace foundation and does not require the use of a reinforcing mesh.

Finishing the stove in the house with the help of facing bricks can be carried out simultaneously with masonry. This material is also well suited to improve the appearance of an existing structure. Contrasting colors and curly details nicely transform the look of an ordinary stove.

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

Brick finish is well suited for metal stoves. Here, between the steel hull and the brick lining, a ballast bed of dry fine sand is used. It protects the masonry from the deforming expansion of hot metal and transfers thermal energy well.

Ceramic tiles - option for soft heating

Glazed ceramic tiles are a very popular and inexpensive way of lining stoves and fireplaces. The only limitation for this material is the surface heating temperature. The tile does not have powerful hooks and locking joints to resist thermal deformation. Therefore, do not place it on stoves that get very hot during operation. For fireplaces (weak heating of the facade), it fits optimally.

Ceramic clinker tiles are an excellent "imitator". With it, you can "create" any kind of finish: brick, tile, wood, granite or marble.

For those who are looking for an original and inexpensive solution for facing a fireplace or stove, we advise you to try a combination of decorative bricks and ceramic tiles.

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

Tiles - the experience of centuries

Furnace craftsmen have been looking for a way to protect the finish from temperature deformations for a long time, until they came up with tiles. In fact, this is an ordinary clay tile, but of a special “volumetric configuration”. On the back side of the tiles there are special protrusions - rumps. They serve to connect the tiles to each other and to connect with the array of masonry.

The laying of tiles is carried out simultaneously with the construction of a stove or fireplace, row by row. This results in a strong self-supporting wall. It is connected with the main masonry by wire "antennae" laid in the seams between the bricks.

Tiled tiles are connected to each other with steel clips-hooks. They are connected with the brick wall of the furnace not only by wire, but also by the mortar laid in the ramps and in the space between the tiles.

The technology of tiling is different from the usual stove finish. First, they put a row of tiles, fix them together and clog the rumps with clay mortar. Only after that, a brick wall of the furnace is laid close to them.

The richness of decor and colors of stove tiles is amazing. Therefore, finishing with this material is often equated with high art.

Natural and artificial stone

Natural stone meets all the requirements for the decoration of stoves and fireplaces. It withstands high temperatures, has a dense fine-grained structure and therefore transfers heat well. This material is exceptionally durable and environmentally friendly.

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

The manufacture of artificial stone is not associated with laborious cutting, grinding and polishing. Modern technologies for pressing and firing clay make it possible to obtain complex figured elements that are not inferior in appearance to 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 actively mastered by home craftsmen who want to compete on equal terms with eminent masters.

Soapstone - sounds beautiful, but is it profitable?

A well-organized marketing company works wonders. Therefore, today rave reviews about soapstone are heard everywhere. It is a common volcanic rock, heavy, strong and heat resistant. Why is it better than basalt, granite or sandstone, no one will clearly answer you. But in terms of 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 finish the fireplace and stove, but there are 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 oil, but also a beautiful finish

Wood has never been excluded from the category of finishing materials for fireplaces. This material does not conduct heat well, so you need to use it in a limited and competent way, using it as an accent of facade decor.

There is also a corner in the heating stove for wood. Here it can be used to decorate shelves, decorate corners, benches and benches.

Facing the stove and fireplace with your own hands

We will consider a simple option - facing the existing furnace with ceramic tiles.

The finishing process here consists of the following operations:

1. Surface preparation;
2. Steel mesh installation;
3. mesh plastering;
4. Tiling.

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

Now the entire surface of the furnace, where the tile will stand, must be tightened with a fine steel mesh (cells 15x15 mm). For its fastening, dowels with washers are used. They are not hammered into the seams of the masonry, but into holes drilled in the brick. In the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe firebox, dowels are placed more often, since the largest temperature deformations occur there. After installing the dowels, the mesh is pulled over them.

Facing the oven with your own hands begins with the first bottom row. Here, the tiles are fixed on heat-resistant mastic or heat-resistant glue strictly according to the level. Use a standard notched trowel to apply the adhesive.

Having pressed the tile to the masonry, it is leveled horizontally and vertically, achieving a uniform distribution of the mortar. If the tile is thick enough, then a hammer with a rubber head is used to upset it. For thin cladding, the best assembly tool is hands. To obtain an even seam, plastic crosses are used. The correct installation of each row is controlled by the level and plumb.

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

The lining of the fireplace plays an important role. It provides not only an aesthetic appearance of the structure, but also its heat capacity. The material used for these purposes is different, it all depends on the preferences of the owner and the type of fireplace.

Choosing a material for facing the fireplace

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

1. Excellent heat resistance.
2. Strength.
3. Great thermal conductivity.
4. Strong adhesion to the applied solution.
5. Aesthetic appearance.

Types of fireplace mantels

Professional specialists use tiles, ceramic tiles, stone as decoration.

Fireplace lining - ceramic tiles

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

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

Each of the above materials is characterized by strength, high wear resistance, excellent appearance and resistance to high temperatures. As for the size of the tiles, larger ones will be easier to install, but they are more difficult to fit under ledges and various niches. The choice of glue should be taken very responsibly, 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 the fireplace with the help of tiles has been relevant and fashionable. Designs decorated with tiles with and 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 gain a foothold on the fireplace and retain heat.

Wood facing fireplace

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

Since such structures are lightweight, an additional foundation is not required for them.

Fireplace cladding made of stone (natural and artificial)

Natural stone is an ideal material that meets all the requirements that apply to the decoration of any fireplaces. It perfectly tolerates sufficiently high temperature indicators, is characterized by a fine-grained structure and gives off heat well into the room. In addition, it is impossible not to note the durability and environmental friendliness of the material.

The undoubted advantages of the stone are the 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 clay processing technologies, it is possible to 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 prefer facing fireplace structures with marble, as it remains the most refined material. The material is valued for its unique pattern, and besides, it never goes out of fashion. If you use it correctly, experts are able to get a surprisingly beautiful mosaic when creating a home. Facing the fireplace with marble emphasizes the taste of the owner, making his home cozy and modern.

At the request of customers, marble is polished to an 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 the old style, the facade of the fireplace made of artificially aged marble will be the most profitable solution.

Fireplace cladding - photo

The main purpose of the fireplace can be considered to maintain the air temperature for a comfortable stay. But in some cases, it is an integral part of the interior of the room. This means that the general appearance and style of the room is determined by the shape and facing of the portal, and special attention should be paid to its design. Finishing a fireplace with your own hands is possible not only for experienced craftsmen, but also for those who have minimal knowledge and skills in the construction industry. To make the hearth look attractive on the outside, you can use both natural finishing materials and artificial ones.

Do-it-yourself fireplace decoration

tiling

Tiles are widely used in the design of fireplaces. This is explained by the fact that the material has a high thermal conductivity. For work, most often they use porcelain stoneware, glazed ceramic tiles or gypsum volumetric tiles that imitate natural materials.

tiling

Facing tiles used as a fireplace decoration have a number of differences:

• high temperature resistance,
• ease of use and maintenance,
• variety of colors,
• the ability to create different styles of design.

Making a fireplace with ceramic tiles takes place in several stages:

1. Preparing tools. To carry out a quality finish, you must have the appropriate tools: building level, pencil, spatulas, sponges, rubber hammer.
2. Surface preparation for finishing. It is necessary to clean the surface from various contaminants, to carry out the treatment with a primer. In some cases, it is recommended to install a metal mesh. This will prevent coloring of the bricks that make up the fireplace.
3. Material fitting. Before laying, the tiles are laid out on the floor, collecting the future composition, and adjusting the size of the tiles.
4. Preparation of the adhesive solution. Laying is carried out using heat-resistant glue, the preparation of which is carried out according to the instructions.
5. Laying tiles. Work starts from the bottom of the firebox. Glue is applied to the surface of the hearth, then the tile is applied and pressed against the base. It is sealed with a light tap of a rubber mallet. Finishing of protrusions and corners is carried out with special elements.
6. Material processing. To protect the finished surface from soot and dirt, a heat-resistant varnish is used, which covers the entire finished surface.

Related article: Roof rails for the kitchen - their classification and installation rules

Decorating with ceramic tiles

stone fireplace trim

Stone is more often used for wall decoration, but can be used in the design of fireplaces. It not only gives a solid appearance to the hearth, but also retains heat. Stone differs from other finishing materials in its increased strength and in the fact that when laying it is not required to leave even seams. But the severity of the material and the high cost are its main disadvantages. Stone laying is carried out using the same technology as tiles.

Finishing the hearth with natural and artificial stone

The design of fireplaces is carried out using the following materials:

• Shell rock. This is one of the cheap minerals that have a decent appearance. Its disadvantage is the porous structure, which becomes clogged with soot within a short time, which leads to a decrease in attractiveness.
• Granite. Use raw and processed material. Both types look great on the fireplace. Ease of care is the main advantage of the material. It is not afraid of scratches, so various detergents can be used during operation.
• Marble. The material that is used most often for decorating fireplaces. Natural beauty, affordable price and a variety of marble varieties are just some of the advantages that are inherent in the material.

Fireplace plastering

Facing the hearth with plastering can be considered a quick and inexpensive finishing option. After all, the cost of the material is available to everyone, and the work process does not require special knowledge and skills. In addition, plastering does not make the main masonry of the fireplace heavier, therefore, it is not necessary to strengthen the base. It is also easy and in a short time to change the color scheme, a new style of the fireplace is created.
The main condition for a quality finish is the right choice of plaster. It must be heat-resistant with the addition of special fibers. These conditions are met by adding clay, lime, hemp or straw to the usual solution. The decorativeness of the plastered portal is achieved by painting with compositions that are resistant to sudden changes in temperature: from strong heating to the final cooling of the fireplace.

Decorative finishing of the fireplace allows you to make it a chic addition to the interior created in a country mansion. With a professional facing of the fireplace with brick or other material, you can not only purchase an excellent heater, but also create a wonderful decorative element in the living room.

Advice! Finishing the fireplace with decorative stone should be carried out by professionals, in which case it will be not only beautiful, but also safe for the inhabitants of the house.

Benefits of natural stone

Decorative finishing of the stove, fireplace with natural or artificial stone, baked clay, ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware has the following advantages:

• high strength;
• long service life;
• environmental friendliness;
• solidity;
• resistance to high humidity and temperature changes

High-quality finishing of a fireplace with a decorative stone is not a cheap pleasure.

Advice! Natural stone has irregularities, so it is better to entrust work with this finishing material to a true professional.

Finishing a decorative high-tech fireplace is associated with some details. For example, modern materials and innovative technologies are used.
Variants of modern heating devices

Depending on the design features and location of the heater, four types of heating devices are currently distinguished:

• wall-mounted;
• corner models;
• built-in structures;
• island models

Wall fireplaces are located mainly in the center of the room. Such models are large in size, therefore they are suitable for heating living rooms with a large area. It is the wall-mounted fireplace that interior specialists make the basis of the interior, and around it they have a soft corner for family recreation.

Corner models are mounted in the corner of the room. Since they are much smaller in size, decorative fireplace trim will require a much smaller amount of finishing material.

Advice! Corner fireplace is suitable for a small company.

The built-in fireplace has a chimney and firebox in the wall masonry, which involves the use of a significant amount of facing material. Outward, it protrudes in thickness no more than half a brick. Designers prefer to use the same material for finishing such a fireplace that is chosen for wall cladding.

An island fireplace is comparable to a pool with low sides. Inside it is a firebox. To remove smoke, a suspended hood is installed above the outlet. Decorative finishing of fireplace stoves of this type does not require a large number of decorative stones.

The wall and corner fireplace should have the following elements:

• firebox for burning firewood;
• a smoke collector through which smoke enters the exhaust pipe from the furnace;
• portal decorated with decorative material;
• draft chimney

Discussing how to trim the fireplace with a decorative stone, we note that only the chimney and the portal need it.

Work materials

Making a fireplace with a decorative stone requires certain skills from the master. Granite, limestone, shell rock, buoys, marble are suitable for work. But - these are fragments of natural sandstone, having a mass of no more than 50 kilograms.

Advice! For lining fireplaces and stoves, pieces in the range of 15-45 cm are suitable, the weight of which does not exceed 10 kilograms.

This material has been used in construction since ancient times, and its main advantages are accessibility and high strength. This stone is widely distributed in nature, so it has an insignificant price.

Uneven shapes and dimensions do not allow making even surfaces with this finishing material, therefore, to compensate for the protrusions, a binder solution is required, which is a mixture of sand and cement.

Recently, when decorating fireplaces and stoves, they began to use non-natural, artificial rubble. It has much less weight, smooth fragments, convenient for work.

Advice! If desired, it is quite possible to make such a finishing stone at home, using special forms and dry mixes based on pigments and silicone.

Cement can be taken as a binding element, since gypsum is not able to withstand temperature extremes.

White limestone is also considered a good material for facing fireplaces, which favorably differs in strength and refractory properties. During heating, this material does not expand or deform. Its weight is less than that of natural buta, so it is much easier to handle and fix it on the surface of the portal.

The stone has a white tint, so the atmosphere in the living room will be cozy and comfortable. With use, limestone only acquires additional strength.

The marble has a beautiful texture with original veins. This finishing material is chosen by many cottage owners for lining fireplaces, since it can be used to make the interior truly luxurious and unique. Marble slabs have high strength, excellent heat capacity, so during its processing it is possible to obtain parts of different shapes.

Attention! The procedure for grinding and installing the mineral is a laborious process, and marble is also very expensive.

A natural fireplace is not suitable for decorating stoves and fireplaces, as deformations and cracks will appear in its structure as the temperature rises.

Shell rock is ideal for lining stoves and fireplaces, as it has excellent hygroscopicity, strength, and is easy to process. This material first absorbs moisture, then releases it to the outside. In the structure of this stone there are small air pores that give the stone strength. The shell rock has original patterns and warm colors, so when facing a fireplace with it, you can get an excellent result.

Among the many artificial materials used to decorate the facade of a stove or fireplace, acrylic material is most suitable. In its manufacture, chemical components are chosen with silicate, marble chips, crushed stone, as well as other components. The presence of dyes allows you to give the plates different colors. When keeping the mixture in special forms, the fragments get a flat surface. For fixing artificial slabs, cement glue is used. Acrylic is not able to absorb dirt and dust, and rags can be used to clean it.

Among the artificial stones, quartz can be noted. This material has excellent technical characteristics at a low cost.

Finishing methods

Consider, as an example, decorating a corner fireplace, which is made from several types of natural stone. To decorate the lower part with a recess for firewood, a large but of various dark colors is used, planted on a cement solution. The chimney and the portal with the firebox are lined with flat pieces of beige limestone.

Advice! This decor option will make the fireplace truly homely and cozy.

Professional designers advise lovers of aristocracy and sophistication to use dark granite to decorate a country fireplace. Burgundy and red shades of this natural stone will look great with natural wood.

In spacious rooms, an island fireplace, decorated with an artificial booth, is appropriate. Under the stone cladding, you can hide a suspended chimney, and the design itself will harmoniously fit into the interior of the living room.

A wall-mounted fireplace, for the facing of which white delicate marble is chosen, is suitable for an elite country living room.

Currently, urban property owners are increasingly installing false fireplaces in their apartments. Such designs do not require complex installation, they do not require the arrangement of a smoke collector and chimney, heat-resistant and refractory walls. "Firewood" in such a fireplace is an electric heating element. The feeling of an open fire can be created with the help of decor. With the help of a false fireplace, real warmth cannot be replaced, but it is quite possible to bring comfort and homeliness into the living room.

In addition, you can create a real “hearth” in the biofireplace burner by drawing an imitating pattern or making flickering artificial lighting with electricity.

Advice! You can equip a false fireplace near an external battery. In this case, there is no need to supply an additional heat source, only decorative elements will be required.

The arrangement of a real fireplace in a country house is a responsible and costly undertaking. Before proceeding with the installation of the fireplace, you first need to choose the right place for it. If you decide to build a real fireplace in the living room, it is better to make a special base for it. In addition, under it you need to provide space for the chimney. If you settled on the corner option, in this case you will have to make sure that there is free space from the wall to the heating element. Otherwise, the operation of the fireplace will pose a danger to the residents of the house.

As the main material from which the heating elements are constructed, building bricks are in the lead. Cement mortar is used as a link between the bricks. All work related to the arrangement of the fireplace must be carried out by a professional stove. Otherwise, there is a high risk of incorrect placement of the portal, chimney, which will negatively affect the technical characteristics of the heater.

After all the main work related to the construction of the fireplace is completed, you can proceed to the most interesting stage - decorating the heater. The simplest option would be to line the chimney and portal with artificial stone. In order for you to enjoy the aesthetic appearance of the fireplace after finishing work, carefully study the recommendations offered by professional designers, see the photo

Conclusion

If it is better to choose marble, rubble for finishing a real heating element, then decorating an artificial model allows the use of cheap and light finishing materials. For example, the main frame can be made of drywall and metal profiles, and porcelain stoneware or acrylic plates can be glued onto it.

Many owners of country houses and city apartments dream that on cold winter evenings they will admire the flickering of fire in a fireplace insert. If you arm yourself with the advice of professionals, choose the right model, finishing materials, it is quite possible to make this dream come true not only in the house, but also in an ordinary city apartment.

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 also such a finish that will require not only theoretical knowledge, but also sufficient experience. Since every 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 the event that 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, 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:

• First of all, you just need to lay out the bottom row of tiles, without fixing them into the seams of the masonry. 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 brackets. 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 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 decorated and actively exploited. The material is quite heavy in weight, so the base for its laying 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.