The fireplace surround plays an important role. It provides not only the aesthetic appearance of the structure, but also its heat capacity. Various materials are used for these purposes, it all depends on the preferences of the owner and the type of fireplace.
Choosing material for facing the fireplace
There is no particular difference in the finishing of the stove and fireplace, and therefore any material suitable for decorating stoves is also suitable for it. However, the material used must certainly meet the following requirements:
- Excellent heat resistance.
- Strength.
- Great thermal conductivity.
- Strong adhesion to the applied solution.
- Aesthetic appearance.
No. 7. Types of stone masonry when finishing the facade
A lot depends on the appearance of the stone, but no less important is how the individual elements are positioned relative to each other.
The type of masonry is chosen depending on the architectural style and one’s own preferences:. facing under masonry from a die involves the use of irregularly shaped elements (if it is a natural stone, then with minimal processing) They are arranged randomly and so that the gaps are minimal. Externally, the masonry looks natural and very impressive, but the installation process is also complicated by the fact that it is necessary to have sufficient aesthetic taste;
cladding for masonry from a die involves the use of irregularly shaped elements (if it is natural stone, then with minimal processing). They are located randomly and so that the gaps are minimal. Externally, the masonry looks natural and very impressive, but the installation process is also complicated by the fact that it is necessary to have sufficient aesthetic taste;
cladding under “castle” masonry involves the use of rectangular elements with different lengths and widths
It is not difficult to join them, but it is important to beautifully combine stones of different sizes, and this requires certain qualifications. The finished masonry resembles that used in medieval castles, which is why it got its name; facing for “plateau” masonry is created from rectangular and square shaped elements, the sides of which are multiples of 5 cm, and differs from “castle” masonry only in the presence of square elements, which makes it more diverse
facing for “plateau” masonry is created from rectangular and square shaped elements, the sides of which are multiples of 5 cm, and differs from “castle” masonry only in the presence of square elements, which makes it more diverse
Arrangement requires qualifications and certain experience;
“Rondo” masonry involves the use of round and oval stones (pebbles, processed quartzite), used primarily for finishing individual elements of the facade;
“shahriar” masonry is the simplest in execution, consists of rectangular elements, reminiscent of brickwork
Here it is only important to lay out the first row evenly; “Assol” masonry is made from a die, only the stones here are placed not with the front side, but with the end, which allows you to form a beautiful three-dimensional surface
The laying process is complex, mainly shale and sandstone are used
“Assol” masonry is made from a die, only the stones here are placed not with the front side, but with the end, which allows you to form a beautiful three-dimensional surface. The laying process is complex, mainly shale and sandstone are used.
Both natural and artificial stone have sufficient performance qualities for cladding facades. Modern artificial stone has already come very close to natural stone in terms of durability, strength and decorativeness, which is good news - a beautiful façade is becoming even more accessible.
Fireplace plaster
Plaster is one of the simple and practical options for decorating a brick fireplace. A few years ago, plastered surfaces were whitewashed or painted. Today it is possible to apply a decorative layer with different textures on top of ordinary plaster.
Finishing a fireplace with plaster can be fragmentary
Types of plaster for fireplaces
Finishing a fireplace with plaster is popular for the reason that any design can be developed. The second plus is that if everything is done correctly, you can achieve a smooth surface, the finish is beautiful and durable. For plastering fireplaces, the same compositions are used as for brick stoves. Although the heating temperatures of the surfaces differ, the plaster mixtures are made the same. There are two options: make the plaster composition yourself or buy a ready-made one. If you don’t have experience working with clay and determining its fat content, it’s better to buy one. Store-bought plasters for fireplaces and stoves contain additives and additives that make the surface more durable and cracks are less likely to appear in it.
Mixtures for fireplace plaster
As a rule, each manufacturer has two formulations with different properties. The first is basic, for rough finishing. It can be applied in a fairly thick layer - up to 10 mm. After drying, the second layer is laid - the finishing layer. It contains more finely ground substances, is applied in a thin layer - usually up to 3 mm, and the surface is smooth. Such a surface can already be painted if it has been plastered smoothly) or decorative plaster can be applied.
If you want to finish the fireplace at a minimal cost, you can make plaster compositions from clay, sand and lime yourself. But, let us repeat once again, without experience working with clay, it is difficult to ensure that homemade plaster does not crack. Compositions for plastering a fireplace for making them yourself are different, here are a few proven ones:
- Clay-lime: 1 part clay and slaked lime + 2 parts sand;
- based on slaked lime - 2 parts lime, one part gypsum and sand.
To make the fireplace plaster solution more durable, reinforcing fibers are added to it. Previously, it was finely chopped straw, later - asbestos fibers, and today glass or fiber fiber is mainly added. The fractional part of this additive is small - 0.1-0.2 parts. It is added to the dry components (cement and sand), and everything is mixed. The dry mixture is added to the clay and/or lime dough, mixed thoroughly again, and water is added if necessary.
It is better to take lime already slaked, in the form of lime paste. If you extinguish it at home, unreacted particles always remain, which are then extinguished during the operation of the fireplace, destroying the plastered surface. Regarding sand, its quantity is precisely selected depending on the fat content of the clay. The solution must be sufficiently plastic. The fat content of the solution is checked using a piece of wood. Dip it into the solution and remove it. If an even layer 2-3 mm thick remains on the surface, the solution is normal. If the layer is thick and lumpy, you need to add sand; if the stick is almost clean, add clay.
Normal fat solution
The clay is pre-soaked (2 days or until all the lumps are limp), then rubbed through a metal sieve with a mesh of 2 cm. The ground clay dough is once again pressed through the mesh, but with a fine mesh of 0.5-0.7 mm.
You need quarry sand, it must be clean and dry. It is also sifted before use.
For those who don’t want to deal with homemade compounds, here are several companies that produce plaster for fireplaces and stoves. The following compositions performed normally:
- Plitonite super fireplace refractory;
- Petromix KU;
- heat-resistant Terracotta plaster;
- Bossnab;
- RS Parade;
- rtner;
- Kiln plaster HEFNERPUTZ.
The list includes both domestic and European manufacturers. This is not to say that Russian compounds are worse, but working with imported ones is easier.
Features of plastering stoves and fireplaces
The technique of applying the solution itself is no different: a certain layer is applied (sprayed) with a spatula or a special ladle, then leveled (possibly using beacons). The main points are to prepare the fireplace surface for plastering:
- First, all old finishing, if any, is removed from the walls - paint, lime, remains of plaster, mortar, etc. Only clean brick should remain.
- For better adhesion of the plaster mortar to the surface, the seams are deepened by about 1-1.5 cm. Take jointing, a chisel or a screwdriver and scrape out the mortar in the seams.
- All existing cracks are sealed with a repair compound or heat-resistant sealant (which can withstand heating up to 800°C).
- When everything is prepared, take a brush with long bristles and clean the surface well. It must be clean.
- The following are the options: If the surface of the fireplace is relatively flat (the difference is less than 5 mm), you can wet the walls and begin to apply plaster.
- If, due to the curvature of the surface, the layer will have to be made more than 5 mm, reinforcement is necessary. A metal mesh with a fine mesh is stuffed onto the walls of the fireplace. It is secured with nails, which are driven into the seams (the seams can be left unstitched, or stitched, but not so deeply). To ensure that the caps hold the mesh, metal washers larger than the mesh size are put on. Plaster is applied over this stack. In this case, you can be sure that the plaster will not fall off.
Fireplace after plastering
Before you start plastering the fireplace, carefully read the instructions on the package. It usually describes under what conditions and how the plaster should be applied. But experts advise lighting the fireplace, heating the walls to 60°C, then moistening the surface and starting to plaster. The walls are heated so that the brick takes on its “working” dimensions. In this case, there is less chance that the plaster will tear when heated. Wetting with water is necessary to ensure that the solution is not too dry: brick is hygroscopic. If it is dry, it quickly draws water out of the plaster mortar and it becomes too dry and does not harden to its normal state. The result is cracks on the surface.
A few more points regarding drying. When plastering a fireplace, at least two layers are applied. The second can be applied only after the first has dried completely. To speed up drying, you can create a draft, but you cannot light the fireplace. The same applies to the second - finishing - layer.
For the technology of plastering stoves and fireplaces, see the following video.
DIY tiling tips
If you decide to do the work yourself, it would be useful to take into account some tips that experts offer:
Carry out thorough surface treatment for cladding, taking into account the stone used.
Pre-select stones according to color and lay them out on a plane so that you don’t have to redo them on the work surface.
If there is a need for sawing, choose files with small serrations so as not to spoil the material. A reasonable solution would be to use a regular hacksaw.
Strictly follow the instructions for selecting and making fastening solutions for the selected finishing materials.
Carry out work in a warm room, not lower than 5ºC. Start facing with the largest and thickest elements with a small amount of mortar, this will make it easier for you to adjust the thickness of other elements in the future.
After completing the work, it would be useful to treat the surface with a composition that protects it from moisture and dust.
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Composition of raw materials
Clinker tiles are a type of ceramic products. Its peculiarity is that firing occurs at ultra-high temperatures (from 12,000 to 15,000 degrees C). This becomes possible thanks to the special type of soil (shale clay) included in the clinker, which is refractory and can withstand high heat.
By baking, the resulting product acquires the special strength of the stone. In addition to refractory clay, quartz sand, broken ceramic products, chalk and even ash are added to the clinker solution. To give additional strength, calcium oxide is sometimes mixed into the composition. To make the finished tile attractive in appearance, various coloring pigments are added to the composition before firing.
Selecting a ready-made option
A model with artificial stone and chamotte lining is the Naples 715 U hearth. It can have different colors. Marble elements are made using the mirror polishing method.
The Laura fireplace hearth belongs to the category of the most miniature and budget ones. Fireclay bricks and high-quality stainless steel are used to finish the portal. The fireplace is closed with a sealed glass door, the glass of which is transparent and tempered. For convenience, the door is equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism.
If you want to buy a classic white fireplace, then you will definitely like the Nord model. This is an electric fireplace with the ability to manually adjust the heating level, power and the ability to interact using a remote control. The color scheme is soft and discreet, and the fireplace has high-quality 2D visual effects that imitate a flame burning in the fireplace.
Efficient cast iron fireplaces include the wall-mounted large fireplace Laudel Chauffage. Firewood, purchased pellets or coal are used for kindling. The model is equipped with a closed top combustion chamber with fire-resistant glass that can withstand heat up to 800 degrees. The price for the hearth is quite affordable and reasonable.
Polish classic fireplaces are primarily the Jabo Marmi hearth, which is lined with natural stones and natural wood. Marble is polished and performs in a duet with sandstone. A solid wooden tabletop has been added as a functional element.
Also among the corner fireplaces, the Andalusia hearth should be noted. The cladding is based on marble, which can be presented in different shades. The units themselves are presented in classic, modern, Provence design.
Cassette fireplaces and inserts should be included in a separate category. This type of cast iron or steel fireplace is predominantly of a closed type. The door is equipped with transparent tempered glass, and wood, ceramics or stone is used as cladding. The swing door mechanism can be vertical or horizontal.
Properties
There are a number of specific requirements for facing materials for fireplaces and stoves.
This type of finish should have some properties:
Fire resistance. The tile must withstand temperatures up to 1000 C. Natural origin
When heated, artificial ingredients, if any are present in the tiles, can release toxic substances, so it is very important that the raw materials for these products are of exclusively natural origin. Thermal conductivity. Tiles for facing fireplaces and stoves should accumulate heat from the fire inside the stove well and release it quickly enough
High-quality heating of the room depends on this.
- Moisture resistance. The tile must be resistant to moisture.
- Strength. In order for the tile to withstand temperature changes and high loads, it must be as thick as possible - at least 8 mm. The strength of a material can also be judged by its porosity. The smaller it is, the more durable the tile is.
- Coloring. In the production of heat-resistant tiles, special paints are used that will not crack or lose the intensity of their color over time.
- External aesthetics. Today, tiles are required to be not only durable, but also beautiful, since a stove or fireplace is part of the interior decor.
Features of cladding
The fireplace easily fits into almost any interior, regardless of style, color scheme and variety of shapes and textures. It quickly fills the space with special warmth and becomes the main “highlight” of the room. At the same time, the fireplace not only makes dreams of home comfort come true, but also acts as a heating element and part of the heating system as a whole.
If everything is clear about the functions of this piece of furniture, the appearance raises a lot of questions, since the variety of shapes, colors and textures is simply amazing. The result depends solely on the designer’s vision and the materials used to decorate the fireplace. They can be of both natural and artificial origin. It is difficult to determine by appearance how the material was produced and what its cost is, which allows you to reduce the cost of installing and finishing the fireplace, and the beauty of the product will not suffer.
There are a lot of advantages of stone finishing, but there are also certain disadvantages that can influence the master’s decision.
- the high cost of the materials themselves, especially such beautiful stones as marble and granite;
- problems in terms of installation, since it is difficult to find a specialist who has experience in this matter and is familiar with cladding surfaces with stone;
- marble and granite are heavy, which also creates great installation difficulties.
At the same time, the building materials market is replete with decorative stone, which is an ordinary tile with a surface that imitates the natural texture of individual materials. Its cost is not so high and installation does not cause much difficulty, so such materials are chosen by those who prefer a budget, simple, but no less attractive option. A false fireplace often has a wide variety of designs. Such portals can be covered with all kinds of materials.
Benefits of brick
This solution can be seen in almost any bathhouse. The brick finish protects the wall from overheating. Very often this protection is made even more powerful and extended to the floor. Finishing the stove in a bathhouse with brick performs both a protective and decorative function. For it, the same type of brick is taken as for the rest of the stove, or another facing brick of the required appearance is additionally purchased.
The rules for brickwork for walls, the stove and the protective portal around the stove are general.
Strict adherence to row levels and neat and thin seams are necessary.
On the walls and in the oven, bricks are laid with overlapping seams. If the portal is laid out in one layer, then it is not at all necessary to comply with this requirement. This is why you can often see protective portals where bricks are stacked on top of each other.
The horizontal row is checked by level. Covering the wall with bricks is plumb. For a corner stove, three planes are laid out with bricks, two on the walls and one on the floor.
For a stove near the wall, there are only two, of which one is located on the floor, and the second is on one wall. Brick, even if it is laid in one layer, has good thermal insulation ability. Its masonry is carried out directly on wooden walls and floors without other fire-retardant insulation.
It is advisable to lay out the horizontal part of the portal in one row between the foundation of the furnace and the subsequent masonry next to it. This advice should only be followed with brick sauna stoves. It is not suitable for metal ones.
In baths, thick fireproof cardboard, mineralite or basalt wool are most often used. There are also basalt cardboard and other materials that are a variation of the previous ones. Minerite is the most preferred. These are ready-made boards specially designed for thermal protection in areas around stoves.
Fillers for the production of artificial decorative stone
In addition to sand, other fillers are also used in the manufacture of artificial stone.
The majority of companies prefer sand-cement mixture for production. But some of them, in addition to sand, introduce perlite or expanded clay in the form of sand or crumbs to lighten the weight of the stone.
Artificial stones for cladding with a layered structure are considered to be of the highest quality. Moreover, closer to the front side there should be sand and small pebbles, and at the back surface there should be larger fractions of expanded clay or other filler. And although in this case the front part of the stone becomes a really strong protection, and expanded clay gives the product lightness, it is still worth considering that such a stone not only should not be placed in the interior, but also on the facade of the building so-called shooting of the surface of the stones can occur. This is due to the low quality of expanded clay, which the stone manufacturer buys in order to save money. For the same reason, he does not perform any additional processing.
Briefly about the main thing
When choosing materials for cladding a fireplace, you first need to pay attention to their weight. Natural stone or porcelain tiles have a very large mass. Therefore, they are suitable only for a private house, in which it is possible to strengthen the foundation of an existing fireplace.
In all other cases, it is better to stick to tiles. It weighs little and is easy to attach to the surface of the fireplace with glue. Moreover, its range is so wide that there is an imitation of almost all natural materials. From natural stone to wood of any species.
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Tools needed for oven adhesive finishing
Figure 6. Tools for laying artificial stone
For stone cladding you will need:
- level (laser, water or bubble);
- grinder for cutting stone;
- spatula for applying the mixture;
- notched spatula (comb) for forming an adhesive layer;
- rubber spatula;
- rod or rule;
- tile wedges;
- foam sponge.
If the stove needs to be tiled with porcelain stoneware, a tile cutter will not hurt. It makes it much easier to cut tiles evenly and without chipping. A tile cutter cannot cut torn stone, and the effects of working with a grinder on it are almost invisible.
It is better to mix the glue with a mixer or a drill with a mixing attachment. But if you don’t have a drill, you can knead by hand. It is not recommended to do this - it takes a long time and is of lower quality, but not critical
It is only important to bring the mixture to the maximum possible homogeneity
We do not mention small tools. Surely there is a tape measure and other little things in every home.
Porcelain tiles
Ceramic tiles have properties similar to refractory bricks. The similarity in structure allows the tiles to change sizes when heated, along with the material of the fireplace insert itself. At the same time, the glaze coating protects the tiles from the adverse effects of water and soot.
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Ceramic tiles can have different shapes and sizes. In stores there are products that are designed specifically for finishing work with protrusions, corners and shelves. The color scheme of terracotta tiles is similar to natural materials. It is easy to lay, so you do not need special tools when working with it. An ordinary grinder is suitable for adjusting and cutting elements.
How is tiling done?
The process of finishing with ceramic tiles consists of several steps:
- Initially, you should clean the top layer of the fireplace insert from whitewash, plaster or paint. Then the seams are expanded between the bricks by one centimeter, and the dust is removed with a brush;
- using fire-resistant mastic or clay solution, you need to seal and dry the uneven edges;
- if your portal has poor brickwork and the mortar layer is more than 5 millimeters thick, it is necessary to level the surface of the structure using a grinding machine;
- then you should light the fireplace. The bricks should heat up to 30 degrees;
- A primer is applied to the surface of the bricks. This solution reduces dusting, promotes good adhesion and even drying of the adhesive liquid. Typically, the primer takes a couple of hours to dry;
- finishing work with tiles should begin from the bottom. If necessary, protruding parts can be trimmed and sanded. If your project contains corner elements, they should be glued first;
- The glue is diluted according to the instructions on the box. Use a drill fitted with a hard wire attachment as this will effectively mix the solution;
- use a wooden spatula to apply the solution. After this, use a notched trowel to run over the surface and press the tile tightly. Glue several tiles at a time to keep the level and plumb under control. A plastic corner helps create equal distances between elements;
- It takes two days to dry the materials, after which the joints are grouted. As a grouting material, you can use special products or a clay solution with fine sand and dye;
- If your tile does not have an auxiliary protective layer, you can apply a fire-resistant varnish to its surface. It makes it easier to care for the facing material.
Features of natural stone
Granite, marble, sandstone, quartzite, limestone, slate, tuff, pebbles and even cobblestone are used as facing decorative stones for finishing a fireplace. For particularly luxurious options, semi-precious stones can also be used - jasper, onyx, jadeite, and serpentine.
The advantages of finishing with natural stones include:
- Durability, this finishing option can last for more than a dozen years, or maybe a hundred, and over time, the beauty of such finishing will be complemented by a touch of antiquity.
- Strength. Most natural stones tolerate high temperatures well and do not lose their qualities due to temperature changes.
- Ecological cleanliness. When heated, natural stones do not emit any chemical compounds hazardous to humans.
- Beauty. It’s hard to argue that the beauty created by nature with skillful processing will not leave anyone indifferent. Creating a cozy environment of unity with nature, good energy.
Natural stones also have their disadvantages:
- Heavy weight. The use of natural stones for finishing requires a preliminary assessment of the weight of the fireplace with such finishing and the ability of the foundation to support such weight. In addition, the weight often requires special additional structures for attaching stones.
- Difficulty performing the work. For the most part, finishing work on a fireplace with natural stone can be done by professionals.
- High price. The extraction and production of natural finishing stone are labor-intensive and high-cost processes, which affects the final price of the products.
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Construction recommendations from experts
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- When using a wooden surface as a base, it is pre-coated with waterproofing.
If the fireplace is made of metal or concrete, waterproofing is not performed.
Please note! If there are serious unevennesses in the concrete or brick walls of the fireplace, it is necessary to apply plaster.
- The plaster mesh is attached to the base with special fasteners.
- Apply plaster on top of the mesh and wait until the layer dries completely.
If the thickness of the materials has discrepancies or the shape of the decorative stone has an uneven structure, then it is worth laying them in a chaotic order. This way the overall composition will look natural and believable.
Laying stone on the surface of the furnace
The back side of the stone will be dusty after brushing. It should either be coated with a primer or glued “to scratch”.
Apply glue
We remove the applied glue
Then apply again. This way the glue adheres securely to the surface of the stone.
Next, we place the pebbles on the stove wall under a level, starting with the corner elements. The stove is not a large, flat wall of the room; the stove has four corners, which makes the work a little more complicated. We use wedges to level the stone.
Below the first row we leave space for future tiles
Stone tiles have a large error in size. We even out the gaps with wedges, choosing the middle position. If possible, we use a disk to push the stone against the concrete.
Selecting the middle position of the stone
Preparatory work before cladding
After choosing the facing material, you can begin preparatory work. For preliminary preparation, decide on the surface on which you will lay the artificial stone.
- These works can only be carried out at air temperatures above 50C, since low temperatures affect the quality of surface bonding.
To prevent contamination of the elements, the stone should be faced from top to bottom. Thus, the completed work will have a neat and tidy appearance.
To cut artificial stone parts, use a hacksaw with fine teeth, in this case the edge will be smooth and beautiful.
Decoration Materials
Let's take a closer look at the most popular finishing materials for fireplaces in different price categories.
Plaster
Plaster began to be used for finishing with the advent of decorative fireplaces.
The use of decorative plaster in the decoration of the fireplace.
Decorative plaster is an environmentally friendly material, durable, does not require additional maintenance, retains natural colors for a long time, does not absorb moisture and odors, is applied to any surface, and allows you to imitate any material, even stone. This is a spectacular opportunity to highlight the style of the room.
It must be done efficiently so as not to spoil the appearance of the entire fireplace.
Finishing with tiles and porcelain stoneware
Ceramic tiles occupy a leading position among facing materials. The variety of varieties, textures and colors, with high quality and affordable prices, will allow you to find the desired option even for the most capricious.
Tiling a fireplace is a very aesthetic, convenient and popular way to decorate your fireplace.
Porcelain tile is resistant to high temperatures, but is very difficult to process and is practically not subject to restoration; only small cracks can be masked.
Gypsum tiles that imitate natural stone, which are lightweight and relatively low in cost, are perfect for cladding. The downside is that it is very fragile and some irregularities have to be sanded down before installation.
In some interiors you can find fireplaces lined with gypsum tiles that imitate natural stone.Natural and artificial stone
For expensive fireplace cladding, natural stone is used: granite, marble, traverite, onyx. Decorating the facade with expensive stones is a sign of nobility and prosperity. The rich color range of natural stones will give the fireplace a unique charm.
Decorating a fireplace with decorative stone is very popular today.
A fireplace decorated with onyx or traverite will decorate any living room and be the pride of the home owners. Onyx is not only extremely beautiful, but also has healing properties. It improves well-being and blood circulation, and also increases performance.
Artificial stone is considered a cheaper facing material. Most often, concrete with various dyes and fillers (perlite or expanded clay, ceramic chips, pumice) is used for their production. Only the surface of the stone is painted, so the products very quickly lose their presentation.
Artificial stone for facing a fireplace has many advantages.
The most popular artificial stone is acrylic; it is easy to clean, does not absorb dust and dirt, and does not emit harmful substances at high temperatures. It has a smooth surface and is easily attached with cement glue. It is an excellent imitation of granite or marble.
An excellent option for fireplace decor is facing brick. Its color should be bright and rich, and its masonry should be impeccable. Clinker amazes with the variety of natural shades created by nature itself: from pearl white to lavender and almost black. It is not only beautiful, it is ideal environmentally.
Decorating a fireplace with natural brick is beautiful.
Tiling fireplaces is an ancient tradition that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The production of such decorative elements is labor-intensive manual work, a single product that has a high cost and is a unique example.
Less popular methods
It’s worth talking right away about decorating the fireplace with tiles. The method is quite old, but today it is very rarely used. Firstly, such finishing is possible only when constructing a fireplace. You cannot cover an already finished hearth with real tiles.
Secondly, the installation is so complicated that it requires a highly specialized specialist. Tiles are already a very expensive pleasure. And the involvement of a master in the work makes such a fireplace truly “golden”.
You can line the fireplace with brick. In this case, there are two ways. They take plastic molded ceramic bricks and lay out the external walls. In the second case, the main masonry is refined. The seams are deepened and cleared. Then they are filled with special compounds.
The brick itself is also subjected to various treatments. Hydrochloric acid solution for color saturation. And before that, each element is polished or chamfered. The complexity of such finishing is so great that not every stove maker will take on the job.
Tips for installing facade panels under stone
- When calculating the number of panels, add 10 - 15% to the resulting number. This must be done, since the blocks have to be trimmed during installation.
- Before installing the sheathing, you should first make markings in increments of 30 - 40 cm. After the position of the beams has been accurately determined, they are installed on the wall. The correct installation of the planks is checked using a horizontal and vertical level.
- The screws are screwed into the center of the holes.
- After installing the starting panel, pull the thread from the panel to the opposite corner. The correct tension is checked with a level. All lower blocks are installed according to this guideline.
- The installation of basement blocks is completed by installing a drainage system. It is placed on the upper horizontal surface of the base. Metal elements are used for this.
Installation diagram of plinth panelsSource bauenhaus.ua
Useful tips
Installing a real fireplace in a country house is a responsible and expensive undertaking. Before you begin installing a 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, it is necessary to provide space for the chimney. If you choose a corner option, then you will have to make sure that there is free space from the wall to the heating element. Otherwise, operating the fireplace will pose a danger to the residents of the house.
Building brick is the leading material from which heating elements are constructed. Cement mortar is used as a link between the bricks. All work related to the installation of a fireplace must be performed by a professional stove maker. Otherwise, there is a high risk of incorrect placement of the portal or chimney, which will negatively affect the technical characteristics of the heating device.
After all the main work related to the construction of the fireplace has been completed, you can move on to the most interesting stage - decorating the heating device. 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 the finishing work, carefully study the recommendations offered by professional designers, look at the photos
At all times, natural stone was used for the construction of fireplaces and their decoration. Today, like several decades ago, stone is deservedly considered one of the most reliable materials, and that is why it is so in demand in the industry of construction and finishing of fireplaces.
Using stones of different types for cladding fireplaces, the aesthetics of the hearth takes on a special, noble shade. In addition, stone fireplaces are practical, durable and safe. They can withstand high temperatures and can serve for many decades in a row, while maintaining visual beauty.
The choice of stone for finishing a fireplace depends on the overall design of the room. It is necessary to focus on the color combinations of the walls, the style of furniture and the general stylistic orientation of the room where the fireplace will be located.
A fireplace made of natural stone, no matter what option you choose, will always look elegant and expensive. It is noteworthy that fireplaces are now being decorated not only in country and private houses, but also in apartments. For this purpose, there are special fireplace niches that are installed taking into account the individual characteristics of the room.
And yet, what natural stone is best to use for finishing a fireplace? What distinguishes the most common types of stone used for these purposes?
Results
For city residents who live in high-rise apartments and want to have a fireplace in the living room, there is an excellent alternative - lining false fireplaces with artificial stone. These are simple structures that do not require complex installation, chimney construction, or the construction of heat-resistant walls. Special heating elements act as an imitation of firewood. The biofireplace can be installed near a heating radiator, which eliminates the need to supply an additional heat source.
Material adjustment
Even if these are stones with an irregular shape, fitting them close to each other is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. But maintaining the original appearance of the edges is already problematic. This can be corrected, since many stones can be easily processed.
The edges can be given the desired shape by cutting off the excess with a disc on the concrete using an angle grinder. If it is necessary to create chips and breaks, they can be made with a pickaxe. A sanding disc may also come in handy.
To avoid confusion, each stone should be numbered. In addition, it wouldn’t hurt to somehow mark the joints of the parts on the wrong side. As an option, simply draw an arrow that will indicate the direction of installation.
Before cutting or grinding, it is imperative to moisten the stones with water. This will allow you to avoid dusting the workplace, and also look at the result without distortion due to uneven refraction.
