Facing materials for fireplaces should be selected according to certain rules and principles. First of all, it depends on the "habitat" of your future fireplace, as well as other factors affecting it. How do you know which fireplace material is right for you? Let's find out!
The choice of facing material for the fireplace is influenced by several factors. Let's take a closer look at this issue.
- Before buying, you should immediately decide on the furnace material. If this is a tree, then it is enough that the lining endures temperatures up to 900⁰. If solid fuel is used, then a material should be selected that can withstand temperatures up to 1200⁰.
Attention: If you plan to fire an oak fireplace, your cladding must withstand temperatures above 1000⁰. The burning temperature of oak approaches the burning temperature of coal.
- We also determine the place of installation. If you have a decorative structure that is placed in a heated room, then in principle any material will do. If you are installing on a summer veranda, take into account such an indicator as frost resistance. Please read the instructions carefully before purchasing.
- Another important factor is moisture resistance. In an unheated room, this indicator should be at a height. If this is not followed, then after a short period of time the material will begin to flake off and crack.
- The material for facing the fireplace is selected depending on the weight of the structure. The weight will depend on where you will place the fireplace. If you are installing in a private house on the ground floor, then an additional foundation may well help you out. But if you are planning to install on the second floor, then the weight is quite important for you. The overlap may simply not withstand too heavy a structure.
Fireplace Finishing Materials
So, let's take a closer look at various materials for finishing fireplaces and stoves, decide on the possibility of their use, and consider the differences in installation. This will depend on the amount of work. Some of these materials can only be installed by a specialist, while others can be fixed completely with your own hands without the help of professionals. Then the installation cost will be much lower.
Fireplace plaster
This type of finish is probably the most common. Especially now, when decorative plaster has replaced the traditional mortar. And it is not surprising, because this material has many advantages.
We use plaster in the decoration of the fireplace
- You can do this job on your own. It is interesting that if you do not apply it correctly, but simply randomly “dab” the solution onto the surface, you will get an original pattern. And if you also try to give it a shape, then you can make just a masterpiece.
- Before you start finishing with plaster, you need to carefully prepare the base plane. Otherwise, you will not achieve high-quality adhesion of surfaces, and the finish will not last long. Do not forget to apply a layer of primer, it will improve the quality of the fit of the material.
Attention: This material is not suitable for finishing the existing structure. Temperature fluctuations have a bad effect on it. In extreme cases, it can be used for a fireplace, which is heated extremely rarely and not with solid fuel.
Finishing fireplaces with stone
Many people love this facing material for the fireplace. It has its own advantages and disadvantages. But in general, this option can be called the most optimal for any designs.
- First of all, you get a solid and high-quality finish that will last quite a long time. And she is not afraid of changing weather and high humidity. It can be installed in almost any type of room.
- A significant drawback is the large weight of the material. We'll have to make an additional foundation.
Attention: When planning finishing with this material, you should take this into account at the initial stage of construction. Make the foundation at least 10 cm wider than the dimensions of the structure. Especially if you will perform finishing work using not just tiles, but solid stone.
- It is better to mount the cladding on the same mortar on which the main masonry was made.
- If the elements are large in volume and weight, use hooks for fastening, they will support the parts and prevent them from floating through the mortar.
- You can do the work yourself, but be very careful about finishing the corners, for this, use a plumb line and a square. Don't forget to use a measuring tool as well. Check each row with a building level.
If you still want to make a stone finish, but the weight of the structure or the price of the finish does not allow you to do this, you should not despair, in our time there is a substitute for this material - artificial stone.
Attention: When calculating the material, you should immediately take into account additional elements that will facilitate the process of doing work. These are various friezes and angles. Correctly calculate them. Take the number of elements with a margin of at least 15%.
- This material weighs much less, which means, most likely, you can do without an additional foundation.
- There are many options in different sizes and textures. Even a specialist at first glance will not be able to determine whether this material is natural or artificial.
- You will get a surface that will not emit odors even when heated. Production is carried out only from environmentally friendly materials.
- When doing this work, immediately make a high-quality frame and determine the layer of the solution. If it is more than two cm, then you will need to do the alignment. It is necessary. Also, do not forget to apply a construction mesh, which will increase the strength of the structure.
- Laying starts from the corner of the bottom row. When working, use plastic crosses, they will help to properly maintain the angle of masonry. For a uniform ordering seam, you should use a template, prepare it in advance.
Attention: When performing work, do not forget to immediately remove the solution that will flow onto the front of the parts. And after fastening, immediately clean the seam. This is especially important if you will finish the seam in a different color.
- In favor of this material is not only its weight, but also the ease of processing. It is quite easy to cut, and you can easily fit each element.
Note: Please read the instructions carefully before purchasing. Not all material of such a plan can withstand temperature extremes and high humidity.
The use of tiles as a finish
This type of finish is very popular. In retail, there are many elements of different configurations. You can choose not only by color and shade, but also by texture, which imitates different natural materials. Mounting features include:
Application for finishing fireplace tiles
- Preparation of a high-quality base plane. The placement configuration will depend on this as well.
Attention: When preparing the solution, make it as homogeneous as possible and carefully sift, while removing debris and small pebbles. If debris gets under the element, it will not be placed correctly, the faces will not be in the same plane.
- First, make the right markup. To do this, draw the first fastening line, it is along it that the cladding will be done in the future. When performing it, use the building level, at least one and a half meters long.
- Check the installation of each row using the building level.
- Before starting work, sort the tiles by size, put them in three boxes. Start laying with the middle one, it will have the most elements.
- Never apply grout without trying the parts dry and making a good fit.
Attention: If you opt for clinker tiles, remember that this material is not attached to ordinary mortar, it absorbs water too much. On the packaging, the manufacturer usually indicates what to use for fastening. If this inscription is not present, consult the seller.
Finishing the fireplace with drywall
This material is used for cladding quite often. It serves as a high-quality basis for fastening almost any type of finish.
Attention: This finish is not suitable for existing structures. While heat resistant sheets exist, they are not designed to withstand such high temperatures for extended periods of time. Also, do not veneer with a plasterboard fireplace installed in rooms with high humidity, for example, in a sauna. It accumulates moisture and will soon become unusable.
- The basis for fastening drywall is a frame made of a metal profile or wood. If you chose the second option, then before installation it is worth doing the treatment with antiseptics, they will extend the life of this material.
- Make sure the frame is made correctly. The surface must have a geometrically regular shape. When working, use a plumb line and building level.
- When connecting corners, it is best to use a metal corner.
- Even if you have an electric fireplace, it will be very important to get a reflective screen. Otherwise, when heated, the material will warp over time.
We have presented materials for facing fireplaces and stoves, which are most often used. Before you purchase one of them, you should view photos and videos on this topic, study the installation options. When performing work, it is important to make high-quality markup and not rush.
Video: do-it-yourself fireplace decoration examples
Fireplace cladding options
In fact, there are not so many options for facing fireplaces. After all, not every material can be applied in each specific case. Here, the condition of functioning at high temperature becomes the first place, not all components can tolerate it, especially for a long time. Therefore, this issue must be approached carefully. With a decorative design, you can use any material at all, but with an existing one, think about the fuel that you will use, because different types of fuel produce different combustion temperatures. The place of installation is also important. If the fireplace is located in a room without heating or in a summer kitchen, it should be lined with a material that tolerates air humidity well.
Before you choose how and with what to veneer the fireplace, you should look at photos and videos on this topic and decide on the design. Also, many may pay attention to the installation method, you can entrust this business to the company, but keep in mind that, most likely, this work will not be cheap. By making the cladding with your own hands, you will significantly reduce the cost of work and the entire structure.
What facing is suitable for a fireplace?
Fireplace plastering
This is a fairly traditional way, suitable for both stoves and fireplaces.
The use of decorative plaster in the decoration of the fireplace
- Typically, such a finish is done with cement mortar, but decorative plaster can also be used, it is more suitable for artificial portals. But with this material you can make almost any pattern and give the portal the desired color.
- This type of decoration is quite simple to do with your own hands.
- With the right cladding, you get a durable structure that will last for more than a dozen years.
Attention: Such a finish is performed only after the fireplace masonry has completely dried and the entire structure has shrunk. Salt is sometimes added to the solution, it increases the life of the plaster and significantly strengthens the surface.
- A layer of plaster is best applied on a warm surface. Fire up the fireplace and let it cool down. Now apply the first coat by spraying. Before starting work, moisten the fireplace and then the solution will dry out most evenly, which will prevent the formation of cracks.
- The last layer is applied to a completely dried surface with different tools, the layer thickness should not exceed 5 cm.
Drywall finishing
When listing the types of fireplace cladding, you should not lose sight of the plasterboard finish. This material is fine for decorative and electrical construction, but not applicable for a working fireplace.
Finishing the fireplace with drywall
- The installation of such material is done on a metal frame.
Attention: When making the frame, special attention should be paid to its correct configuration. Check it carefully, otherwise the fireplace will have an irregular geometric shape. Use a plumb line and square.
- Drywall sheets are fastened with self-tapping screws, you should not fasten them end-to-end, always leave a gap of 5 mm. After that, the seam is puttied and the joint is glued with a tape, which must first be moistened in a gypsum solution. By these actions you will avoid deformation of the surface when heated.
Finishing with artificial and natural stone
This cladding is quite elegant and looks stylish and rich. It can be applied to almost any type of fireplace - it perfectly withstands elevated temperatures.
- The work uses natural and artificial stone. The cost of the first option is much higher, and if you want to save money, feel free to choose the second one. You will get a strong structure that will last for decades.
We use natural stone for finishing the fireplace
Attention: When using such a material, special attention should be paid to the preparation of the base surface. It must be done flawlessly. This will largely determine the quality and service life of the entire structure.
- Any options for facing the fireplace with stone can be performed in any room, it will not be affected by high humidity and temperature changes. Only if you use a decorative stone, when buying, you should pay attention to the parameters of the elements. In the instructions, pay attention to the cycles of temperature changes. This value must not be less than ten.
- If you plan to use solid fuel for heating, then laying is done on clay mortar. Cement will not withstand combustion temperatures for a long time.
- Before starting installation, it is necessary to properly and efficiently prepare the surface. After complete drying, apply a primer, it will enhance the bonding of surfaces.
- When fastening heavy elements, always use metal hooks, they will be able to support the weight of the parts, otherwise they may simply float through the mortar.
- Never do the masonry right away without trying on the details. First, they are laid out on the surface in a row and carefully adjusted with a grinder. And only after that you can mount on the solution.
- Angles should always be checked with a square and a plumb bob. And the order is checked by the building level, its length must be at least one meter. Remember, a deviation of 1 mm can result in an inaccuracy of 1 cm after only five rows.
- With the use of this material, you will not have a question about how to line the fireplace insert, the stone is perfectly used for any material for the manufacture and decoration of the fireplace. In addition, it looks stylish and original.
Fireplace tiling
This material is most popular when finishing a fireplace. And both decorative and acting. In decoration, the following types are most often used:
- Majolica;
- Terracotta;
- Porcelain stoneware;
- The tile is clinker.
Applying fireplace tiles
Such a finish successfully tolerates temperature extremes and high humidity, so lining can also be done in a bath room. For high-quality fastening, you should listen to the advice of experts and follow some requirements.
- Prepare the surface carefully and efficiently. It must be completely cleaned, the seams should be deepened by 1 cm, this will allow the material to hold well.
- Before starting installation, be sure to sort the tiles according to their size. Make two packs. One of them will have the largest number of elements, it is from it that work should begin.
- Make a full layout of the elements on the floor in full size. Try on a row and fit the elements well, for this, use a grinder. And only after that you should do the fastening to the solution.
- During operation, the solution may fall on the front of the tile, it should be removed immediately. After a while, it eats into the surface, and then it will be much more difficult to remove the stains.
- During the masonry, the mortar will get into the seam, it should be removed with the angle of the spatula, otherwise after drying, you can simply break the tile when cleaning.
Now you know what fireplaces are lined with, instructions for fastening almost any material are on our website. The most important thing is to take your time and do everything carefully according to the instructions, and soon you will be able to admire your new beautiful fireplace!
Video: do-it-yourself fireplace decoration examples
Fireplaces can be made from different materials: stone, brick, concrete and even metal. However, brick and stone fireplaces are not only a traditional way of heating a home, but also its real decoration. There are many options for facing fireplaces, but you need to choose one that is in perfect harmony with the interior. So, for rooms decorated in a rustic style, marble and inlay decoration will be inappropriate. Such a design will be clearly discordant with the surrounding space.
To finish a brick fireplace, you can use a decorative stone - such a fireplace will fit perfectly into most interiors.
Types of fireplaces and options for their lining
To date, there are only 2 popular options for such heating devices as fireplaces. These are traditional brick constructions and electric fireplaces. The latter do not need any refinement of their appearance, as the manufacturer has taken care of this. Such devices are enough to correctly fit into an existing interior.
A different situation with brick structures. Despite the fact that the facing ceramic brick has a very presentable appearance, the owners of the house have a desire to give the structure of it even more solidity and presentability.
Finishing the fireplace is especially important for those who built it from ordinary ordinary bricks. Such heating structures look rather dull and resemble an ordinary rustic stove in their appearance. It is to them that the spectacular finish of the fireplace is extremely important.
You can use the following options:
- plastering;
- sheathing with drywall with its subsequent painting or gluing with finishing materials;
- decoration with decorative bricks;
- facing with tiles and porcelain stoneware;
- finishing with natural or artificial stone;
- wood sheathing;
- tiling.
The classic low-cost method is plastering. For modern houses, it is relevant only if it is necessary to level the surface of the structure, ennoble the appearance and not spend a fairly large amount for the family budget. But a completely different matter is the use of decorative plaster. It will certainly give the design a modern stylish look.
A plastered fireplace can be painted or whitewashed. It makes no sense to paste over it with tiles, since it could be laid directly on the brick without spending time and effort on the preliminary application of the plaster layer. Therefore, this method of finishing fireplaces is gradually becoming a thing of the past. It was replaced by new opportunities in interior design.
How to line a fireplace with stone
Brick structures finished with natural or artificial stone impress with their spectacular monumentality. Such fireplaces invariably attract the eye and are the "heart" of the house. The stone heats up quickly and is characterized by good heat dissipation, so in no way interferes with the full functioning of the fireplace as a heat source for heating the room. An example of a magnificent finish with artificial stone can be seen in the photo.
Materials and tools that are required for finishing fireplaces:
- artificial stone slabs;
- cement;
- quartz sand;
- tile adhesive;
- reinforcing mesh;
- putty knife;
- mallet;
- container for mixing the solution;
- building bubble level;
- roulette.
First of all, you need to decide on the design of the fireplace.
With the help of decorative stone, it can be given both a strict and concise, and a homely, cozy look. Therefore, it is important to consider different cladding options and then decide which decorative stone best matches the expected result. There are several recommendations that will greatly simplify the procedure for choosing a finishing material:
- the color and structure of the stone should be in harmony with the general style of the interior of the room;
- if the priority criteria are strength and durability, the best choice is marble or granite;
- if you need to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort in the room, it is recommended to buy a textured artificial stone in pleasant pastel shades;
- if the fireplace is designed to emphasize the respectability of the house, it is faced with any flat and polished natural stone.
Sequence of finishing works
Having decided how to revet the fireplace, they get down to business. First of all, prepare the surface. In order for the stone slabs to be firmly fixed on the ribs of the fireplace, the brickwork must be embroidered. To do this, all its seams are shredded to a depth of 0.8-1 cm.
Taking out the mortar between the bricks, make sure that no pieces of the cement-sand mixture remain inside the formed depressions. Therefore, after chasing, all seams are cleaned with a brush with semi-rigid bristles. The solution is easiest to remove with a spatula with a sharpened blade, a hammer and a chisel.
The second stage of preparatory work is the installation of a reinforcing mesh. This will require nails that will need to be driven into the seams between the bricks. It must be taken into account that the impact force should be small, as this can damage the fireplace. Nails are used of medium size; washers are put on them when fixing the mesh. If it is impossible to drive in nails, they are replaced with self-tapping screws, which are screwed into the cement-sand mortar using a drill or screwdriver.
The next step is the preparation of the binder composition. Experts recommend using the same solution that was used when laying the fireplace. The kneading is carried out in a container of a suitable size, in which 1 part of cement and 3 parts of sand are placed. Thoroughly mix the dry ingredients and begin to gradually add water to them. The result should be a fairly thick viscous mass. To improve its properties, add a little PVA glue.
The reinforcing mesh is moistened with water by spraying. After that, a thin layer of solution is applied to the surface of the fireplace. Thus, the entire network is closed. After this layer dries, you need to line the fireplace with artificial stone according to the scheme that is selected. In order to be able to lay all the plates perfectly evenly, appropriate markings are made on the fireplace. To complete it, you will need: a level, a tape measure and a marker.
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Instead of a cement-sand mortar, any suitable tile adhesive can be used. The main requirement for him is that he must be fireproof. Therefore, it is better to buy special mixtures for laying stoves. Having familiarized yourself with the order and nuances of the work, it will not be difficult to finish the fireplace yourself.
A well-chosen fireplace finish helps in maintaining its aesthetic qualities for a long time. When choosing the type of installation, consider your capabilities, will you be able to finish the fireplace with your own hands or should you turn to the services of specialists? The most popular types of cladding include tiles, natural minerals and porcelain stoneware.
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Due to the wide range of such materials, you can make a fireplace decoration in any subject, and by doing it yourself, you will save a significant amount on finishing work and masonry.
materials
Facing actions with fireplaces, as well as with stoves, should be carried out with the help of decorative elements and mortar, which have a splitting coefficient similar to brick. Otherwise, the lining will quickly begin to crumble. In this regard, experts advise using the following material:
- terracotta tiles;
- natural stones;
- artificial stones;
- porcelain tile.
The finishing method is directly dependent on the material used in the work.
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Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles have properties similar to refractory bricks. The similarity in structure makes it possible for the tile to change dimensions when heated, along with the material of the fireplace insert itself. At the same time, the glaze coating protects the tile 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 ledges, corners and shelves. The color scheme of terracotta tiles is similar to natural materials. It is easy to lay, so when working with it you do not need special tools. For fitting and cutting elements, an ordinary grinder is suitable.
How tiles are made
The ceramic tile finishing process consists of several steps:
- first, the top layer of the fireplace insert should be cleaned of whitewash, plaster or paint. Then the seams expand between the bricks by one centimeter, and dust is removed with a brush;
- with the help of fire-resistant mastic or clay solution, uneven edges must be repaired and dried;
- if your portal has poor brickwork, and the mortar layer has a thickness of more than 5 millimeters, it is necessary to level the surface of the structure with a grinder;
- then you should heat the fireplace. 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. As a rule, the primer dries for a couple of hours;
- finishing work with tiles should start from the bottom. If necessary, you can cut off the protruding parts and grind. If your project contains corner elements, they should be glued first;
- dilution of glue is carried out according to the instructions on the box. Use a drill with a hard wire nozzle, as it is able to effectively mix the solution;
- use a wooden spatula to apply the mortar. After that, use a notched trowel to draw over the surface and press the tile firmly. Glue several tiles at once to keep the level and plumb under control. The plastic corner contributes to the creation of the same distances between the elements;
- it takes two days to dry the materials, after which the joints are grouted. As a grouting material, you can use special tools or clay mortar 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 facilitates the care of the facing material.
Finishing the firebox with natural and artificial stones
Stones such as marble and granite are characterized by a high price. To process such material, you will need experience with special cutting and grinding tools. Therefore, when finishing on their own, many people buy shell rock, limestone or rubble stones.
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Artificial stones are made from Portland cement, crumbs of natural stones and expanded clay. When creating them, vibrocasting and ejection pressing are used, thanks to which decorative materials have high strength and resistance to moisture. A wide range of offered materials makes it possible to make an exclusive lining in the fireplace room.
There is no special technology in laying stones. The basis is hot glue or mastic. If the stones are heavy, then special anchors are used for reliability.
Features of finishing with natural stones:
- Initially, it is required to prepare the surface of the stove, which consists in cleaning the stove masonry, embroidering seams, removing dust and creating a flat surface.
- To create an attractive finish, it is recommended to sort the stones by color. If you want to use several tones, dark colors should be laid on the bottom. Any irregularities and extra corners are removed with a grinder.
- The fireplace, as well as when working with tiles, should be heated to 35 degrees and the brickwork should be treated with a primer.
- Dilute the glue according to the instructions to a homogeneous mass. The resulting mixture should be infused for 15 minutes, after which it should be re-mixed.
- Masonry using natural stone is carried out in the same way as ceramic tiles. Glue with a spatula is applied to the stone, and the element is applied to the wall. Then it must be rubbed tightly. Any excess adhesive should be removed immediately. The seams between the stones should be 2-5 mm.
- Before laying the next row, you need to set the tiled corner. After the glue has set, the corners are removed. The rest of the rows are laid out in the same way.
- When the glue dries, fill the seams with mortar. If you want to leave the natural texture of the stone, you should not level the seam.
- After you finish the facing work, the surface is covered with a protective varnish.
Plaster
If you are looking for a quick and inexpensive option for facing an existing portal, pay attention to plastering. This material is available to everyone and does not require much effort in the work. It should be noted that plastering does not contribute to the weighting of the main chimney masonry, so strengthening the base is not required.
The main condition for high-quality facing works is the competent choice of plaster. Choose a flame retardant option that contains special fibers. Similar conditions are achieved by adding lime, hemp and straw to the clay solution.
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Decorative qualities are achieved by staining with a composition that is resistant to temperature changes.
How plastering is done:
- clean the surface of dirt and old plaster;
- using small nails, fix the reinforcing mesh on the masonry;
- the prepared solution should be applied with a spatula evenly over the entire surface;
- after you finish finishing your fireplace, leave the surface to dry for two days. After that, you can apply coloring solutions or decorative putty. If necessary, you can add a water-soluble color.
Drywall
With the help of refractory drywall, you can create unusual fireplace shapes. The workflow itself consists of two stages:
- metal frame is assembled;
- the resulting frame is sheathed with drywall.
Please note that the screws must be screwed in at a right angle. This action eliminates the formation of chips on the surface.
Picking up your individual interior of the heating stove in the room and deciding what to put on the fireplace from the outside so that it pleases the eye is a very important task. When designing fireplaces, you can overlay them with a wide variety of materials.
Depending on the material of the fireplace itself, it can be lined with either brick or tile. In addition, a fireplace decorated in a high-tech style with chrome-plated metal elements, silver-plated or even gold-plated looks very elegant in the house today.
Fireplace style Hi-Tech (Hi-Tech) in the interior of the house
The most practical, durable and attractive facing of the fireplace is considered to be lining it with stone (natural or artificial) in combination with tiles. Of course, facing the fireplace with marble or granite will undoubtedly win over brick or tile. However, this top quality material, which is considered an excellent option for finishing a functional stove in the house, due to its high cost, not every family can afford.
What to pay attention to
The main difference between a fireplace and a traditional brick stove is the relatively low heating of the surfaces. The heat from the fire passes directly into the room, and the outer lining of the fireplace is needed for containment, and not as a conductor of heat. The requirements for the material that can be used to line a cast-iron or metal fireplace are much lower.
So, the recommended available options or materials that can be used to line a fireplace in a house are:
Tiles, clinker bricks, stone of natural and artificial origin, tiles, as well as wood. These materials, although they change under the influence of heat in volume, but under normal conditions this feature is insignificant. The main attention in the question of how to overlay a fireplace stove should be given to the conformity of the interior of the room, and not to practicality.
Tiles bring their own unique flavor to the living room or office. When facing the walls of the fireplace with this decorative material, it is necessary to provide, even when laying the stove, a wire for fastening tiles in the seams between the rows.
Plastic panels with imitation of any finishing material, wooden slabs or plaster bas-relief, as well as a false fireplace.
Requirements for the material of a functioning fireplace
When deciding how to overlay a fireplace in a house, it is worth considering options that correspond not only to aesthetic qualities, but also to technical characteristics.
For high-quality and reliable lining of a fireplace-stove in a residential building, it is advisable to use only special samples that must meet the following requirements:
- Increased strength characteristics, resistance to mechanical damage.
- Heat resistance and low water absorption.
- Heat dissipation with simultaneous accumulation and retention of heat.
- Have a low porosity structure.
Constant interaction with high temperatures and the risk of mechanical damage make the choice of facing material a particularly important step in the design of a fireplace stove in a house.
The most common materials for finishing a fireplace stove are:
- Unglazed tile or terracotta with a characteristic red-brown color.
- Porcelain stoneware is a resistant product to sudden changes in temperature, it is not afraid of bumps and other kinds of scratches.
- Clinker tiles - heavy-duty, heat-resistant and antistatic.
- Tiles provide fast and uniform heating of the room, thanks to the air cushion, they reliably retain heat for quite a long time.
Cast iron fireplace surround
In addition to traditional fireplaces made of brick and having an open combustion chamber, cast-iron products with a closed hearth are equally popular in today's modern homes. A cast iron fireplace similarly releases a large amount of heat during the combustion of fuel, however, after the furnace product is completely burned, such a stove cools down very quickly. This problem can be solved with high-quality and reliable cladding.
The best material that you can lay over a cast-iron fireplace with your own hands is heat-resistant fireclay bricks. It is quite possible to equip a similar design as a full-fledged stove for heating a room.
You can overlay a cast-iron fireplace with your own hands as follows:
- You will need to make to order or design yourself a project of the desired design of the fireplace stove, taking into account all the existing nuances of the room.
- Purchase the necessary amount of building material and tools.
- Provide a distance (small gap) from the firebox to the brickwork during cladding between brick and metal. On the sides, this distance should be at least 5-10 cm, and behind the fireplace, laying should be started no closer than 10-15 cm. Such a layer will save heat and reduce heat loss.
Otherwise, the composition of the mortar, the process of laying bricks and the technology for erecting a furnace are similar to the traditional installation of such a structure.
Overlay a cast-iron fireplace with brick- a successful solution to the problem of preserving heat in the room, however, if there are no objections about the appearance of the brick hearth of restrictions regarding the severity of the structure used, then everything is fine. Otherwise, when using additional finishing materials (marble, granite slabs or natural stone), the heat transfer coefficient will be minimized, which will make the fireplace stove only a decorative element in the house.
Watch the video how the DIY experts use all the necessary materials to install an English fireplace with a classic-style cast-iron firebox with a prefabricated chimney. Most likely the portal is made of artificial material of false fireplace.