In recent years, the fireplace has ceased to be an exclusively classic element of the interior. Modern biomodels are made of metal and glass, and they run on environmentally friendly fuel, which does not give smoke and soot. Fireplaces are becoming a central element in the design of living rooms, libraries, bedrooms and kitchens. They replaced the bulky stoves on which they used to cook food. Depending on the location, fireplaces are classified into four types: island, corner, built-in and wall. Most of the material goes into the first view, since the unit is installed in the middle of the room and has four walls. The most economical option in terms of cladding and decoration is the built-in model. In a classical complete set the fireplace consists of a fire chamber, a chimney, a chimney and a portal. We are interested in the last component, since it is it that is decorated with stone decor, wood, inlay, gypsum.More modern models of electric fireplaces are a box without any communications. Due to this quality, they are used in the design of not only country houses, but also city apartments.
Decorating a fireplace with decorative stone returns the interior to its origins, that is, in those days when it was lined with exclusively natural rough processed materials. Such solutions are suitable not only for classics or ethnic styles. Modern loft, Art Nouveau, Provence, Gothic are perfectly combined with masonry. She, in turn, is suitable for wallpapers in retro style and textured Venetian plaster. Natural stone has an impressive weight, and the finish is fraught with complexity. There are a number of high-quality imitations on the building materials market now. A decorative stone for a fireplace is not inferior in characteristics to the original, but in some ways even surpasses it. In the article, we will talk about how to choose material from a variety of options and how to properly lay it.
Natural rock is a natural composite that has been formed over the years from stone chips, marble powder and quartz, bonded together with polymer resins. This material was used in ancient times and it did not lose its relevance until the time when the brick was invented. Artificial stone has some advantages over natural rock:
The composition of the composite contains lightweight fillers, due to which each bar has a small weight.This feature of the material allows it to be used to decorate not only the fireplace itself, but also the accent wall on which it is located. Due to its high weight, natural stone is not recommended for decoration in surfaces with a height of more than 1 m.
The fireplace decor stone is easy to install, and its suppleness and relative softness allow you to sheathe a complex configuration.
Only a grinder is needed for cutting material, while cutting a real cobblestone is not so simple.
The affordable price of artificial stone, perhaps, has become its main advantage. For a very reasonable fee, you can finish not only the fireplace, but also part of the wall, doorway. Natural cobblestones require painstaking processing using special equipment, which leads to a large cost of material.
Artificial stone is produced in various color variations. The usual breed is distinguished by a meager range of shades. Stones of rare colors will be very expensive.
The material allows the use of seamless technology for decoration, which is impossible when working with natural breed.
Although the purchase of artificial stone for cladding seems like a great idea, it also has disadvantages:
Natural breed has a unique pattern. No imitation can repeat the natural texture of the material.
Real stone, due to its hardness, is not afraid of mechanical damage, and its service life varies from several tens to a couple of hundred years.
Although both materials with the right approach allow you to embody the most original design ideas, artificial stone is more "flexible" in this regard.
Criteria for choosing a decorative stone for decoration
When choosing the optimal artificial material, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of nuances:
The item must be well packaged.
The surface of the material should be smooth.If the stone has a porous structure on the front side, then the technology of its production was violated. Such material will not last long.
Experts believe that imitation should have a "shutter speed". In their opinion, the strength of the stone reaches its maximum values only after a month from the moment of its manufacture.
There are several certificates attached to the product. Since the material is synthetic, it is important that these documents are available, because we are talking about finishing the surface, which will periodically heat up. Production flaws will certainly affect the quality of the artificial stone, as a result of which it can become harmful to human health.
On the packaging of high-quality imitation, the name of the manufacturer's company, the date of manufacture, are necessarily present
Also, do not buy artificial stone "with hands", since you do not know where and by whom it was produced, how much it meets quality standards and how many years it will last.
Tile suitable for decoration
Not every type of tile is suitable for decorating a fireplace. Depending on the manufacturing technology and structure, the material is classified into several types. Each of them differs not only in cost, but also in characteristics, installation features and service life. Tiles are selected based on the characteristics of the room, which is decorated with a fireplace.
For example, for a bath they buy heavy-duty material that is not afraid of high temperatures and high humidity. For the kitchen, an imitation with similar characteristics is selected. Living rooms, bedrooms, cabinets are less demanding on tiles. Their microclimate is stable.
Terracotta
Clay acts as the main component of the tile. The material is perfectly attached to any surface using conventional liquid nails. Terracotta has a high vapor and air permeability. This helps the decor to absorb excess moisture in the room and participate in the formation of a favorable microclimate.Terracotta is faced not only with fireplace portals, but also with the facades of houses. The material is frost-resistant, so it is ideal for decoration of rooms with an unstable temperature (for example, baths). The special surface texture allows terracotta to give off heat for a long time, therefore fireplaces decorated with such tiles cool down more slowly. In terms of strength, the material does not lag behind the kiln brick.
Majolica
Majolica is a glazed terracotta. An additional glossy layer allows surface cleaning with abrasive compounds, contact with which will not damage the tile. According to the characteristics of the majolica does not lag behind terracotta. It is also easily fixed to the surface, gives off heat for a long time, and can be used in any type of premises. In production, the top layer of majolica is decorated with patterns. A wide range of drawings allows you to choose the material for interior design.
Heat-resistant brick tile
Clinker is made from several grades of clay and chamotte powder. Natural dyes are added to the composition. The material is environmentally friendly. Since its structure is low porosity, it slowly gives off heat. Frost resistance allows you to trim fireplaces in homes and temporarily used baths. Clinker thickness varies from 0.9 to 1.2 cm. The tile is strong, durable and insensitive to mechanical damage. On the surface, the clinker is fixed with liquid nails. Unfortunately, the material does not have a terracotta hitch; therefore, reinforcing mesh is additionally used for decoration.
Porcelain Tiles
For the appearance of porcelain, we owe Italians. The production technology of the new cladding material was first tested at the end of the last century. The monolith is non-porous, which significantly increases its service life. Porcelain is made of marble chips, metal oxides, quartz sand with the addition of pigments by pressing under high pressure.Artificial material proved to be good during low and high temperature tests. This quality of porcelain stoneware allows it to be used when decorating fireplaces in steam rooms, in the kitchen and for decorating house facades. Material can decorate a room with almost any style, since it is available with a wide range of color and texture options. The surface of porcelain stoneware does not fade under sunlight.
Tiles
Tiles - piece finishing details made of special types of clay. Their surface is treated with glaze, which gives it a glossy sheen. Due to the high cost, the tiles failed to break out into the market leaders. The technology of their manufacture involves firing at high temperatures, which makes the material heat-resistant and durable. The tiles are characterized by high heat transfer, which is useful for those rooms where the fireplace is not just an interior element, but also an alternative source of heat.
Since tiles are very expensive, they can only issue a mantelpiece. For the rest of the portal, cheaper material is selected that will be combined in color and texture.
Master - tile laying class
Putting a fireplace with your own tiles is not so difficult. The whole process of finishing will take 5-8 hours. A high level of skill of the builder will significantly speed up the procedure. Grouting is done the next day, so you can get a beautiful, stylish interior element in just two days.
The finishing process is divided into three stages:
Surface preparation;
Facing work;
Finishing
The process is completed by decorating the mantelpiece and part of the chimney, if you plan to use wall decorations.
Preparatory work
Before facing the fireplace, its surface must first be prepared. If the old finishing layer was removed from it, then the portal is cleaned of adhesive residues and leveled.Then the surface is degreased and small particles of dust are removed, which can subsequently affect the quality of fixing of the finishing material. The treatment is completed by applying a layer of mastic, which seals microcracks.
Tools and materials
The following materials will be required for work:
Tile;
Corner elements;
Heat-resistant grout for joints and glue;
The same pieces of drywall to create even seams between the elements.
The standard set of tools includes:
Level and plumb;
Latex gloves;
Construction gun;
Grinder with a disk for cutting tiles;
Comb spatula;
Rubber mallet;
Unnecessary capacity (bucket, bowl);
Drill and nozzle for mixing dry mixes.
The list of materials is sometimes supplemented with special tools for surface treatment after laying tiles. For example, some use dirt repellents.
Technology for laying tiles on the walls of the fireplace and exhaust pipe
A fireplace should be wrapped only after finishing work on the surface. Start from the corners. They are fixed after the measurements. They will serve as a guideline that will ensure the laying of even rows of tiles without distortions. Heat-resistant glue is mixed in a container. Then it is applied with a comb spatula to the back of the tile. For better adhesion, the surface of the fireplace is also coated with adhesive in a similar way. Then a tile is applied to it and, after positioning, is pressed with force. Finish fastening by tapping with a rubber mallet. In order to maintain a gap of equal width between the seams, pre-prepared pieces of drywall are inserted into them. It will be possible to remove it only after 12 hours from the moment of fixing the decor. If necessary, the tile is cut with a grinder into fragments of the desired size. A day after laying, you can proceed to grouting the seams. The composition has a basic white color, which is adjusted using special dyes.The grout is mixed with the pigment according to the instructions, and then refilled with a construction gun. Its nozzle is inserted into the groove of the seam and the mixture is gently squeezed out, moving along the gap. The grout should level with the tile, but not protrude above it. If part of the composition gets on a clean surface, do not immediately try to wipe it. The grout is removed after it has hardened with a screwdriver or knife. After 1.5-2 hours, the composition will begin to thicken and acquires the consistency of a dense paste. Now they begin to stitching the seams, which is carried out using a conventional flat screwdriver.
If the elements will be fixed using glue without mastic, then the “wrong” side of the finishing material is slightly moistened with water.
Conclusion
After laying the tiles, the portal and the chimney are decorated with stucco moldings, wooden elements, metal decorations. The fireplace should be made out in accordance with the stylistic concept. In the classic interior, it is decorated with paintings, candlesticks, antique watches. In modern versions, avant-garde and futuristic sculptures, author's pictures are used. Porcelain vases, plates on coasters and fresh flowers are selected for provence.
In eco-style, preference is given to natural decorations: wood cuts, cobblestones, cones, dry twigs, gathered in a bouquet. Fireplace decor for the New Year is made of festive wreaths, miniature Christmas trees, garlands, socks for gifts. Variants look unusual when the portal is on a pedestal, and it has a hollow niche for firewood.
In recent years, the fireplace has ceased to be an exclusively classic element of the interior. Modern biomodels are made of metal and glass, and they run on environmentally friendly fuel, which does not give smoke and soot. Fireplaces are becoming a central element in the design of living rooms, libraries, bedrooms and kitchens. They replaced the bulky stoves on which they used to cook food. Depending on the location, fireplaces are classified into four types: island, corner, built-in and wall. Most of the material goes into the first view, since the unit is installed in the middle of the room and has four walls. The most economical option in terms of cladding and decoration is the built-in model. In a classical complete set the fireplace consists of a fire chamber, a chimney, a chimney and a portal. We are interested in the last component, since it is it that is decorated with stone decor, wood, inlay, gypsum.More modern models of electric fireplaces are a box without any communications. Due to this quality, they are used in the design of not only country houses, but also city apartments.
Decorating a fireplace with decorative stone returns the interior to its origins, that is, in those days when it was lined with exclusively natural rough processed materials. Such solutions are suitable not only for classics or ethnic styles. Modern loft, Art Nouveau, Provence, Gothic are perfectly combined with masonry. She, in turn, is suitable for wallpapers in retro style and textured Venetian plaster. Natural stone has an impressive weight, and the finish is fraught with complexity. There are a number of high-quality imitations on the building materials market now. A decorative stone for a fireplace is not inferior in characteristics to the original, but in some ways even surpasses it. In the article, we will talk about how to choose material from a variety of options and how to properly lay it.
Content
Artificial or natural stone?
Natural rock is a natural composite that has been formed over the years from stone chips, marble powder and quartz, bonded together with polymer resins. This material was used in ancient times and it did not lose its relevance until the time when the brick was invented. Artificial stone has some advantages over natural rock:
Although the purchase of artificial stone for cladding seems like a great idea, it also has disadvantages:
Although both materials with the right approach allow you to embody the most original design ideas, artificial stone is more "flexible" in this regard.
Criteria for choosing a decorative stone for decoration
When choosing the optimal artificial material, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of nuances:
Also, do not buy artificial stone "with hands", since you do not know where and by whom it was produced, how much it meets quality standards and how many years it will last.
Tile suitable for decoration
Not every type of tile is suitable for decorating a fireplace. Depending on the manufacturing technology and structure, the material is classified into several types. Each of them differs not only in cost, but also in characteristics, installation features and service life. Tiles are selected based on the characteristics of the room, which is decorated with a fireplace.
For example, for a bath they buy heavy-duty material that is not afraid of high temperatures and high humidity. For the kitchen, an imitation with similar characteristics is selected. Living rooms, bedrooms, cabinets are less demanding on tiles. Their microclimate is stable.
Terracotta
Clay acts as the main component of the tile. The material is perfectly attached to any surface using conventional liquid nails. Terracotta has a high vapor and air permeability. This helps the decor to absorb excess moisture in the room and participate in the formation of a favorable microclimate.Terracotta is faced not only with fireplace portals, but also with the facades of houses. The material is frost-resistant, so it is ideal for decoration of rooms with an unstable temperature (for example, baths). The special surface texture allows terracotta to give off heat for a long time, therefore fireplaces decorated with such tiles cool down more slowly. In terms of strength, the material does not lag behind the kiln brick.
Majolica
Majolica is a glazed terracotta. An additional glossy layer allows surface cleaning with abrasive compounds, contact with which will not damage the tile. According to the characteristics of the majolica does not lag behind terracotta. It is also easily fixed to the surface, gives off heat for a long time, and can be used in any type of premises. In production, the top layer of majolica is decorated with patterns. A wide range of drawings allows you to choose the material for interior design.
Heat-resistant brick tile
Clinker is made from several grades of clay and chamotte powder. Natural dyes are added to the composition. The material is environmentally friendly. Since its structure is low porosity, it slowly gives off heat. Frost resistance allows you to trim fireplaces in homes and temporarily used baths. Clinker thickness varies from 0.9 to 1.2 cm. The tile is strong, durable and insensitive to mechanical damage. On the surface, the clinker is fixed with liquid nails. Unfortunately, the material does not have a terracotta hitch; therefore, reinforcing mesh is additionally used for decoration.
Porcelain Tiles
For the appearance of porcelain, we owe Italians. The production technology of the new cladding material was first tested at the end of the last century. The monolith is non-porous, which significantly increases its service life. Porcelain is made of marble chips, metal oxides, quartz sand with the addition of pigments by pressing under high pressure.Artificial material proved to be good during low and high temperature tests. This quality of porcelain stoneware allows it to be used when decorating fireplaces in steam rooms, in the kitchen and for decorating house facades. Material can decorate a room with almost any style, since it is available with a wide range of color and texture options. The surface of porcelain stoneware does not fade under sunlight.
Tiles
Tiles - piece finishing details made of special types of clay. Their surface is treated with glaze, which gives it a glossy sheen. Due to the high cost, the tiles failed to break out into the market leaders. The technology of their manufacture involves firing at high temperatures, which makes the material heat-resistant and durable. The tiles are characterized by high heat transfer, which is useful for those rooms where the fireplace is not just an interior element, but also an alternative source of heat.
Master - tile laying class
Putting a fireplace with your own tiles is not so difficult. The whole process of finishing will take 5-8 hours. A high level of skill of the builder will significantly speed up the procedure. Grouting is done the next day, so you can get a beautiful, stylish interior element in just two days.
The finishing process is divided into three stages:
The process is completed by decorating the mantelpiece and part of the chimney, if you plan to use wall decorations.
Preparatory work
Before facing the fireplace, its surface must first be prepared. If the old finishing layer was removed from it, then the portal is cleaned of adhesive residues and leveled.Then the surface is degreased and small particles of dust are removed, which can subsequently affect the quality of fixing of the finishing material. The treatment is completed by applying a layer of mastic, which seals microcracks.
Tools and materials
The following materials will be required for work:
The standard set of tools includes:
The list of materials is sometimes supplemented with special tools for surface treatment after laying tiles. For example, some use dirt repellents.
Technology for laying tiles on the walls of the fireplace and exhaust pipe
A fireplace should be wrapped only after finishing work on the surface. Start from the corners. They are fixed after the measurements. They will serve as a guideline that will ensure the laying of even rows of tiles without distortions. Heat-resistant glue is mixed in a container. Then it is applied with a comb spatula to the back of the tile. For better adhesion, the surface of the fireplace is also coated with adhesive in a similar way. Then a tile is applied to it and, after positioning, is pressed with force. Finish fastening by tapping with a rubber mallet. In order to maintain a gap of equal width between the seams, pre-prepared pieces of drywall are inserted into them. It will be possible to remove it only after 12 hours from the moment of fixing the decor. If necessary, the tile is cut with a grinder into fragments of the desired size. A day after laying, you can proceed to grouting the seams. The composition has a basic white color, which is adjusted using special dyes.The grout is mixed with the pigment according to the instructions, and then refilled with a construction gun. Its nozzle is inserted into the groove of the seam and the mixture is gently squeezed out, moving along the gap. The grout should level with the tile, but not protrude above it. If part of the composition gets on a clean surface, do not immediately try to wipe it. The grout is removed after it has hardened with a screwdriver or knife. After 1.5-2 hours, the composition will begin to thicken and acquires the consistency of a dense paste. Now they begin to stitching the seams, which is carried out using a conventional flat screwdriver.
Conclusion
After laying the tiles, the portal and the chimney are decorated with stucco moldings, wooden elements, metal decorations. The fireplace should be made out in accordance with the stylistic concept. In the classic interior, it is decorated with paintings, candlesticks, antique watches. In modern versions, avant-garde and futuristic sculptures, author's pictures are used. Porcelain vases, plates on coasters and fresh flowers are selected for provence.
In eco-style, preference is given to natural decorations: wood cuts, cobblestones, cones, dry twigs, gathered in a bouquet. Fireplace decor for the New Year is made of festive wreaths, miniature Christmas trees, garlands, socks for gifts. Variants look unusual when the portal is on a pedestal, and it has a hollow niche for firewood.