How to make a fireplace box with your own hands

The simplest option for arranging a fireplace is to decorate the fireplace with plasterboard yourself. This is the topic that will be discussed today. This is a simple job that you can do yourself, without resorting to outside help, which will significantly reduce the cost of the work. You can watch photos and videos, choose a design design. Instructions for completing this work will be given.

The fireplace can be finished using different materials, for example ceramic tiles (see), but today we will look at how the fireplace can be finished with plasterboard. This is the simplest option that can be easily implemented with your own hands. But like any job, it requires some preparation. The necessary requirements must be met. You will receive useful tips for doing your work.

Tools and materials

Before starting installation work with your own hands, you should purchase everything you need so as not to be distracted during installation:

• For measurements you will need a ruler, tape measure and square;
• To properly install the vertical placement check, you will need a plumb line;
• The building level will help determine parallelism;
• pencil and construction knife;
• fine-tooth hacksaw;
• an impact drill will help make the frame;
• screwdriver;
• plasterboard sheets;
• dowels;
• rack profile.

Attention! Before starting work, it is worth bringing sheets of drywall to the room about a day before. They should be placed on a flat surface and a weight should be placed on top. The fact is that the material may be uneven. In this form, it will acquire the desired shape and get used to the temperature.

Preparing the layout and location

As for the location of the fireplace, experts give some recommendations on this issue:

• To make the fireplace look beautiful and real, you should think about a decorative chimney (see), which should fit into the interior and look against the background of the room. It can also be made from plasterboard.
• First, you should draw the future fireplace on paper. Enter all dimensions.
• Provide a fireplace space, which is a must. If it is not there, then you should think about a wall structure.
• Before you start working with your own hands, you should draw a fireplace on the wall and attach a profile along the lines. See how the design will look in its natural size.

Preparing the site

Once a location has been chosen and the material has been purchased, you can begin to do the work yourself. We will give general recommendations that should be followed when performing any configuration. Fundamentally they are the same for all options:

• The first step is to properly prepare the installation site. This should be a level area and should be cleared of debris. The plane must be rigid and support the weight of the entire structure. If you have a wooden floor and the fireplace is quite heavy, then you should pour a concrete platform; the finishing of this area can be done with ceramic tiles.
• To fill the base with your own hands, first make the formwork so that the platform itself is at least 100 mm high from the floor surface;
• After this, care should be taken to protect the walls from temperature. For this, aerated concrete slabs are most often used, which serve as reliable protection.

Attention! Measure aerated concrete slabs well. They must be completely covered with drywall after installation. Once the frame is made, it will be almost impossible to fix everything.

• When making the base, you should immediately pay attention to the parallelism of the plane. The fireplace will be mounted on it, so any inaccuracies will be reflected in the configuration. Therefore, use a building level.
• To make a plasterboard box with your own hands, you can use both a metal profile and a wooden beam. If you choose the second option, then do not forget to treat it with antiseptics that are available in retail stores. They will extend the life of the structure and protect against the formation of rot and mold. Remember that after processing the material must dry completely.

Frame installation

This is the first step in installing a fireplace. The main thing in this matter is to fully maintain the geometric shape. Remember that a deviation of one mm can result in centimeters in the final finishing. Do everything very carefully. So:

• First of all, we attach the support frame to the wall. To do this, first cut the profile to the required size and make the fastening. For a wooden surface, you can get by with ordinary self-tapping screws. If the plane is made of concrete or brick, then the hole should be made using a hammer drill. And use a dowel to connect.

Attention! When purchasing dowels, you should avoid purchasing kits. The necessary pacifiers and screws for them with a cross-section larger than the diameter by a couple of mm. Only in this option will you ensure the reliability and required rigidity of the structure.

• Now we begin to install the racks. To do this, we cut the profile to size, install it, and fasten it using self-tapping screws. When installing, the corners should be checked with a square and the parallelism of the planks should be checked with a building level.
• After installing the frame, everything should be carefully checked with a meter. The configuration must be perfect.
• Now we cut the drywall to size and attach it to the frame using self-tapping screws. There is one nuance here: if you have a three-dimensional structure, then do the sheathing in two layers.

Attention! It is desirable that the finishing be done in solid sheets of material. If this does not work, then auxiliary slats should be made in the frame. Drywall is connected only on a rigid plane. After this, do not forget to treat the seam with a serpyanka.

• Now we install the firebox. In the fireplace insert, finishing is done in exactly the same way as described above. Just for safety reasons, it is worth covering the back and side walls with heat-reflecting screens. Then the fire brigade won’t be able to attach themselves either.

Fireplace finishing

Now the finished structure must be finished. Before this, you need to seal all the joints between the sheets and the fastening points. It should be even and smooth. All cracks must be closed. So:

• Take the dry mixture and pour it into a container. A plastic paint bucket works best.
• Add water and stir at the same time.
• After this, we need to make a homogeneous mass without lumps. To do this, use a drill with an attachment. This is what will allow you to achieve homogeneity of the mass. Bring the solution to the state of sour cream.
• After this, apply the mixture to the drywall with a spatula. Waiting for it to dry. This was the basis.
• After this, we also apply another layer, only thinner, and take the spatula wider. We make the plane perfectly flat.
• After this, we take the grout mesh and treat the surface. Where shells have appeared, they should be rubbed off or a layer of solution should be added and, after drying, processed again.

When the fireplace insert is finished with plasterboard and the frame is completely lined, you can think about finishing. The price of the work is not so high, so you can do it yourself with high quality. If you decide to putty the fireplace, then do not forget to treat the corner with perforated tape, it will make it completely even.

On our website you will find many articles about how you can decorate a fireplace with your own hands (see). After studying them, you will definitely find exactly what you need.

Cladding a fireplace insert with plasterboard yourself is quite feasible. But a number of subtleties should be taken into account in the selection of material and work technology. If we talk about gypsum board, then it is universal. Moreover, it not only levels the surfaces, but also creates an ideal pre-finish layer on which any finish can be applied.

Areas of application of plasterboard in finishing a fireplace portal

Drywall is a universal material that is used in finishing work not only to level the surface, but also to decorate it. At the moment, it is also freely used for finishing the fireplace portal outside and for the fireplace insert inside.

In country houses, fireplaces have always been very popular designs. In any case, any owner has thought about building a fireplace in some room. Some people built a real one, others limited themselves to a fake version - it’s a matter of taste. After all, the days have already passed when, among other things, fireplaces performed the important function of heating the living space.

Each of the options looks great, very original, creates comfort in the room - and in general, a very soulful atmosphere - everyone will agree with this. That is why the decorative decoration of the fireplace is an important aspect of the cladding of a home, and you can’t even argue with that.

What is the best way to decorate a fireplace today, what are the options? There are many materials, they are all varied. Let's talk about this topic in more detail - and you will definitely find something interesting for yourself.

Materials for the construction of fireplaces

Today you can build a fireplace in a country house using different materials - there are plenty of options. But even in simple urban fireplaces such designs can be found - this is quite normal.

So, in a private house for construction they use:

• Gas blocks;
• Foam blocks;
• Brick.

Such building materials are good for their fire resistance. They react well even to very high temperatures - this is why they are chosen.

In a situation where the fireplace is built from brick, red material is recommended for use. It retains heat perfectly and looks more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing.

such solutions are actively used in construction.

:

• If there are no options, you can always use white brick. Decorative finishing of the fireplace in this case can also be made with brick. The master can use bricks of different shades - there is nothing complicated about it. Simply add certain special coloring substances to the concrete solution - the result is impressive;
• When the structure is built from aerated concrete or foam blocks, it’s time to think about how to decorate the fireplace, because without a special cladding it will not look its best. The materials are beautiful, they hold heat perfectly, but aesthetically there is some work to be done.

Please note: such materials are quite large - so if you make an error in the calculations, the fireplace can turn out to be very large. If this moment is critical, calculate everything in advance.

• The master should also remember that fireplaces usually have a chimney. If you are making a false structure, this element is decorative, so anyone can do it. But if the fireplace is real, you won’t be able to do without a high-quality and working chimney. Removing combustion products is vital;
• The same brick is used to build a chimney - this is the easiest way. The design assumes the presence of a damper - so that enough air gets into the fireplace - then the combustion process will be more productive and of high quality
• Building fireplaces from natural stone is an expensive task, but if you have the funds, this is an excellent option.

Especially if you are creating a real office in a country house

, hunter's room or hall.

Features of fireplace inserts (interior decoration)

If you are interested in what you can use to decorate a fireplace, you should also learn about something else: what a firebox is. The fireplace is the place where solids burn - it can be wood, coal or some other fuel. Decorative finishing of the fireplace also includes working with the firebox, but more on this below.

To finish this part of the structure, today they use:

1. Brick;
2. Drywall sheets;
3. Natural stone.

Plasterboard cladding

• You can actually use sheets of plasterboard to cover the fireplace insert (after all, such material is even possible - it is durable). But, only if the work is carried out with a false fireplace. However, exceptions to the rules are also allowed. Drywall may be necessary if it is necessary to level the surface in the firebox;
• Only a special material can be used in work of this level - moisture-resistant plasterboard. It is not recommended to use any other;
• During the work, it is also worth paying attention - if such material is used, the volume of the firebox can be significantly reduced. This happens because the sheets are fastened to a frame (of course, metal). It is made on the surface from a special profile.

What is used to perform installation work:

• The material itself is needed;
• Metal profile;
• Screwdriver and screws.

And now about the installation in detail

:

• During the work, some difficulties may arise - their likelihood is especially high when there are places in the fireplace that are difficult to access. This is why it is recommended to work with a screwdriver (a tool that operates using rechargeable batteries);
• A fireplace insert is usually sheathed with plasterboard when the size of the firebox needs to be reduced – to a significant extent. This happens when the fireplace is large and the owner wants to correct the situation;
• If you decide to use sheets of such material, it is important to think through the interior decoration in advance so that the material can be protected from the destructive effects of fire and high temperatures.

This will definitely help you:

• Decorative stone;
• A natural stone;
• Ceramic tiles (not used often, rather an exception).

When the fireplace insert is lined with plasterboard, difficulties usually do not arise. First, they install the material, then they begin finishing work (here, too, only your own strength is fully sufficient).

We use brick

Typically, brick is used in a situation where the fireplace itself is built from this material. In this situation, the firebox is erected together with the rest of the structure; there is no need for additional decorative finishing.

In addition, brick is chosen in the case when the entire fireplace structure is made of another material - which cannot cope with temperature influences in any way (or is simply flammable and does not tolerate heat).

Such materials are:

• Wood;
• Drywall that is not fire resistant.

The chimney is laid out of brick, the firebox itself is inside the structure. And in order to ensure maximum safety, it is important to maintain a certain distance from the fireplace box to the facing brick layer. This interval should be at least 200 (or even better – 250) mm.

Ceramic tile cladding

If the decorative decoration of the fireplace is exactly what interests you, you cannot pass by such a wonderful material as ceramic tiles.

In general, it is rarely used for interior decoration of fireboxes; it is attached only to a surface that is flat (usually on drywall; we have already figured out above that its installation is not such a difficult task).

You can easily install ceramic tiles if you have:

• Concrete mortar;
• Two spatulas;
• The finishing material itself;
• Cross-shaped plastic beacons (needed to ensure that the seam is even).

Features of using ceramic tiles:

• The material is very fire resistant. To perform the installation efficiently, it is best to use special construction adhesive or concrete mortar.

To make it beautiful, the distance between the tiles should be uniform. This is why it is worth using cruciform beacons - they are installed between the finishing elements. They are not expensive.

• When the installation work on installing the tiles is completed, the seam is usually masked - there is a special decorative putty for this (can be of different colors - you can easily find the one you want). In general, nothing complicated - but the result will be great.

Decorative external finishing of fireplaces

Since fireplaces can be either real or purely decorative (working with the help of certain electrical appliances), the finishing options are radically different. Of course, when the fireplace is just an imitation, the facing process has a completely different approach.

What materials can be used for finishing fireplaces and stoves? Here is the list

:

1. Glass;
2. Wood;
3. Marble;
4. Porcelain tiles;
5. Drywall;
6. Decorative stone;
7. Ceramic tiles;
8. Decorative bassoon.

Marble and external cladding

• Decorative finishing of a fireplace with marble is an expensive, but very beautiful and aesthetic solution. The design will acquire a truly solid appearance - a great way for the owner to emphasize his high social position;
• Today you can purchase completely ready-made linings for fireplaces - there is a demand, which means you can easily find a supply. Ordering according to the required sizes is also possible from professionals;
• The master can use individual parts to assemble the cladding on his own.

Decorating a fireplace with marble is not the easiest task. This process is labor-intensive, in addition, it is worth remembering many subtleties and little things.

Eg :

• Marble weighs quite a lot. Because of this, its installation on a wall is impossible if the surface was previously covered with plasterboard. However, this rule does not apply to those decorative elements that are provided to the buyer in a completely finished form;
• Installation of such natural stone is usually done on a brick or some other surface. For this, concrete mortar with various additives or a specialized adhesive is used.

What properties does marble have? The following can be noted

:

• Fire safety;
• Fire resistance;
• Durability;
• Strength.

It is also appropriate to add “practicality” here - but many masters will argue about this. The fact is that this finishing material has a very “capricious” surface. It reacts very poorly to the influence of certain detergents that contain abrasive particles.

In addition, stains may appear on the surface of marble over time - but only when the material was processed poorly.

Finishing the fireplace with plasterboard outside

How to decorate the fireplace? Drywall? It’s quite a good option, especially since it occurs quite often. Especially when covering electric fireplaces.

The process generally looks like this:

1. First, a frame is made using profiles - plasterboard sheets are already attached to it. Afterwards, these sheets are plastered (this can help), then the finishing is done;
2. But here it is worth considering this point: the fireplace insert should also be lined with plasterboard;
3. Decorative stone or bassoon - these options look great outside. Installation of materials on the surface of the fireplace is very simple, especially if you use a specialized adhesive composition in your work.

Wood paneling, glass use

It's no secret that wood is famous for its beautiful texture. Decorating a fireplace with such material is quite possible; lining is perfect for this.

Installation of the material is possible on any surface - if desired

.

For installation you need the following:

• Screwdriver;
• Wood screws;
• Wooden blocks or planks;
• The finishing material itself, you can’t go anywhere without it.

Of course, it is permissible to use wooden lining only in exterior finishing work, because this material burns very easily.

• In order for the lining to look aesthetically pleasing and the material to serve you for as long as possible, it is recommended to apply a special varnish to its surface after the installation is completed.

You can also use glass in cladding work. In modern interiors such material is in great demand.

.

Details about use:

• How can glass be used to decorate a fireplace? This doesn’t happen very often – that’s a fact. The fact is that this material can easily burst due to high temperature - and in such a situation there is nothing surprising;
• To prevent such a disaster from happening, the decorative finishing of the fireplace with glass is made only with a special fired thermal material that can withstand even exposure to direct fire or high temperature;
• Glass for a fireplace is an interesting solution to create an aesthetic element for covering the firebox. Also, with its help, interesting imitations of fireplaces are obtained (we are talking about false structures). Such options look unusual, very original, they will decorate any interior and add zest to your room.

Application of porcelain stoneware

This finishing material has recently been chosen to decorate a fireplace. It is worth noting the following technical properties:

• Porcelain tiles do not burn;
• Tolerates high temperatures well;
• Recognized as practical, moisture resistant;
• Installation work is carried out easily, without unnecessary complications.

Thus, facing fireplaces with porcelain stoneware is popular today.

There are reasons for this:

1. The finishing material is attached very easily and simply. The main thing is that the surface being treated is smooth. It is best to level with plaster, but you can also use sheets of drywall;
2. Porcelain tiles are mounted on the surface using a special adhesive composition. Since this material is chosen when decorative finishing of the fireplace is needed, it is made lightweight at the factory.

Conclusions :

As you have already seen, you can decorate a fireplace with different materials; there are plenty of ways. Watch a video about how professionals handle this kind of work - they definitely have a lot to learn.

Today, fireplaces mainly serve only a decorative function; they are equipped to create coziness and an appropriate atmosphere.

Reading time ≈ 3 minutes

Creating a fireplace from plasterboard is not that difficult, but not everyone can make it beautiful. Therefore, even while preparing a project for a future product, it is worth choosing a material for finishing, taking into account the size and design of the room. Don’t forget about the size of the equipment that will be installed inside. If you have already provided for everything, then decorating the fireplace with your own hands will be easier, and the result will be better.

Decorative design

Final decoration is the most interesting and creative part of the work, where you can realize any creative ideas. This is facilitated by a huge selection of finishing materials. The simplest and most inexpensive finishing option is wallpapering that imitates brick or stone. In this case, it is recommended to give preference to high-quality paper or non-woven trellises, which are most convenient for pasting over corner structures. In order for the structure to have a more complete look after this, all corners and edges are decorated with applied decorative corners that match the color. When choosing a color, the principle of contrast is usually used. Fixation of overhead corners is carried out using liquid nails.

Another simple and inexpensive option for decorating a plasterboard fireplace in the interior is to paint it. This type of design is usually used in cases where the walls are also finished in a similar way. In order to highlight the portal against the background of the wall surface, it is decorated in a different color (usually darker). To emphasize the outline of the firebox, it can be additionally covered with molding.

When it comes to lining a fireplace portal, it is recommended to use clinker tiles for these purposes, which cope well with thermal influences. Thus, fire safety recommendations will be followed when using electric heating devices. Clinker tiles look like bricks: the variety of colors allows you to choose the most suitable design shade. In addition to the electric fireplace, ordinary candles can be placed inside the portal decorated in this way.

False fireplaces decorated with decorative stone, which, like clinker tiles, are fixed using ordinary tile adhesive, look very nice. In classic interiors, it is recommended to use light imitation stone or stucco. We cannot ignore the design of the tabletop, which has a significant impact on the creation of the external image of the entire portal. The easiest way is to order this element from a good furniture company: as a rule, we are talking about imitations of marble or valuable wood. To give the fireplace a special authenticity, it is additionally surrounded by a forged grate.

Results

In cases where the desire to acquire a fireplace encounters serious obstacles (as happens in apartments), a decorative design can be used instead. Making a fireplace with your own hands from plasterboard is quite simple, so even a beginner can handle this work. The final design is of decisive importance here: it is very important that the new decorative element fits organically into the overall interior.

Step-by-step instructions for finishing a plasterboard fireplace

Before starting the finishing process itself, the product should be prepared - puttied. After this, the walls will be even and smooth, the material will fit better, and all joints will be perfectly hidden. To putty a wall you need to do the following:

1. Make sure that sickle tape is taped at all joints of the plasterboard frame.
2. Apply primer to the surface using a roller.
3. Pour the putty into a bucket, add water according to the directions on the package and mix thoroughly until smooth and free of lumps. The easiest way to do this is with a special whisk that fits onto a screwdriver.
4. Take two spatulas - a large one and a smaller one. Apply the finished mixture onto the large small one, evenly distributing the layer along the entire edge.
5. Start applying the putty from top to bottom, spreading evenly.
6. Level the entire surface and treat with primer.

Now all that remains is to do the most important thing - decorate the fireplace with decorative elements. There are many ideas on our website that will make decorating a plasterboard fireplace with your own hands simple and effective. Here are several options for what materials can be used and how to work with them. It is worth recalling that products in which the top shelf is combined with the foot of the fireplace look best.

1) Finishing with decorative plaster. This option is one of the simplest and most affordable, but do not forget to additionally glue perforated tape to the corners for strength. It will not be difficult to complete the work, especially after you have leveled the walls yourself. If you have chosen decorative plaster “like a bark beetle,” for example, you will additionally need a Venetian trowel or a painting spatula. It should be applied from the lower right corner, covering not too large a surface, since this type of plaster dries quickly. Once the layer is applied, wait at least 5 minutes and begin rubbing, creating the desired pattern. You can tell that the plaster has dried out and it’s time to start grouting by its appearance - it stops shining.

2) Finishing with decorative stone. You can see what decorating a fireplace with your own hands will look like in the photo in this article. To glue the stone, you can use cement mortar, gypsum mortar or liquid nails. The last option is easiest to work with, especially if the stone is small. You can create the drawing yourself, but you should start from the bottom.

Special corner stone elements are purchased for the corners. Even though the stone is of different sizes, watch your step and level. If you are working with mortars, be careful not to get them on the face of the stone. If the material gets dirty, wipe it immediately with a damp cloth. At the end of the work, coat the entire laid surface with varnish to protect it and also to reduce the accumulation of dust.

For a more detailed study of the process of working with materials, as well as searching for other options for decorating a fireplace with your own hands, video materials are posted on our website.

To choose a material for cladding a fireplace, you should pay attention to several factors. First of all, it is its resistance to high temperatures. In addition, you need to take into account the frost resistance of the material if the decorative fireplace is located on the summer veranda. An important factor is also the moisture resistance of the finish, which should be very high in an unheated room. Otherwise it will crack.

There are many ways to decorate fireplaces, among which the most common ones can be highlighted. So, what should you use to decorate the fireplace?

This material is very popular as it is ideal for all fireplace designs. In addition, the stone is distinguished by its beauty and durability. It is not afraid of temperature changes and high humidity conditions. Also, such a fireplace can be placed in any room.

Decorative fireplace: description and materials

To make a fireplace from plasterboard, you must first complete the project: draw a sketch of the fireplace, indicate its dimensions, type of finish, and decide on its functional purpose. At the same time, you need to start not so much from desires as from possibilities - it is unlikely that a small room will be decorated with a bulky front fireplace that occupies a third of the usable area of ​​the room. In the article we will give an example of building a corner fireplace - it takes up minimal space, and the shelves attached to it allow it to be used as a stand for equipment, an aquarium or trinkets.

Plasterboard fireplace with electric hearth

There is a niche inside the proposed fireplace design. You can build an electric fireplace into it or decorate it with brick-like clinker tiles and put candles or a backlight there.

The frame of the fireplace can be built from a galvanized profile for plasterboard (the so-called “CD” and “UD” profile) - its trimmings are often left after repairs, and they can be used. If you plan to install an electric fireplace inside, it is better to take a stronger profile for the main stiffeners, for example PN-2 75x40x0.6. For a decorative fireplace, the profile PN-2 50x40x0.5 is sufficient.

It is better to take plasterboard with a thickness of 12.5 mm - it will provide the necessary structural strength. You can use scraps. When installing an electric fireplace with a heating function, it is better to play it safe and take fire-resistant drywall and additionally insulate it with heat-insulating material.

To attach the plasterboard you will need drywall screws, and to assemble the frame you will need metal screws (they are called “fleas”). And, of course, a screwdriver - assembling the structure with a screwdriver is quite difficult and time-consuming.

The mantelpiece and side countertops are made of artificial stone with a glossy surface; it can be ordered in furniture stores according to the size of the shelves. The shelves are secured with screws and corners.

In addition, you will need dry alabaster for the manufacture of stucco moldings, moldings and pilasters or ready-made elements, as well as finishing artificial gypsum stone. It is attached to gypsum putty and painted on top with white acrylic paint. Decorative elements are additionally emphasized with “Antique Gold” acrylic paint and bitumen patina, after which the entire finish is coated with acrylic varnish - this will allow you to easily remove dirt and dust.

How to decorate a fireplace with decorative stone

Decorative stone is a beautiful and durable natural material. Decorating a fireplace with decorative stone is done as follows:

Cleaning the surface from dirt and debris;

Careful fit of parts, without gaps between them;

Laying begins with the bottom row, after which the top row is completed. All subsequent masonry is done from top to bottom;

It takes approximately 2 days for the glue to dry. Only after this period will it be possible to rub down the seams.

Facing

The external decoration of the fireplace is responsible for its perception, place in the interior of the room, and compliance with the style. The need for such work is dictated by your needs and the quality of the masonry produced. The fact is that, provided that the masonry is neat, in which the seam sizes are the same everywhere and vertical and horizontal levels are maintained, a surface with a natural brick texture looks very original in any interior.

If necessary, various heat-resistant materials are used for finishing. The most popular are ceramic tiles, tiles and decorative stone. These three types of material are presented in many color and texture options.

How to decorate a plasterboard fireplace

Finishing a fireplace with plasterboard is used very often. Any material can be attached to it. But plasterboard is not suitable for working structures, since it cannot withstand high temperatures for a long time. This material is also not suitable for cladding a fireplace located in a sauna. It quickly absorbs moisture and may lose its appearance. Decorative artificial or natural stone is often used to cover a plasterboard fireplace. White marble will also look interesting. You can finish a false fireplace from boards that are stacked on top of each other.

A fireplace, designed in compliance with all basic rules and building codes, will provide its owners with warmth and decorate the interior of their home for many years. However, in order for the fireplace to be truly beautiful and fit well into the surrounding space, it is imperative to finish it.

The existing options for decorating private fireplaces are so diverse that you can choose a decor option that fits perfectly into the interior without any problems.

After finishing the fireplace masonry, the joints must be opened. In accordance with the technology, the solution is distributed between the masonry elements using a special shaped tool. The seams can be made depressed or convex at the owner’s choice. The seams can also be filled with a solution containing pigments of the desired color. The finished design will look quite beautiful and original.

Begin processing by making horizontal seams. Clean the dried solution with a brush made of natural materials. It is better not to use tools with wire bristles for this processing - they are too rough.

Finally, coat the masonry with a special heat-resistant paint and varnish composition of your choice.

Painted brick fireplace

Do-it-yourself decorative fireplace made of plasterboard: the main purpose of the design

Having decided to make such a decorative element as a fireplace at home, you first need to decide on the shape, style and color of the structure. The time spent on making a fireplace directly depends on the complexity of its shape.

If you think through the idea well, an imitation of a real fireplace can easily become an addition to the kitchen or living room.

Some may think that the idea is not entirely good, but with the right approach, you can create an imitation of burning wood and cover a decorative fireplace made of gypsum plasterboard with bricks.

A decorative fireplace made of plasterboard can be given not only a shape of any complexity, but also a purpose:

• A hanging fireplace will decorate a room or library, because on top you can make a shelf from plasterboard and place books there;
• A decorative fireplace can divide rooms into different zones;
• Make it a resting place near the fireplace.

Therefore, if you decide to build a fireplace with your own hands from plasterboard, you should initially think through all the details in order to finally get the desired result and enjoy it for many years.

Plaster finishing

The easiest to implement and one of the most budget-friendly methods of finishing a fireplace, which is widely popular.

Plaster allows you to create a wide variety of decorative effects. For example, you can apply finishing plaster using a sponge or a special rubber spatula, which will create an attractive “wavy” effect. To enhance the result obtained, the solution can be slightly tinted with water-based or lime-based paint.

Allow the constructed brick fireplace to dry completely and begin plastering.

Video - Plastering a fireplace

First step

Add fiberglass, previously cut into small pieces, and salt to the plaster mixture. Such additives will help improve the quality of the coating.

Second step

Clean the surface of the fireplace and caulk the seams to a depth of about an inch. It's best to keep the fireplace a little warm, so you'll need to heat it up before you start plastering.

Third step

Lightly dampen the fireplace and begin applying the first coat of plaster using the "spray" method.

Fourth step

Venetian - fireplace decor

After the first layer of finishing has completely dried, begin applying the finishing plaster. To do this, use a trowel or brush. Level the applied coating using a trowel.

The thickness of the finishing layer of plaster should be no more than 0.5 cm. Level the coating using circular movements. The surface can be lightly sprayed with water if necessary.

Decoration of the fireplace - vine molding and decorative plaster

The material is attached traditionally to a pre-arranged frame. When attaching the vertical frame racks, make sure that in the future the joints of the sheets are as neat as possible.

The connection of slabs can be carried out exclusively on frame elements. It is prohibited to fasten sheets between profiles.

First step

Apply marks to the mounting surfaces to secure the profiles. Make sure that the markings are made evenly and at the same level.

Second step

Secure the frame posts in accordance with the markings. Fix the profiles using screws.

Third step

Mount the horizontal frame members between the vertical posts.

Fourth step

Proceed to covering the frame. Use self-tapping screws to attach drywall. Place fasteners every 150 mm.

Fifth step

Seal the joints using tape previously soaked in gypsum solution.

Sixth step

Ensure that the corners of the structure are secured using metal corners.

At the end, all you have to do is plaster the finished cladding. To do this, use the instructions above. You can also decorate drywall with other suitable material.

Do you want your fireplace to look truly elegant and chic? Then turn your attention to finishing with stone. Natural facing stone is characterized by excellent performance characteristics and fits perfectly into any interior.

If you have access to specialized equipment, you can do the pre-processing and installation of marble or granite yourself. In the absence of the necessary equipment, give preference to shell rocks, limestone and rubble stone.

Artificial stone has no noticeable differences in appearance from natural finishing material. It can also be safely used to decorate a fireplace.

You can make artificial stone with your own hands. To do this, mix cement, sifted sand and coloring pigments of the desired color and pour the resulting composition into silicone molds. Allow the solution in the molds to harden, remove the resulting products and use them to decorate the fireplace.

The cladding itself is carried out in the same way both in the case of natural stone and when using an artificial analogue. It is enough just to fix the elements on the surface of the fireplace using mastic or tile adhesive. You can first lay out the stones on the floor to see the future finish and choose the most optimal option for placing the stones directly on the surface of the fireplace.

This cladding belongs to the category of the most popular options for finishing fireplaces. The following materials are best suited for finishing:

All mentioned materials are characterized by excellent wear resistance, resistance to elevated temperatures and mechanical damage.

When choosing a finishing material, be sure to pay attention to the size of the elements. Large tiles are much easier and faster to install, but they can be difficult to fit under shelves, ledges, and all sorts of niches. With small tiles such problems will not arise, but you will spend more time laying them.

It is also important to choose the right adhesive mixture for installing the tiles. Use only heat-resistant compounds made with elastic substances. Thanks to its elastic structure, the glue will not deform when the temperature rises.

First step

Prepare the fireplace for tiling. To do this, clean and deepen the seams. If there is any old covering on the fireplace, remove it.

If desired, a coating such as paint and plaster can be left by stretching a metal mesh over it with a cell size of up to 150x150 mm. Fasten the mesh using self-tapping screws or nails.

Second step

Level the base with glue. Allow the applied mixture to absorb well and dry.

Third step

Mark the surface to be finished and get to work. Start installing the tiles from the bottom row of the fireplace.

Sequence of work: using a notched trowel, glue is applied to the back side of the tile, the element is firmly applied to the base and gently tapped with a rubber hammer.

To ensure that the seams between the tiles are the same size, use special plastic crosses, installing 2 pieces at a time. on each horizontal and vertical side of the facing element.

Immediately after completing the finishing work, remove any remaining glue, as It is extremely difficult to scrape it off once it dries.

Leave the finish to dry for about a day and then sand the seams. For this treatment, use paste-like mineral grout. This product is based on cement. Fill the seams with grout and smooth them carefully using a damp sponge.

Leave the grout to dry for about a day. Finally, all you have to do is treat the filled seams with a special dirt-repellent agent.

Where to start building a fireplace?

Such heat sources are not very efficient (efficiency - 15%) and heat the room within sight using infrared radiation. An exception are modern fireplaces with a built-in closed metal firebox. Essentially, this is the same wood-burning stove in the form of a fireplace, respectively, its efficiency is 45-50%.

First you need to make a calculation and choose a suitable corner fireplace design for yourself; there are a great many of them. Sources - technical literature, specialized Internet resources, and even our article, where we will present to your attention several simple schemes. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

• calculation of a corner fireplace in accordance with the size of the room:
• selection of a project and, if necessary, adjustment to your area;
• preparation of tools and materials;
• foundation installation;
• construction of the hearth itself;
• test firing.

Tiles finishing

A fireplace with such cladding has a very original, beautiful and unusual appearance. For finishing, you can use glossy and matte tiles, with a relief surface or some kind of pattern.

The main difference between a tile and an ordinary tile is the presence of a special box-shaped protrusion, known as a rumpa.

This element allows you to attach tiles to the surface of the structure. In addition, the pumps accumulate heat during the combustion process of the fireplace, which contributes to some improvement in the heat transfer of the unit.

First step

Prepare finishing material. Carefully inspect the tiles. Even samples from the same batch may have slightly different shades. Arrange the tiles so that the finished finish looks as uniform and harmonious as possible.

Second step

Adjust the cladding parts to the same size. To do this, use a grinder.

Third step

Proceed to attaching the tiles. The elements are fixed using wire.

Fill the tile tumbler with a mixture of brick fragments and clay to 50% of the volume. Insert a piece of metal wire into the tiller. Traditionally, a rod with a diameter of 0.5 cm is used. In this case, the segment must be placed with some bend upward.

Tie a soft wire to the middle of the installed rod. Fill the pump to its full capacity with the previously mentioned mixture.

Lay the tile, press it tightly to the surface and hide the soft wire in the masonry joint.

To connect the tiles to each other, use U-clamps.

Wood finishing

Natural wood is perfect for finishing a fireplace. The breed can be any, because... Special modern impregnations make it possible to give wood the appearance of even the most valuable species, but it is better to use high-quality, durable and strong material. Wood is used to decorate the fireplace portal. Shelves are also made from this material.

The wood must first be impregnated with a fire retardant to increase its fire-resistant properties. Finally, the structure can be painted and varnished.

Good luck!