How to properly clad a fireplace with natural stone. Do-it-yourself fireplace finishing: design styles, decorative finishing of fireplaces and step-by-step work Finishing a fireplace with natural stone

02.11.2019

Cladding a fireplace with decorative stone is quite common these days. Firstly, it's cheaper.
By parameters decorative elements are not inferior to natural ones. This article will be devoted to facing with this element.
Cladding is a final job that can ruin everything, so it must be done correctly. You can watch a video on how to do this work.
Instructions on the rules of work will be given.

First you should look at the photo and choose desired design. This will determine the color and size of the elements.
After that, you make their purchase and you can get to work. The fireplace can be active or a portal.
Our instructions apply to both options. We will make reservations where necessary

Surface preparation

Cladding fireplaces with decorative stone begins with this work. We need to make a base for installation.
It will also determine the quality of surface bonding. If this is not done correctly, then the durability of the structure will be significantly reduced.
For the portal, it will be enough to clean the plane from the previous coating and cover it with a primer.
For current design things are a little different:

We completely clean the surface of the previous coating. To do this, use a metal brush.
The previous tiles and plaster should also be removed. You can also use a chisel. But the surface must be completely clean;
Now we need to deepen the seams. This will largely determine the quality of the bond.
They should be deepened by about one cm. For this we use a chisel and a hammer;
To ensure a high-quality connection between the solution and the wall, we will need to pull the mesh onto the plane. To do this, you need to drive nails into the seam.
If the masonry is strong, then we make holes using a hammer drill and then screw in the screws;
We coat the surface with a primer. It will ensure a high-quality connection of materials.
To do this, use a brush or spray gun;
After this, we cut the mesh to right size and hang it. Just don’t forget to put washers on the hats. They do not allow the mesh to fall off.
We inspect and determine the level of cladding application. To do this, use a plumb line and building level.
After completing the work, the fireplace must have the correct geometric shape. We install beacons to determine the height.

Preparation of the solution

Decorative stone for facing fireplaces is best, of course, laid on the mortar from which the masonry was made. It will connect with the highest quality and increase durability.
IN given time In general, there are three types of solution from which you can choose exactly what you need.

Clay mortar

This mixture is most in the best possible way suitable for finishing a fireplace. It fully meets all parameters.
It will withstand high temperatures and is resistant to temperature changes, but it is much more difficult to prepare.
So:

We start by determining the fat content of the clay. The proportion with sand will depend on this.
This is one of the most important parameters. We make a dozen balls with different proportions. And let them dry completely;

Attention: When you make balls, do not forget to number them and write down what proportion was used in each individual case.

After completely dry we let them onto a hard surface from a height of one meter. One that will not break or deform and will have the correct proportion;
Now we take the clay and pass it through a sieve. We need to remove the weight of debris and stones.
The mixture must be clean;
Now put it in a container and fill it with water. Leave it in this form for a day.
The material should become plastic and sour. Set the desired viscosity;
After a day, we begin to add sand to the required proportion and knead the mixture. If necessary, add water.
There should be a viscosity of thick sour cream. Knead all the lumps with your hands;
Now we need to make the solution homogeneous. A drill with an attachment is best for this.
It is this that will make the entire mass completely homogeneous;

Attention: If you use in a fireplace solid fuel, then it is worth adding about 10 percent of fireclay powder to the solution. It will allow the masonry to withstand higher temperatures.

Cement mortar

This solution is also used for laying a fireplace. Only if you are using solid fuel then it will not be as durable as in the clay solution issue.
So:

First we fill in the sand and then add cement to it in the required proportion;
Stir until dry and ensure uniform distribution of components;
Now add water to the right amount and mix at the same time;
We bring the composition to homogeneity using a drill with an attachment.

Dry mixture solution

Decorative stone for facing the fireplace is also placed on a solution of dry mixture. Its price varies quite a bit, but it is perfect for attaching elements to a portal.
The sequence of its preparation is as follows:

Before use, it is best to pass the dry mixture through a sieve, removing all debris;
After this, you need to pour it into a container. The best way to do this is to use a plastic paint bucket.
It has an edge without edges and a flat bottom. It is the best way to knead;
Add water and mix at the same time. Complete homogeneity can be achieved using a drill with a hen. Bring the mixture to a thick sour cream state.

Making a fireplace surround

Now after proper preparation plane and the mortar made, you can begin finishing the fireplace with stone. For this there are rules that must be followed.

All work is done entirely by hand:

Before laying the parts, spray the mounting plane. To do this, make the solution more liquid, at the level of liquid sour cream, and spray it onto the mounting plane using a ladle.
This work is not performed for finishing portals;
Cladding fireplaces with decorative stone begins from the bottom row and from the corner and then moves upward;

A home fireplace in itself is a wonderful addition to the interior of your home. Of course, in modern apartments multi-storey buildings It is not possible to install a real wood-burning fireplace, but it is quite possible to replace it with an electric one.

Happy owners country houses are in a better situation. The design of private houses makes it possible to install wood burning fireplace, and gas with imitation of fire flames from wood. In order to best fit it into the interior of the house, you can finish it with stone to harmonize with the style of the room in which it is located.

For this purpose, both natural and artificial materials are used. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Entrust the facing of the fireplace with decorative stone to professionals, this guarantees a high-quality result and safety for the residents of the house.

Fireplace decoration with natural stone

For finishing the fireplace natural stone The most commonly used types are: marble, granite, shell rock, sandstone, soapstone, granite ceramics. Each of them has its own characteristics of operation, texture, and natural pattern. If you are not limited on funds and want to add style, nobility and elegance to your home, pay attention to this option for finishing fireplaces.

Marble for fireplace cladding

This noble natural stone is considered the most common material for finishing fireplaces. Featuring a wide range of shades of grey, green, white, pink, black and brown colors, you should not have any difficulty choosing. The pattern on the cut depends on the structure of the stone and the method of cutting it. Marble can be recognized by the characteristic shades of inclusions, stripes and veins. Various ways processing allows you to get different texture material: aged, smooth, glossy.

Marble goes well with any other materials used in construction. The most profitable option The use of stone in decoration is considered to be ground marble. Almost all types of this rock suitable for grinding into crumbs of various fractions, from which mosaics or filler are made finishing materials. The most popular types of marble are black and white, plain without interspersed with other shades.

Fireplace trim with granite

It is the most durable and reliable appearance natural stone. In addition, it is durable and has an attractive appearance. A granite fireplace fits harmoniously into any interior. The texture of the material has a uniform grain size and bright patterns, which make it possible to unmistakably identify granite in it.

The shade of the stone directly depends on the mining area. It is thanks to its durability that granite has enjoyed its popularity for many centuries. History confirms some facts about the use of granite fireplaces in estates and castles that are more than 100 years old. In addition, it is worth noting that the material can be processed without any particular difficulties, making it possible to implement various design ideas. The combination of granite with mosaic and various tiles looks pretty impressive.

Advantages of fireplaces made of marble and granite:

Soapstone lining

This is a modern finishing material that has gained popularity relatively recently. The layered structure guarantees high level conductivity and heat retention (accumulates it on the surface). In ancient times, people believed that soapstone could give a person strength and health, since it emits heat that matches that of humans. Among physical properties The stone is worth noting its special density and low thermal expansion. These qualities allow it to be used for lining fireplaces.

Sandstone fireplace trim

The natural material It is very often used for finishing fireplaces, as it has the ability to withstand high temperatures. In addition, it is durable and has a long service life. Its use makes it possible to embody original design ideas.

The advantage of sandstone is its ease of processing and cutting. Also, the material has wide choose shades that allows you to create unique paintings. Sandstone combines environmental friendliness, decorativeness, practicality, and also affordable cost.

Granite ceramics

This is a decorative stone for facing a fireplace, which is made from natural clay. The appearance of the finished product resembles the structure and color of marble or granite. The main difference from ceramic tiles is the basis for production. For the manufacture of granite ceramics, clay is used, which has increased strength. It is this component that ensures the reliability and strength of the material, immunity to mechanical stress, and resistance to high temperatures. During long-term use, granite-ceramics does not lose its original appearance, maintaining its shine and color.

Shell fireplace

This is a unique natural material that helps create a unique decoration of the fireplace with decorative stone. The porous structure of the stone provides a high level of thermal insulation and resistance to temperature fluctuations. Shell rock contains remains seashells and shellfish that were fossilized many years ago. To create from stone the required form, it needs to be sanded.

Shell rock is hygroscopic and easy to process. The stone has an airy, porous structure, thanks to which it absorbs moisture and then releases it to the surface. In addition, it is these pores that give shell rock its special strength. Among decorative features The structure of the material is worth noting the originality of the patterns.

For cladding fireplaces with natural stone, white and yellow shades shell rock, having additional shades. The material allows you to cut out various details from it to decorate a decorative item.

Note. Fireplace finishing natural stone suitable for those who are satisfied with the low heat capacity of the material surface.

When choosing a finishing material, keep in mind that:

Advantages of natural stone for facing fireplaces:

Uniqueness of texture, pattern and shades;
Powerful positive energy;
Resistance to temperature fluctuations and increased level humidity;
Can be used on any surface;
Durability;
Durability and reliability;
Environmental friendliness;
Attractive appearance;

Disadvantages of natural stone:

Tarnishing of marble and the formation of a mesh on the surface through certain time operation;
High cost associated with extraction methods;
Emission of natural radioactive background from granite;
Sandstone abrasion;
Shell rock accumulates soot, dirt and dust.

If you look at these shortcomings from the other side, they do not have special significance, compared with the advantages of natural materials and their beauty.

Types of home fireplace designs

Corner ones are suitable for installation in small spaces, take up little space;
Wall-mounted options are placed in the center of the room, have a fairly large design, and are more suitable for large rooms.
The islands have low sides and an internal firebox, above which a hood is mounted to remove smoke;
Built-in ones have a chimney and masonry walls, which in turn requires the use large quantity material.

Cladding the fireplace with artificial stone

Modern technologies make it possible to create facing materials, which are in no way inferior in operational characteristics natural, and in some cases even surpass them. If you want to decorate the fireplace with stone, but do not have enough money for natural material, turn your attention to imitation. Convenience and ease of use make it possible to bring bold ideas to life.

Advantages of artificial stone for facing a fireplace:

Ease of processing, the ability to create any shapes and sizes of elements;
Light weight;
Possibility of combination with other materials (ceramics, metal, glass);
Creating an imitation of natural stone finishing.
Maintaining quality of finish;
Aesthetic appearance.

Results

For city residents who live in high-rise apartments and want to have a home in the form of a fireplace, there is an excellent alternative - facing false fireplaces with artificial stone. This simple designs, not requiring complex installation, arrangement of a chimney, construction of heat-resistant walls. Special firewood is used as an imitation of firewood. heating elements. The installation of a biofireplace can be done near, which eliminates the need to supply an additional heat source.

The hearth is the “heart” of the house, and this truth has not changed over the years. In the era of advanced technologies, complex life rhythms and constant stress, people begin to gravitate towards truly homely and cozy things. This rule also applies to the interior, and in particular to the fireplace in modern designs.

Features of cladding

The fireplace easily fits into almost any interior, regardless of style, color scheme and variety of shapes and textures. It quickly fills the space with special warmth and becomes the main “highlight” of the room. At the same time, the fireplace not only makes dreams come true home comfort, but also acts as a heating element and part of the heating as a whole.

While everything is clear about the functions of this piece of furniture, the appearance raises a lot of questions., because the variety of shapes, colors and textures is simply amazing. The result depends solely on the designer’s vision and the materials used to decorate the fireplace. They can be either natural or artificial origin. By appearance it is difficult to determine how the material is produced and what its cost is, which allows you to reduce the cost of installing and finishing the fireplace, and the beauty of the product will not suffer.

There are a lot of advantages of finishing with stone, but there are also certain disadvantages that can influence the master’s decision.

high price the materials themselves, especially such beautiful stones like marble and granite;
problems in terms of installation, since it is difficult to find a specialist who has experience in this matter and is familiar with cladding surfaces with stone;
marble and granite are heavy, which also creates great installation difficulties.

At the same time, the market building materials replete with decorative stone, which represents ordinary tiles with a surface that imitates natural texture individual materials. Its cost is not so high and installation does not cause much difficulty, so such materials are chosen by those who prefer a budget-friendly, simple, but no less attractive option. A false fireplace often has the most varied design. Such portals can be covered with all kinds of materials.

Fireplace finishing methods

Tile

Ceramic tiles are the most popular material for facing a fireplace. It is distinguished by its relatively low cost, durability, long service life, ease of installation and attractive appearance. Specifically for the fireplace, those types of tiles are used whose surface is an imitation of natural materials.

This solution allows you to significantly reduce your budget and at the same time create a unique fireplace that will be relevant in any room.

The main advantage of using ceramics to decorate a fireplace is that you can do it at home and with your own hands. The tiles are easy to install, so you don’t have to spend extra money on the services of repair specialists.

At the tile selection stage, it is important to consider that unusual tiles should be used, which is laid on the floor or walls in the bathroom, are types with high thermal conductivity. The main materials for its production are ceramics, porcelain stoneware and clinker.

In some interiors you can find fireplaces lined with gypsum tiles, which imitates natural stone.

The main reasons for choosing tiles as a material for finishing a fireplace are:

Wide choice in terms of design, since tiles are made from different shades, textures and shapes, which makes it possible to choose the most suitable option.
High thermal conductivity, which is the main criterion for using the material when decorating a fireplace.
Easy to care for.

Such tiles are not afraid of aggressive cleaning agents, mechanical damage occurs extremely rarely, and cleaning means wiping the surface from dust with a dry or damp cloth.

Not only specialists are familiar with tiles, but also many men who have at least once carried out renovation work with your own hands. The cladding process does not require special knowledge, so installation occurs without any particular difficulties, which is important when doing DIY repairs.
In addition to the fact that the tiles must have special thermal conductivity, the adhesive for masonry must be heat-resistant. Experts recommend choosing tiles small sizes, because in this way the risk of cracking is reduced, and the material will last much longer, and the appearance will always be attractive.

If we talk about the cost of tiles, the price varies greatly depending on the manufacturer, composition and collections, which are constantly updated. average price will be 700-800 rubles per 1 sq. m.

Installation is carried out in the same way as with regular tiles, but after finishing the work it is advisable to cover the entire surface with heat-resistant varnish. This will greatly facilitate the cleaning process, getting rid of soot and other unpleasant contaminants, since it is extremely difficult to remove them later.

Brick

An equally popular material for finishing a fireplace is ordinary brick. This is especially convenient if the fireplace is made entirely of brick, since such masonry can be left in natural form. You just need to decorate the surface a little and tidy up the seams to get a finished and attractive look.

Experts advise finishing in several stages:

The surface of the brick requires grinding, although some options can do without these manipulations.
At the second stage, the edges of the brick are chamfered.

Brickwork becomes more attractive when treated with sulfuric acid or saline solution. This makes the surface bright and beautiful, and the finishing touch Painting can be a big part of the fight to make your fireplace look attractive. There are special paints for brick, with which it can easily take on any shade.
After painting, it is advisable to take care of the appearance of the seams. To do this, you need a special solution and decorative grout process all these elements.

Quite often the brick is covered with tiles, mostly clinker, but this will require high costs and works.

Facing bricks are completely unsuitable for such work., since it gives a too “heavy” look, since the material itself is quite heavy and takes up a lot of space. This is especially inappropriate in a city apartment, where every meter counts. In addition, the cost of facing bricks is high, and there is no point in spending money on something that can overload the interior and thereby ruin it.

Decorative rock

This material has long been used for finishing interior surfaces, including fireplaces. The main advantage of this solution is its attractive appearance, since decorative stone is available in different shades and textures. This surface fits into common space and becomes an integral part of the interior, attracting the bulk of attention.

In addition to appearance, decorative stone is highly durable and long term services. Natural stone is always durable material, and if we talk about marble or granite, then its service life is simply unlimited. A shelf made of this material looks very elegant against the backdrop of a home fireplace.

The material is also easy to install because it does not require perfect evenness in terms of the fabric and seams. Natural origin gives no restrictions in terms of appearance, since there is plenty to choose from here too. It must be understood that the service life and future view fireplace completely depend on the material that will be used for decoration.

Most budget option is a shell rock. At the same time, it has an attractive appearance, is sold in most modern stores and is easy to install even by non-professionals. Among the disadvantages, one can note its low strength, since it is easily damaged, and its porous structure is easily contaminated with soot and dirt.

Granite is superior to other types of natural stone in strength and durability. Such material will last for centuries and will delight several generations of home or apartment owners. The color scheme allows a fireplace trimmed with granite to harmoniously fit into the interior design, while the surface looks attractive both in polished and natural form.

Granite is not afraid of aggressive detergents, it is resistant to mechanical damage, and cleaning does not require much effort, because any dirt can be easily washed off. A granite countertop looks very beautiful and stylish - such a fireplace stove will last for many years.

The main disadvantage of this material is heavy weight and a price that not everyone will be happy with.

It is also worth noting such natural stones as sandstone and limestone, the cost of which starts around 1,700 rubles per 1 sq. m. m. Compared to other materials, it is not so expensive. At the same time, sandstone and limestone have a wide palette of shades, as a result of which they can be used in different interiors. Just like shell rock, these types of stone are not durable and create a lot of problems when cleaning due to their porous structure.

A strong competitor to granite is marble, the price of which starts from 3,500 rubles per 1 sq. m. m. The main advantage of marble is its unique appearance, wide range of colors, special strength and ease of care. If we talk about the installation of marble, then the hand of a professional with extensive experience in this matter is definitely required. It's clearly not worth saving on work.

Slate has a relatively low cost, which in its own way natural properties very similar to shell rock and limestone. It can be difficult to fit into the interior, but with the right design solution it looks harmonious, interesting and quite unusual. It is also used for stoves.

Experts have come up with several options for solving the problem with the porous structure of some types of natural stone. One such solution is to treat the structure after installation with a special transparent coating, which prevents the appearance of complex contaminants.

Fireplace... Just the mention of this word immediately emanates warmth and comfort. The fireplace can become the center of the living room, a place where you can calmly and quietly spend winter evenings. Today not only owners of country houses can afford such a pleasure - for ordinary apartments There are false fireplaces that perfectly imitate real hearths, and electric fireplaces. When we move from dreams to implementation of plans, a lot of questions arise. One of them is decorative finishing fireplace. Let's figure out what materials can be used for facing the fireplace, and what the choice depends on.

What should the fireplace lining be like?

all old cladding, if any, is removed;
to increase adhesion, it is better to unstitch the masonry seams to a depth of 0.7-1 cm. A chisel or screwdriver is suitable for scraping out the mortar;
It is better to seal the cracks with heat-resistant sealant;
if the walls of the fireplace are relatively flat (the height differences and the depth of the depressions do not exceed 5 mm), then you can wet the brick and proceed to applying plaster. For more significant unevenness, reinforcement with reinforcing mesh will be required. It is attached to masonry bricks, on the heads of which metal washers are placed;
Before starting work, it is better to heat the fireplace so that the brick acquires the dimensions that will be characteristic when the fireplace is in operation. If the base is not warm, the plaster may crack during the first fire;
The prepared plaster solution is applied with a spatula and leveled along the beacons. It is recommended to apply at least two layers of plaster, with each subsequent one applied after the previous one has completely dried. The finishing layer can be leveled with a spatula. You can create a certain relief on it.

For additional decor Can use paints. Organosilicon ones, which are good at high temperatures, are best suited. The hearth can be painted in a single color or you can draw certain patterns on it - it all depends on your imagination, skills and interior.

No. 6. Tiles

Tiles are, in fact, the same terracotta tiles or majolica. The difference lies in the special structure. The tiles have a rumpa, a square hollow projection that holds the tiles in place during installation. Rumpa is also important for another purpose - it helps to retain heat. Tiles can be used to decorate a fireplace only during its laying. If the moment is missed, you will have to choose another finishing method.

Tiles have the same advantages as tiles. The choice of colors is huge, there are very sophisticated samples that will bring special chic to the interior.

Installation of tiles is carried out in this way:

The pump is filled ½ full with a mixture of clay and broken bricks, the so-called is inserted into special holes. crutch, thick (5 mm in diameter) wire with a bend at the top;
in the middle of the crutch there is a flexible soft wire, which will later be embedded in brickwork;
the pump is filled to the brim with clay mixture;
As the laying progresses, the tiles are installed and the wire is hidden in the seam. Between themselves individual parts connected by U-shaped brackets.

It is difficult to do such installation yourself, which makes installing a fireplace a more expensive pleasure. In addition, the material itself is more expensive than regular tiles.

No. 7. Wood fireplace cladding

Probably, this method of cladding may seem impossible to many, because it is no secret that wood is very afraid of fire. Nevertheless, when following certain rules you can decorate your home with warm and cozy wood - such a fireplace will look great in living rooms designed in classic style. Wood is an aesthetic, durable and natural material that has a special aroma. To enjoy these benefits you will have to meet a number of conditions:

No. 8. Plasterboard for facing the fireplace

Drywall is often used for finishing electric fireplaces. The material allows create any shape for the hearth. Actually, thanks to this opportunity it has become so widespread. The main advantages of the method include low cost, simplicity installation(only the lazy today do not know how to work with drywall) and, of course, wide scope for imagination. Let's list it as a minus the need for additional decorative finishing and difficulty in ensuring the safety of the structure.

The principle of operation looks like this:

Don't forget that you can always combine several materials.

When it comes to heat, from which only slight heat emanates, you can use any materials you like.

October 4, 2016
Specialization: facade finishing, interior decoration, construction of cottages, garages. Experience of an amateur gardener and gardener. We also have experience in repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing the guitar and many other things that I don’t have time for :)

In a modern interior, a fireplace is not so much a source of heat as a design element. Its appearance often determines the overall style of the room and sets the tone for the entire interior, so finishing the fireplace requires a responsible and competent approach. To help in this matter, below I will give you several options for finishing the fireplace, and we will become familiar with their features.

Fireplace finishing options

Currently, the following materials are used to decorate the fireplace:

Method 1: tiles

Tiling is one of the most popular ways to decorate a fireplace, as it allows you to get a portal design for literally every taste. Of course, special tiles are used for finishing fireplaces, which have high thermal conductivity.

As a rule, it is made of ceramics, porcelain stoneware or clinker. Also, the fireplace is often finished with gypsum tiles that imitate stone.

The high popularity of finishing a fireplace with tiles is also associated with a number of advantages of this solution:

a large selection of tile designs - there are different materials, textures, etc.;
resistance to high temperatures;
the tiled surface does not require special care;
The tiles are easy to lay, so you can do this job yourself.

To lay tiles on the fireplace, you must use a special heat-resistant adhesive. In addition, it is advisable to use the tile itself as small as possible - in this case, the likelihood of cracking is reduced.

The cost of tiles depends on the type of material and manufacturer. On average, the price of coverage starts from 750-800 rubles per square meter.

As for the installation process, in general it is no different from laying ordinary tiles on the walls. The only thing is that after finishing, it is advisable to cover the tiles with heat-resistant varnish to protect them from soot and other contaminants.

Before finishing a brick fireplace with tiles, you should fix it on the surface metal mesh, especially if the brick crumbles.

Method 2: brick

If the fireplace is made of brick, you don’t even have to hide the masonry. It is enough to perform only a few manipulations to make it more attractive.

Instructions for performing this work are as follows:

first of all, the brick must be sanded, if, of course, there is a need for this;
also, to give the masonry a more attractive appearance, the edges of the brick must be chamfered;

further, to make the brick brighter, it needs to be treated with sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid solution. There is also a special paint for brick that allows you to give it the desired shade.
The seams between the bricks should be carefully filled with decorative grout.

Of course, there is another way to decorate a fireplace brickwork is the use decorative brick, which is essentially clinker tiles. You can see what such a portal looks like in the photo above.

As for the use of facing bricks, it makes no sense to use it, since this material is heavy and takes up a lot of space in the room. Besides it's worth facing brick quite expensive.

Method 3: decorative stone

Decorating a fireplace with decorative stone is also very popular these days. In addition to its attractive appearance, this material also has some other advantages:

has high strength and durability - natural finishing stone, such as marble or granite, is generally eternal;
simple installation - when laying stone there is no need to make even seams.

It should be noted that the appearance of stone finishing and its performance depend on the type of stone. Most often used for these purposes the following types stones:

Stone type	Peculiarities
Shell rock	It has an attractive appearance and is low in cost compared to other types of stones. The disadvantage is the porous structure, which quickly becomes clogged with soot and other dirt. In addition, shell rock is very soft, so it is easy to damage.
Limestone and sandstone	May have the most different shades, so they are easy to choose for any interior. As for the disadvantages, they are the same as those of shell rock - low strength and porosity. The price of this stone on average starts from 1500-1700 rubles per square meter.
Granite	Features a wide color scheme, and it looks good both polished and unprocessed, i.e. "wild". This stone is easy to clean and can withstand any impact. detergents. In addition, it does not scratch and does not lose its attractive appearance during operation. The disadvantage is the high cost and heavy weight.
Slate	It is quite durable and at the same time visually attractive finishing material, which costs about the same as sandstone and limestone. However, it should be noted that it does not fit harmoniously into all interiors.
Marble	It is one of the most common finishing materials due to its attractive appearance, large selection colors and high strength. True, like granite, marble is expensive - from 3,500 rubles per square meter and more

To prevent the porous stone from becoming clogged with soot and to be easy to wash, it must be treated with a special transparent coating.

Of course, along with the advantages, finishing a fireplace with stone also contains some disadvantages:

high cost, especially for marble or granite;
heavy weight.

I must say that it is devoid of these shortcomings fake diamond, which is a regular tile with a characteristic front surface imitating sandstone, shell rock or other material. Therefore, decorating fireplaces with artificial stone is very popular.

As for installation, the stone is laid in the same way as tiles, the only thing, as mentioned above, is that there is no need to align the seams, which simplifies this task.

Method 4: plaster

Plastering is one of the simplest and inexpensive ways fireplace finishing. Among its advantages the following points can be highlighted:

relative simplicity of finishing - you can do the work yourself, without expensive tools and special skills;
such cladding does not weigh down the structure, so there is no need to reinforce the foundation;
If desired, you can quickly refresh the finish, for example, change the color of the structure.

Among the disadvantages, one can highlight only the relative fragility compared to other types of finishing. However, this is offset by the possibility of surface repair.

Certainly, ordinary plasters, intended for wall decoration, are not suitable for a fireplace. The composition must be based on asbestos, lime, clay. In addition, straw fibers can be added to the mixture to reinforce the coating. There are special ones on sale plaster mixtures

, the cost of which starts from 250 rubles per 10 kg.

As for paint, silicone compounds are best suited. In addition, you can purchase special paints designed for fireplaces and.
first of all, the portal needs to be cleaned of old finishing and moistened;
then a reinforcing mesh must be secured to the masonry;
After this, you need to dilute the heat-resistant mixture. Instructions for performing this work are available on the packaging;
Now the solution needs to be evenly applied to the surface of the portal and leveled using a spatula or chalk. To level corners and raised protrusions, use an angled and narrow spatula;
After the plaster has hardened, the surface must be primed and painted with heat-resistant paint.

Before plastering, the fireplace should be lit and dried thoroughly.

Method 5: using tiles

Tiles are nothing more than special ceramic or clay tiles for finishing stoves and fireplaces. Tiles differ from ordinary ceramic tiles in their massive sizes.

Finishing the portal with tiles has its own advantages:

a portal finished with these materials is able to quickly gain heat and retain it for a long time;
strength and durability - such a finish can last for decades, maintaining an attractive appearance;
the fireplace design gains additional strength;
tiles allow you to hide masonry defects.

Disadvantages of this material also available:

The finishing technology is quite complex, so it is better to entrust the work to an experienced craftsman;
tiles are heavy, so it is better to use them on a massive fireplace that has a strong foundation;
high cost - the price of one tile starts from 800-900 rubles.

Ideally, finishing a fireplace with tiles should be seamless. The maximum permissible gaps are 3 mm for horizontal joints and 1 mm for vertical joints.

It must be said that tiles are usually sold in sets, which include the following elements:

corner tiles - designed for finishing corners;
flat panels - for finishing flat surfaces;
shaped elements - allow you to design sharp corners and bulges;
plinths - framed bottom part portal.

In addition, the set may contain additional decorative elements - shelves, crowns, etc. The cost of the set can reach 1400-1500 US dollars.

Method 6: drywall

Recently there has been a fashion for decorative portals, the purpose of which is to decorate the room. Of course, heat-resistant materials are not required for their cladding. Therefore finishing decorative fireplace can be made with plasterboard.

This material allows you to create a fireplace of any shape and configuration. Accordingly, it can be harmoniously integrated into any interior design.

Finishing process in in this case can be divided into several stages:

assembly of a frame from metal profiles;
covering the frame with sheets of plasterboard;
drywall finishing finishing coatings- it could be decorative plaster, paint, tiles, etc.

IN modern interiors The decoration of the pseudo fireplace hood with a mirror looks beautiful and original. It can be used in high-tech, minimalism, etc. style.

Method 7: wood materials

At first glance, finishing a portal with wood is impossible, since wood is easily flammable and burns well. However, subject to certain rules, wood allows you to give the fireplace a strict and noble look.

These rules consist of several points:

wood must be treated with a fire retardant;
Not the entire portal should be finished with wood, but only its individual sections located relatively far from the hearth;
the firebox must be equipped protective screen, preventing the scattering of sparks;
The type of wood for finishing must be resistant to high temperatures. For example, aspen and alder curl and crack as a result of heating. But mahogany tolerates heat well.