Do-it-yourself fireplaces drywall drawings. A plasterboard fireplace is a decoration of any home. Varieties of decorative plasterboard fireplaces

A plasterboard fireplace, installed by the owners of an apartment or cottage on their own, is not only a source of special pride for the owner, but also a source of heat on cold winter evenings. A stylish fireplace, decorated in accordance with the tastes of the owner of the house, is able to give the room an original look, giving it a unique comfort that cannot be achieved by installing familiar lighting fixtures.

Fireplace Tools

To install a homemade plasterboard fireplace, the master will need to have a number of useful building materials and tools with him, including:

  • moisture resistant drywall;
  • metal profiles of guide and rack type;
  • fire-resistant materials, for example, sandwich panels made on the basis of mineral wool, or tin. These materials will serve as a heat-insulating coating that will avoid fires, ensure the fire safety of the fireplace and get rid of the risk of overheating of the fireplace body during prolonged use;
  • clay red brick;
  • clay, which is necessary to fix the masonry;
  • circular saw handle equipped with a dust cleaning system;
  • abrasive mesh, working on the principle of sandpaper, necessary for processing bulk materials;
  • wooden bars;
  • self-tapping screws needed to connect the frame elements;
  • facing tiles and tile adhesive;
  • screwdriver;
  • metal scissors;
  • drill (read,);
  • building level;
  • roulette;
  • pencil;
  • wallpaper knife.

Attention: the exact list of materials and tools needed to make a drywall fireplace with your own hands depends on the specific location, design and type of fireplace finish.

How to choose a fireplace configuration

To make a high-quality and functional drywall fireplace that fits optimally into, you should think about the configuration of the product. A false plasterboard fireplace can be:

How to choose a drywall fireplace design

An imitation of a plasterboard fireplace will be as close as possible to a real fireplace if it is equipped with the maximum amount of decoration characteristic of it. The nature and extent of the fireplace finish will depend on the interior of the living space in which the fireplace will be located, and on the financial capabilities of the owner of the apartment.

The main types of decorative finishes

Portal

The fireplace decoration shown in the photo shows a spectacular portal.

A plasterboard portal for a fireplace is an important decor element that serves as a facade. It can be completed with any available material, such as natural or artificial stone, decorative tiles, wrought iron elements, brick or marble.

foot and step

The drywall false fireplace shown in the photo has a foot and a step.

This effect can be achieved if you pre-arrange a drywall fireplace box. The step that will decorate the fireplace is designed to perform the function of naturalizing the fireplace. The step can be laid out of marble, brick and tile. Some additionally install forged gratings and lay artificial logs.

fireplace shelf

Homemade shelves decorating the fireplace in the future can become practical elements of the interior, where important things, all kinds of figurines, scented candles, mirrors and other little things are located. Experts recommend maintaining the overall style of the fireplace and finishing the shelf in accordance with the appearance of the fireplace portal.

How to decide on the location of the fireplace

Decorative fireplaces made of drywall should have an optimal location in the living space. The area and shape of the room largely determines the configuration of the fireplace. For example, in small rooms where it is necessary to save free space, plasterboard corner fireplaces are usually mounted, as can be seen in the photo.

If we are talking about an apartment, then it is necessary to give preference to the most spacious rooms. The larger the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe living space, the more spectacular the finished fireplace will look. In a large room, the fireplace should be mounted in the center of the longitudinal wall.

It is important that the fireplace is not placed in hard to reach places. Such areas include places close to large furniture, radiators and doorways. This will create additional difficulties for the owner of the house when installing the fireplace.

Stages of manufacturing a drywall fireplace

Installing a fireplace involves the execution of a certain algorithm of actions.

Warning: in order for the fireplace to be of high quality, reliable and safe, each stage of construction must be carried out consistently and in accordance with all safety rules and regulations.

Drawing preparation

A drywall fireplace drawing is needed to properly place the fireplace in the room. In order to properly draw up a sketch, you need to make accurate measurements of the room and determine the geometric characteristics of the fireplace.

On the drawing, you should mark the points where the base for attaching the frame will be located. The size of the base will vary depending on the width of the firebox. The size and location of the firebox insert, wall post, crossbeam, chimney tooth, steel profile, ash ejection hole and reinforced concrete slab should also be considered.

Attention: The dimensions and shape of the plasterboard fireplace depend on the wishes of the landlord. He can design not only smooth and straight structures, but also design a bold asymmetrical frame for a plasterboard fireplace.

Foundation preparation

Before fixing the fireplace, prepare the wall of the room. It must have reliable protection against possible fires. Magnesite, asbestos or aerated concrete are ideal for this.

The installation of the fireplace should be carried out after the installation of the base, that is, the concrete pad. It should be remembered that the width and length of the base must be greater than the fireplace, they must protrude 30 cm beyond the fireplace structure. The minimum pillow height is 20 cm.

Installing the fireplace frame

The frame part is made of wooden blocks or metal materials so that it is strong enough and reliable. Craftsmen who plan to include polymer materials in the frame must make sure that they meet the requirements for fire resistance and will not provoke a fire.

Surface plating

The cladding of the fireplace is carried out through the use of heat-resistant coatings. They are additionally supplied with reflective elements that can be made from ordinary foil. After finishing the sheathing, the layer is to be covered with putty. The hardened putty is treated with a primer.

Finishing work

Finishing the fireplace may consist in painting its surface, which was previously puttied and sanded. Grinding is carried out using sandpaper, which creates a flat and smooth surface.

On the fireplace, you can stick a film with a pattern that imitates the texture of wood, marble or stone. Some craftsmen cover the fireplace with multi-colored decorative plaster. Individual elements can be painted in black, gold, bronze or silver.

It just seems that in a city apartment you can not get your own fireplace. In fact, a nice addition to the interior is easy to equip in any home. It is enough to purchase an electric fireplace with a decorative flame, and make a portal with your own hands. Today we will look at the materials that will be needed for this creative work, and give a couple of instructions to help you.

What is a portal for an electric fireplace and why is it needed

In the design of real fireplaces, the portal performs an important function - it protects the adjacent walls from the high temperature of burning wood. In the case of an electrical appliance, only an aesthetic appearance and making the dummy look like a real hearth are required from the enclosing structure. To do this, the portal must outwardly repeat traditional fire-resistant materials: brick, wild stone, marble. However, a wooden copy is also suitable for decoration, but the plausibility will be reduced.

An elegant portal makes the electric fireplace look like a real one

General design

We have already decided that the portal is a kind of frame that frames the electric fireplace and helps it "fit" into the surrounding interior. Also, a stable design with a massive shelf can serve as a stand for souvenirs, family photos and other accessories. The main thing is that she can hold the weight of the built-in hearth. Complex portals look unusual, which are a continuation of furnishings: cabinets, shelving, niche drywall systems.

An unusual portal under the window itself can become a decoration of the room

Structurally, portals are divided into stationary and portable. The former are undemanding to the materials of manufacture, but mobile models need special stability. Portable portals should be low and have sufficient depth and width. They are distinguished by a low center of gravity, which means they will not fall if careless movement.

Such a fireplace is easy to move to another place if you want to refresh the interior.

If it is planned to place any equipment on the countertop of the fireplace, it is better to make the shelf wider. And for greater reliability, it can be leaned not only on the portal, but also on a corner screwed to the wall.

What materials to use for the portal and mantelpiece

Traditionally, stone is used to build a fireplace portal and countertops, but even an artificial agglomerate weighs a lot, and it will require certain work skills from the master. There are also more “friendly” materials on the market that are easy to ennoble with the right cladding. For example, a classic countertop can be made from a thick board by toning the wood and opening it with thin layers of varnish. A more budget option is plywood or MDF - after installation, they are lined with small ceramic tiles or laminated with a decorative film.

Before choosing a material for making a portal with your own hands, you should decide on the functionality of a decorative fireplace. If this is just an installation or a screen depicting a living flame, there are no restrictions: drywall, foam, chipboard or natural wood will do. The main thing is that after finishing work they acquire a resemblance to natural materials.

Using polyurethane elements, you can create a luxurious portal for a decorative fireplace

For decorative heating equipment that really warms up the room, you will have to choose safer options (GKLO drywall, foam blocks) or protect the structure with heat-resistant cladding. It is not necessary to fold a brick portal, but in finishing it is better to use non-combustible or low-combustible products and mixtures: tiles, mineral tiles, plaster.

Decorative brick cladding is not afraid of overheating

Table: Advantages and disadvantages of basic materials

Indicators for comparisonWoodWood chip
materials (chipboard, MDF)
and plywood
Drywall
Weight, kg / m 3400–700 600–700
up to 850 for MDF
800–850
Bending strength, kgf / cm 21000 20–250 15–18
Compressive strength, kgf / cm 2500 60–200 100
Flammability group (only taken into account
for heaters)
G3-G4
(G2 after processing)
G3-G4G1
Environmental friendliness++ - ++
Machinability (milling,
drilling, cutting)
++ + +

It is easy to give the desired shape to solid wood, and also decorate it, if not with carving, then at least with elegant milling. But this will require special equipment, so workability is a very relative advantage of wood. Its main drawback remains that over time it dries out, warps and becomes covered with cracks. With changing humidity in the room, the array can really behave unpredictably. If it is not possible to maintain stable conditions in a room with a fireplace, but you definitely want to use natural wood, it is better to choose breeds that are not prone to serious deformations:

  • pine;
  • cedar;
  • aspen.

Pressed slabs of veneer and timber waste, in terms of strength characteristics, are quite suitable for the manufacture of an electric fireplace portal. However, unprofessional cutting of sheets leads to loosening of the fibers at the ends, which somewhat complicates the sheathing of the frame with small elements. The disadvantages include the toxicity of phenolic and formaldehyde resins in their composition, but after finishing with airtight materials, the issue of harmful effects on humans is removed.

OSB can also be used in independent work

As for drywall, it is considered the best material for creating decorative interior elements with your own hands. The low bearing capacity of the plates is fully compensated by a reliable metal frame. A variety of plasterboards will allow you to choose the right version for any conditions: fire-resistant plates for heating fireplaces, waterproof - for ceramic finishing.

Choose the shape of the portal and the design style

The portal should be designed after the electric fireplace has been purchased. Firstly, this way you can take accurate measurements, taking into account ventilation gaps and cord outlet. Secondly, it will be clear in what style the whole set should be maintained. Today, decorative fireboxes without pronounced design elements are very popular - any portal that is consonant with the interior of the room itself will suit them. But if the electric fireplace on the visible part has a decor that emphasizes belonging to a particular style, you will have to focus on it.

This electric firebox is already richly decorated in a classic style.

The main design options for portals:

  • Country - for a small room, a compact design made of painted or simply varnished light wood is suitable. In spacious rooms, lining with decorative bricks or a plastered surface, partially lined with artificial stone, looks better.
  • Victorian - high-quality carved portals made of expensive types of wood, decorated with gilded monograms and moldings. The cladding with slabs imitating polished stone, but certainly in dark tones, looks great.
  • Classic - symmetrical designs with marbled finish or plastered portals with restrained stucco. A distinctive feature is the imitation of columns, or at least a hint of them in the form of vertical stripes of framing panels. Such models are made of polyurethane or plaster.
  • Modern styles (urban, hi-tech) - usually do not require the creation of a bulky portal, being content with a modest frame of a simple form made of metal or painted glass. A minimum of decor and compactness are the main rules of these trends.
  • Chalet or Romanesque style - despite the significant differences between the two directions in design, fireplaces for them are designed in approximately the same way. Bulky stone-lined structures are welcome here, while the shelf and pedestal decor are made of an array of rich tones.

As for the shape and dimensions - it all depends on the characteristics of the room and the chosen place for the future fireplace. Since this detail of the interior attracts special attention, it is better to give the hearth a free wall without unnecessary decor. At the same time, the portal should be proportionate - you should not install too bulky and lush construction in a cramped room. The standard shape for wall models is rectangular.

Regardless of the execution, tradition calls for a small pedestal at the base of the fireplace. Its width should be 30 cm more than the portal, and its height can reach 20 cm. However, here the owners are free to choose, but without a stone or brick cushion, the imitation of a real hearth will not seem very plausible.

A wide marbled pedestal gives the electric fireplace great significance

Corner models of electric fireplaces always look spectacular, besides, they do not take up much space, so they should be chosen for small apartments. The design can be either the simplest - repeating a triangle in cross section - or prismatic. For fireplaces with panoramic semicircular glass, it is also better to make the portal radius: thanks to it, the whole set will look more harmonious.

Wide corner portal does not take up much space

We calculate the outlet

The power wire stretching from the fireplace can spoil the whole picture. But you still need to mount the outlet outside the portal in order to have free access to the plug. The distance to it is limited by the length of the cord of the artificial hearth without tension. But the technical side of the issue requires more serious calculations.

The outlet must be able to withstand the current supplied to the fireplace. It is not difficult to determine its amperage: you need to divide the power of the device by the mains voltage (220 V) and add 10% of the margin. Purely decorative models usually consume no more than 500 W, that is, the maximum current in the outlet will be:

500 ÷ 220 x 1.1 = 2.5 (A) - even old Soviet 6 A equipment can handle such a load.

For electric furnaces with a heating function, the power is higher - about 2–2.5 kW. Using the same formula, we get an amperage of 12.5. That is, you need a standard modern 16 A socket, to which it remains only to throw a wire from the junction box. Use a copper three-core cable type VVG with a cross section of 2.5 mm 2 - it can withstand a current of 19 A and a load of about 4 kW.

Drywall portal - step-by-step instructions for making your own hands

Drywall is a durable enough material to withstand even heavy ceramic cladding. It is easy to process and allows you to create volumetric structures of any complexity with your own hands. The sheets are sewn to a metal frame, which takes on the weight of the electric fireplace, so that the reliability of the portal is also all right.

Tools and materials

It will take a little drywall to work, and if there are scraps left after the repair, you won’t have to spend money on it. But pay attention: for tiling, you need only waterproof GKL (green). It is better to make the frame from a galvanized special profile - it is more convenient to work with it, and it is easier to observe the geometry of the structure. The rest of the list of materials depends on the chosen finishing option.

You can take an edged board on the countertop, although plywood or MDF with a decorative plastic coating that imitates the texture of natural wood will come out cheaper. But you need to carefully glue the edges with furniture tape so that the mantel looks natural.

Example drawing and calculation of materials

Only after deciding on the size and design of the portal, you can go for building materials

Drawing up a sketch of the future portal with all sizes will allow you to determine the amount of materials needed:

  • Drywall dimensions - the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe outer surfaces of the structure minus the back wall. At the same time, you need to immediately estimate the cutting pattern for a standard sheet of 2.5x1.2 m (it is more convenient to do this on graph paper). The recommended GKL thickness is 12.5 mm and 9.5 for radius elements.
  • Metal profiles - the number of racks and horizontal lintels is determined by the size of the portal. For guides, PP slats 27x28 mm are taken, PS slats 60x27 mm will go to the racks and reinforcement.
  • Hardware - to assemble the frame, "bugs" with notches against self-unscrewing are used. Their number corresponds to the number of profile connection points. Hardened self-tapping screws (black) with frequent threads and a countersunk head go to the skin. The most popular size is 3.5x25 mm, fastener consumption is 20–25 pcs / m 2.

Work order

It is better to install a drywall construction permanently - it will not withstand moving from place to place. Therefore, we will mount the portal immediately where it is decided to place a decorative fireplace:

  1. Referring to the drawing, mark the floor and walls - apply with a pencil or chalk the dimensions of the future portal. According to the available dimensions, cut the metal profile for the frame.

    It is more convenient to work with a galvanized profile with metal scissors

  2. Lay the U-shaped rails along the floor markings, check the levelness with a level and fix with self-tapping dowels. In the upper part on the wall, mount the reciprocal horizontal sections of the profile.

    Fastening of long lengths is carried out with self-tapping dowels at least three points

  3. Screw the vertical bars of the PS to the wall, additionally fixing them on the base of the frame. Finish the top harness.

    Racks are mounted strictly vertically in relation to the guide

  4. Connect the racks with transverse stiffeners with a step of no more than 60 cm.
  5. Reinforce the fireplace podium with short vertical posts installed every 20 cm - they will take on the weight of the electric firebox.

    Where an additional load on drywall is expected, additional reinforcing racks are needed.

  6. At the installation height of the decorative hearth, perform a horizontal strapping and fix the vertical guides that will frame the screen.
  7. The last belt is arranged above the upper edge of the electric fireplace, but it does not experience any load, so a short bar connecting the side rails is enough here.

    Finished spatial structure

  8. Check the dimensions of the resulting structure, transfer them to drywall sheets and make patterns.

    GKL sheets are cut with a special knife

  9. Fasten the gypsum board to the frame with self-tapping screws, sinking the caps by about 1 mm.

    The sheets are screwed to the frame so that the attachment points fall into the center of the rails.

  10. Glue the corners of the portal with a sickle or reinforce with a perforated L-shaped profile, putty the seams between the sheathing sheets and the attachment points.

    The tape will not allow the plaster to crack at the joints of the sheets

  11. The finished fireplace is finished with the selected material, after which you can lay the countertop on top and insert an electric firebox.

    Decorative stone turns the portal from the plasterboard into a fireplace made of "brick"

If radius elements are provided in the design of the fireplace, the metal profile for them must be bent. To do this, the side shelves are cut into equal parts 5–8 cm long, after which the rail is easily bent into the correct arc.

Finishing and design of the portal

Drywall gives a very flat surface that can be simply puttied for painting. Such a fireplace in white with a wooden top looks especially impressive. Without any additional decor, it will perfectly fit into the interior, decorated in country or chalet style. If you decorate it with plaster moldings or polyurethane moldings before finishing putty, it will become a worthy addition to a classic design or a room in the spirit of Provence.

As for tiling, ordinary tiles are inappropriate here, unless, of course, these are painted tiles - they are ideal for creating a Scandinavian interior. To decorate the portal, it is better to take a flat imitation of brick or wild stone, then the fireplace will look massive and quite real. The tile is attached to primed surfaces with a special adhesive. Since the processing area is small, it makes sense to fork out for "liquid nails" in cylinders for a mounting gun.

The work is done from the bottom up - so the lower rows of cladding will create support for the next, preventing them from slipping. After about a day or three, when the glue finally sets, you can use the overhead decor and install the countertop. For a mantelpiece, a board with a moisture content of up to 20% is simply primed and covered with several thin layers of varnish. And to give it a more expressive shade, pigments are introduced into the base.

Video: Plasterboard portal with chic stucco

Plywood and wood - step by step instructions

Making a portal from plywood and beams is almost the same as working with drywall, but here you have to take into account both the large mass and the significant thickness of the materials used. The finished structure will be noticeably heavier, but it will be able to withstand the weight of not only a full-sized hearth, but also additionally installed equipment on the mantelpiece.

Tools and materials

For work you will need:

  • frame timber 50x50 cm;
  • plywood with a thickness of 12 mm;
  • wood screws;
  • jigsaw;
  • screwdriver.

For finishing, you can take primer, wood putty and paint that is resistant to high temperatures. In the case of a heating fireplace, all combustible surfaces must be impregnated with flame retardants, if the manufacturer did not do this at the factory. To fix the overlay decor, you will need carpentry glue - the hardware will spoil the whole image of the wooden portal.

Schemes and calculation of materials

To give the electric fireplace maximum resemblance to the real one, it is necessary not only to choose a suitable sketch of the portal, but also to withstand the “classic” dimensions. After measuring the furnace, they build a drawing so that the height of the structure is twice as high as the visible part of the electric hearth, and the width is 2/3 more.

As a heating device, a traditional fireplace, even for wealthy people, is a rather wasteful luxury. Not only does its cost start from 2 thousand conventional units for the simplest designs, it also eats up a lot of firewood, requires proper engineering and regular maintenance. But many love it for its beauty and dream of it.

But what kind of fireplace can be equipped in an apartment? Indeed, in most cases there is a problem in the lack of space, and there is no technical possibility for its construction. In this article we will tell you what a fireplace can be.

False fireplace made of simple materials

If there can be no talk of a full-fledged fireplace, you can create a very realistic likeness of it from a wide variety of materials:

  • metal;
  • wood;
  • plywood;
  • drywall, etc.

Some craftsmen manage to make good false fireplaces even from ordinary cardboard, but, in our opinion, the most suitable material for making it yourself at home is drywall.

Do-it-yourself fireplaces from drywall photo:

As you can see, such a structure can fit into almost any interior.

And you can give it realism in several ways, but about them - later.

Do-it-yourself plasterboard fireplace - step by step instructions

1. First of all, you need to decide on the appearance of the fireplace, its size and location, as well as the nature of its combustion simulation.

If an electric fireplace is installed in the furnace, of which there are a lot in specialized stores, then a couple of centimeters around and 5 centimeters in depth will need to be added to its dimensions.

The overall dimensions of the portal itself, at the same time, will not play a special role. They should be adjusted to the standard dimensions of piece finishing materials and elements that you plan to use for finishing the fireplace:

  • clinker brick;
  • polyurethane or polystyrene curly elements;
  • natural sawn stone, etc.

If the fireplace is with a top shelf, consider also not only its dimensions, but also its weight. If one of the real heaters (permitted for installation in residential premises without chimneys and not requiring special permits) will be built into it, provide places for its fastening.

Often, such a drawing is enough to create a false drywall fireplace.

2. Next, the markup is transferred to the wall and floor at the location of the future fireplace. In this case, you need to take into account the thickness of the drywall itself. If your fireplace will require an electrical connection, take care of this in advance.

3. The next step is to cut the main profile elements from a drywall steel profile or well-dried wooden blocks, which should be chosen without knots, and assemble the frame itself.

It is necessary to start the assembly with the fastening of the elements in contact with the wall and floor.

Then comes the main part and the formation of the portal.

The type of profiles or cross-section of the bars will depend on the operating conditions of the fireplace described above.

Sometimes these materials are combined when creating a frame. The last are the necessary spacers and fasteners for finished devices.

4. Sheathing with drywall, sealing joints and processing corners is carried out according to the scheme traditional for drywall systems and using hardware and other materials intended for this.

Light finishing elements are attached to gypsum boards with gypsum adhesives such as Rotband or Perlfix before painting.

5. Finishing with clinker bricks or natural stone can be done with ceramic tile adhesive or "liquid nails". But before that, it is necessary to prime the surface with a deep penetration primer.

The seams are filled with the same glue, or cement-based or gypsum-based compounds.

6. The last step will be either the installation of an electric fireplace, or the installation of a biofireplace, to which we will devote a separate section, or the design of a hearth niche in any other way, up to the installation of an LED panel with a video of a real fireplace insert. Here are a lot of options.

In particular, like this one - with the connection of light bulbs in a pile of brushwood. A couple more interesting imitations are described. We also offer you a short video to help you, which shows the process of creating a drywall fireplace with your own hands:

Real fire in a drywall fireplace

It is clear that a full-fledged fire in a drywall fireplace cannot be made, and the missing smoke exhaust system will not even allow you to think about it. But this does not mean at all that you cannot admire it in your false fireplace, and even bask a little from its warmth.

For this purpose, there are devices with practically safe fire - biofireplaces. They are also called eco-fireplaces, because during their operation carbon dioxide and water are released, and nothing more. After all, they burn a special fuel - bioethanol, which can be bought in almost all hardware and construction stores.

Of course, you can install a ready-made factory-made biofireplace, but their price starts from 5-6 thousand rubles for the simplest types, not to mention those that can be mounted in plasterboard structures.

After all, the fire in them is real - both burning and igniting, therefore requiring strict adherence to the necessary safety measures.

But even a child can create an elementary burner for a biofireplace, as evidenced by the video:

There are 2 small comments about this video:

1. It would be right to put some kind of basalt wool or, at worst, just cotton wool into the burner from an aluminum can of drinks.

2. It should still be filled with a special liquid, and not just alcohol.

It is clear that the shape and size of the burner can be any - the principle is important for us. If you want to install such a homemade eco-fireplace in your drywall construction, you will need to enclose the firebox with a special material based on fireclay clay or make a metal box by mounting it using basalt wool or other fire-resistant materials.

Dear readers, if you still have questions, ask them using the form below. We will be glad to communicate with you;)

A fireplace can make even the dullest interior of a room much cozier and more comfortable. But such a pleasure is quite expensive, and it is not always possible to install something similar in an apartment. But there is a way out. You can make a fake fireplace with your own hands of absolutely any shape and size, and it is so simple that the process itself does not take much time and does not require special skills.

Can a fireplace be artificial

A false fireplace is a structure that looks like a real fireplace, but without a chimney. In some cases, this is just an element of the decor of the room, in other cases there is still an element of imitation of a living flame, for example, as in electrical installations.

A false fireplace can be a great decor in a room of any size.

The main advantages of this design can be considered absolute safety (unless, of course, you decide to install a lot of candles in the portal) and low cost compared to a real fireplace. In addition, there are other advantages of false fireplaces:

  • allowed for installation even in an apartment, while it is forbidden to mount a real fireplace in an apartment building;
  • with it, you can mask the defects and shortcomings of the room, for example, hide a battery or a pipe, and it is also advantageous to use the so-called dead zones, for example, a corner;
  • top and side you can equip shelves for decor and storage of various small things;
  • emphasize the stylistic direction of the room design, for example, when choosing a baroque or other classical style.

A false fireplace will be appropriate even in a children's room

Types of structures

There are several types of false fireplaces that you can install in your own apartment:


There is another classification, which is based on the installation site of such a design:

  • suspension;
  • wall-mounted;
  • angular;
  • built-in;
  • island.

What can be made

If you are a fan of making crafts, then you can use absolutely any building material to make a decorative fireplace, including:

  1. Brick. It allows you to create an artificial hearth as close as possible to the present. For installation, you can choose a decorative or facing brick. The disadvantages of this design are a significant mass, which means that it can be mounted only after checking the overlap for the ability to withstand such a weight. However, there are also advantages, in addition to naturalness. Such a false fireplace can not be faced with anything.

    Brick false fireplace is as similar as possible to the real one

  2. Plates with laminated coating. Before using this material, it is imperative to draw up a drawing, on which it is necessary to indicate all the dimensions of the future structure. The drawing is needed in order to cut the material. Chipboard sheets have similar properties, however, such a design requires further finishing, for example, with foam plastic "bricks".

    A fireplace made of laminated sheets looks very concise

  3. Polyurethane. As a rule, this material is used to finish an already finished structure. However, special pieces such as mouldings, architraves and half-columns can be glued directly to the wall and decorated accordingly. Using decor and trying various techniques with highlighting, it can be turned into an unusual piece of furniture. There is one more advantage - if desired, such a fireplace can be repainted in any color. This allows you to update the interior with minimal investment in a short time.

    Polyurethane fireplace can be simply glued to the wall

  4. Drywall. This material is most popular for the manufacture of false fireplaces. It has undoubted advantages - ease of assembly and combination with other finishing materials. If desired, the plasterboard construction can be decorated in any style, which means it is suitable for any interior. In addition, you can build a structure of any complexity. An artificial hearth can be deep, with a square or round portal, with columns or minimalistic. You can change the lining without disassembling the entire structure, which is very convenient.

    Most often, a false fireplace is made of drywall.

  5. Wood. Using this material, you can make a false fireplace, which will be part of the furniture set, which means it will be made in the same style as the entire design of the room.

    Wooden false fireplace can be artificially aged

In addition to those listed, for the manufacture of a false fireplace, you can also use improvised materials, for example, cardboard boxes or old furniture.

Dimensional drawings

The dimensions of the structure largely depend directly on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room where it will be installed. For example, a corner unit for a small room might be 330 mm deep and 1,300 mm long.

A small room can also be decorated with a wall-mounted false fireplace. At the same time, the dimensions of the structure are recommended to be slightly reduced, for example, to make a portal with parameters of 1,360 * 500 * 1,050 mm.

In a small room, you can install a wall or hanging fireplace

When installing a false fireplace in a medium-sized room, more opportunities appear:

  • you can make a more massive structure by decorating it with additional decorative elements, for example, columns and stucco;
  • it is allowed to use not only shelves, but also countertops, but only if the partition is able to withstand such a design;
  • you can place an artificial fireplace in the center of the room, and not just near the wall.

The drawing should indicate the dimensions of each part.

When decorating a room in a classic style, a false fireplace can be massive with appropriate decorations. For example, the dimensions of the bottom can be 1500mm, the top 1490mm and the depth 345mm.

If you want an artificial fireplace to look attractive, expensive, and high-status, then it is recommended to use artificial and natural stone, forged elements, valuable wood for decoration.

In a large room, a false fireplace can be installed in the center of the room

When making a copy of the fireplace for a large living room, you can follow the following rules:

  • island location, thanks to which you can create a very massive and unusual design that will perform several functions at once;
  • you can not use a hinged structure;
  • the partition wall for a false fireplace must be such that it does not deform under the influence of a large weight of the structure.

A false fireplace can also look like a home oven

How to make a fake fireplace with your own hands - step by step instructions

You can make a fake fireplace with your own hands from any building material. It all depends on your imagination and financial capabilities.

From drywall

The corner construction of drywall looks very original. Such a fake fireplace can be installed even if the room is too small for any such devices, because it can also be used as a storage space. To make it, you need to prepare:

  • metal profile - 13 pcs.;
  • drywall 9.5 mm thick, better moisture resistant - 3 sheets;
  • tiles - 5 m;
  • self-tapping screws - 200 pcs.;
  • grout for ceramic tiles of the corresponding color;
  • LED strip imitating fire;
  • decorative grille.

It is necessary to make a corner decorative fireplace from drywall in accordance with the following instructions:

  1. Correctly calculate the dimensions. In the event that you close the battery with the design, this must be done in such a way that it has free access.

    From drywall you can build any complexity

  2. Install the frame. To do this, you can use a ceiling metal profile.

    Ceiling profile suitable for the frame

  3. Lay electrical wiring if an electric fireplace is installed in the portal. Such a fireplace should have at least three exits: two on the facade and one above the shelf. For additional illumination, an LED strip is suitable.
  4. Finish the fire hole. Here you need to make two walls, between which you need to lay any non-combustible material.

    The fireplace insert must have two walls, between which non-combustible material must be laid.

  5. Now the frame can be sheathed with drywall. Details must be pre-cut from the sheets according to the drawn up drawing.

    You need to cut out the parts from drywall in advance

  6. Make a few holes in the casing. They are needed so that warm air can circulate freely.

    Holes are needed for air circulation

  7. Revet with ceramic tiles or any other material. It is better to give preference to facade tiles, as they are resistant to temperature changes and negative external influences. You can also use gypsum tiles imitating stone. In this case, it is recommended to use a heat-resistant adhesive.

    When using facing bricks, you can make a fireplace very similar to a real one.

Such a fireplace will occupy an area of ​​​​only 1.5 m 2.

Video: plasterboard false fireplace

Reuse of cardboard boxes

You can also make a decoration in the form of a fireplace from large cardboard boxes. They should be as dense as possible, should keep their shape well. For this you need to prepare:

  • cardboard boxes of different sizes (4 pcs. large and 5-6 pcs. small);
  • white paper that can be replaced with wallpaper;
  • glue;
  • scotch;
  • colored cardboard, paints or wallpaper with a pattern of bricks.

It is necessary to make a false fireplace from cardboard boxes in the following sequence:

  1. Place the boxes in the order in which they should be in the finished version.

    For the fireplace, you can use boxes of different sizes.

  2. Now you can connect these boxes to each other. It is very convenient to use tape for this.
  3. After the frame is made, it must be pasted over with white paper or wallpaper. For this purpose, you can use either adhesive tape or PVA glue. All edges should be even, for which you need to cut the paper in the corners.

    You can use tape or glue to attach.

  4. Separately, make the top shelf, which is also pasted over with white paper, and then fixed on the prepared frame.

    The shelf at the cardboard fireplace should also be

  5. Cut out bricks from red cardboard, which are then glued to the frame using clerical glue. Instead of colored cardboard bricks, you can use decorated wallpaper. Also, bricks can simply be drawn.

    Bricks can be made from cardboard

  6. The top surface can be left undecorated or covered with paint.

    Cardboard fireplace is very light and mobile

Video: do-it-yourself fireplace from boxes

from wood

Using a similar technology, you can make a structure or chipboard or plywood:

  1. According to the drawing, cut out all the necessary details.
  2. Assemble the frame from the timber. All other wooden parts will need to be attached to it. In this case, you can use several methods of fixation at once: tongue and groove, gluing, connecting with hardware. The choice of method of fastening depends on the exclusivity of the required reliability of fixation.
  3. Fix on the assembled frame decorative elements from bars of different sizes, moldings.
  4. External finishing. There are several options for exterior finishes. Such a false fireplace can simply be covered with white paint, tiled or decorative bricks.
  5. The decor of the firebox, which will give maximum credibility to the fireplace. For a wooden structure, it is recommended to use natural and decorative accessories, such as fir branches, cones, dry firewood.

In order to make the structure less massive, some wooden parts can be replaced with plywood elements.

Video: do-it-yourself decorative fireplace

Polyurethane

To make a false fireplace from this material, you must first choose the style of the product, and also, in the case of using an electric fireplace for the portal, take into account the dimensions of this device, the way it is connected, and the need for ventilation. Additionally, you need to prepare:

  • polyurethane portal;
  • miter box;
  • hacksaw for metal;
  • roulette;
  • drill;
  • glue;
  • putty;
  • sandpaper;
  • facing material.

The installation process itself takes place in the following sequence:

  1. Decide on the installation location. It is best to do this on the side wall of the room. Moreover, it is necessary to place a false fireplace made of polyurethane so that it does not interfere with free movement.

    A polyurethane fake fireplace is very easy to do yourself

  2. Socket installation. This stage is necessary if an electric fireplace will be located inside the portal. The wiring must match the voltage used, while the outlet itself must be placed as close as possible to the false fireplace.
  3. Wall surface preparation. It needs to be leveled and cleaned.
  4. Application of markings on polyurethane. This information can be taken from a drawing prepared in advance.
  5. Fixation of polyurethane parts. To fasten parts, you need to use special contact glue and self-tapping screws. This will increase the reliability of the structure and extend its service life. During this process, care must be taken to ensure that the corners of the parts correlate with each other. In advance, for self-tapping screws, you need to make holes with a drill.

    For ease of manufacture, the entire structure can first be laid out on the floor

  6. External finishing. There are several options for a raised polyurethane fireplace. Stucco molding can either be attached to a special glue, or with self-tapping screws. The second option is more reliable, but there is a risk that the caps of the screws will be visible to the naked eye. Therefore, when using a mechanical method of fastening, additional decoration of the joints is recommended.

    You can cut polyurethane with a hacksaw

It is possible to give aesthetics to the structure if it is puttied, primed and painted after manufacturing.

Video: installation of polyurethane false fireplace moldings

From old furniture

Turning an old wardrobe or chest of drawers is the most budgetary option for making a false fireplace. To convert you will need:

  • plywood;
  • grinder with a nozzle for wood;
  • jigsaw;
  • screwdriver;
  • paint, best acrylic;
  • putty;
  • LED Strip Light;
  • plaster molding.

After preparing all the necessary tools and material, you must follow the following instructions:

  1. Remove the doors from the sideboard, remove extra drawers and cabinets.

    All doors and drawers must be removed from the sideboard

  2. Install two beams in front.

    In addition to the frame, you will also need bars and plywood sheets.

  3. Attach plywood sheets with which to form a portal hole.

    You can set the dimensions of the furnace yourself

  4. Make a hole for the blower. It can have any shape, the most ergonomic will be a semicircle. Also, the space can serve to wound firewood.

    The blower can be used to store firewood

  5. Make a pedestal and a decorative shelf. For this purpose, you can take the backs of an old bed, first you need to unscrew the legs of these parts.

    The fireplace needs a pedestal and a shelf

  6. Proceed to the external decoration of the false fireplace. All polished surfaces of the cabinet must be processed with a grinding machine, then primed, puttied and carefully leveled. After the putty has dried, sand the surface with sandpaper. Now the false fireplace can be painted, and then finished with a facing material, for example, facing bricks. You need to finish the work by gluing all the decorative elements and installing the shelf.

    For finishing, you can use any facing material

  7. Arrange the space of the firebox. Why lay an orange or yellow LED strip around the perimeter. At the bottom you can lay stones or shells.

    To simulate fire, you can use an LED strip

By following these instructions, you can create a raised fireplace in any style.

No one will guess that a sideboard was turned into a fireplaceFalse fireplace made of decorative bricksFor a false fireplace made of large bricks, a foundation may be required

from brick

A false brick fireplace looks the most natural. In its manufacture, it is necessary to strictly follow the masonry technology, otherwise the structure will be unreliable and quickly collapse. You need to prepare in advance:

  • brick - 25 pcs.;
  • steel strip for overlapping;
  • solid board with a thickness of 4 cm or more for a mantelpiece;
  • cement mortar.

For a fireplace, you can set the standard dimensions of the base 900 * 250 mm and the firebox 500 * 380 mm. The mass of such a design will not exceed 100 kg, which means that an additional foundation will not be needed.

A large brick false fireplace may require a foundation.

The technique for making a false brick fireplace is as follows:

  1. First you need to prepare a solution. It is better to purchase a special powder designed for such work. It is enough to dilute it with water in the proportions indicated on the package.
  2. Lay out the brick base in half a brick, after which you can go to the walls and the firebox. Lay the walls brick-thick with overlapping seams.
  3. Lay a shelf on top of the frame or attach a countertop.
  4. Decorate the firebox. To do this, you can stick a film with the image of a brick on the back wall, put candles or brushwood in the firebox itself. Instead of a film, you can use a mirror, so that the depth of the firebox will appear larger.

What to make fire

In no case should a real fire be kindled in a false fireplace, even if the structure was made of brick. Can be used to simulate a flame.

A fireplace is the decoration and heart of any living room, and thanks to modern technology, the owner of any house or apartment can become the happy owner of this piece of furniture. In the realities of today's life, you don't have to build a heavy brick building with a chimney and a chimney to enjoy the view of the hearth. You can build a drywall fireplace with your own hands and install an electric firebox inside with the effect of flame and even smoke - such a fireplace will be inexpensive and decorate the room, and it’s not difficult to make it if you carefully read this article!

To make a drywall fireplace, you must first complete the project: draw a sketch of the fireplace, indicate its dimensions, type of finish, and determine its functional purpose. At the same time, it is necessary to start not so much from desires as from opportunities - it is unlikely that a bulky frontal fireplace, which occupies a third of the useful area of ​​​​the room, will decorate a small room. In the article we will give an example of building a corner fireplace - it takes up a minimum of space, and the shelves attached to it allow you to use it as a stand for equipment, an aquarium or trinkets.

A niche is made inside the proposed design of the fireplace. You can build an electric hearth into it or trim it with clinker brick tiles and put candles or a backlight there.

The frame of the fireplace can be built from a galvanized drywall profile (the so-called “CD” and “UD” profile) - its trimmings often remain after repair, and you can use them. 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. enough profile PN-2 50x40x0.5.

It is better to take drywall with a thickness of 12.5 mm - it will provide the necessary structural strength. You can use cutouts. 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 fix the GCR, you will need self-tapping screws for drywall, and to assemble the frame - self-tapping screws for metal (they are called "fleas"). And, of course, a screwdriver - it is quite difficult and long to assemble the structure with a screwdriver.

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. Attach the shelves to the screws and corners.

In addition, you will need dry alabaster for the manufacture of stucco, moldings and pilasters or finished items, as well as a finishing artificial gypsum stone. It is attached to gypsum putty, and painted with white acrylic paint on top. Decorative elements are additionally emphasized with Antique Gold acrylic paint and bituminous patina, after which the entire finish is covered with acrylic varnish - this will make it easy to remove dirt and dust.

We create a drywall fireplace with our own hands: step-by-step instructions from frame to finish

By itself, a drywall fireplace is easy to build, everything can be done by hand, it is enough to have basic skills in working with a profile, drywall and finishing materials. The profile is cut to size using metal shears or a hacksaw, the parts are fastened together on self-tapping screws, while one part is inserted into the U-shaped profile of the other. If it is necessary to make an arch, then the sides of the profile are slightly cut with metal scissors and the profile is bent with the untouched part inside the arch.

In order for drywall to take on a curved arch shape, it is enough to slightly wet it with water! After drying, you will get a perfect arc!

Drywall can be easily cut with a sharp knife or hacksaw. Drywall is fixed on black hardened self-tapping screws, sinking the head 1-2 mm into the material, later these places, together with the joints, are puttied or lined with finishing materials.

Gypsum elements are cast in silicone molds or are made by hand molding. You can also use ready-made gypsum stucco. If the hearth in the fireplace is decorative, without heating, you can use polystyrene or polyurethane elements.

To install an electric hearth, it is necessary to provide an outlet at such a distance that the cord does not stretch. The cross section of a copper wire for an electric hearth with a power of 2 kW must be at least 2.5 mm 2.

  1. Draw a sketch of the fireplace and calculate the material. If you plan to install an electric built-in hearth, check the installation dimensions of the selected model. Mark the floor and walls and cut the material.

  2. The frame of the fireplace is made of a galvanized profile, fastening it with self-tapping screws. The stiffeners should be located in all corners and at the joints of the plasterboard sheets, in addition, if you plan to install heavy objects on the mantelpiece, make additional struts and vertical racks.

  3. The frame is sewn up with drywall sheets using self-tapping screws and a screwdriver. The upper planes on which the shelves will be installed are left open. The firewood arch is made from separate strips or thinner drywall is used - 6.5 mm. An electric hearth-firebox is installed in the finished frame, the connection to the network is checked.

  4. Proceed to First, a gypsum mortar is kneaded from alabaster and water and stucco, pilasters and moldings are cast in silicone molds. Do not knead a large amount of the solution at once - it hardens quite quickly. To extend the life of the solution, it can be diluted not with water, but with milk.

  5. Attach decorative elements to gypsum putty, leveling and rubbing the seams. It is convenient to do this with a spatula and a soft, damp brush.

  6. Proceed to facing the portal with stone. It is also attached to gypsum putty with grouting, and the selection of elements is carried out before gluing. It is better to start with small pebbles, setting them in the center of the element. To form corners, the stone is cut with a sharp knife slightly obliquely so that there are no sharp drops.

  7. Similarly, the wall above the fireplace, imitating an apron and a smoke channel, is also lined.
  8. After finishing, the final grouting is carried out with the same putty, and the stone itself is painted with white acrylic paint with a brush. Coloring gives the stone a fresh look and a matte sheen.

  9. Moldings and stucco moldings are painted with “golden” paint using a thin brush, after the paint dries they are aged - they are treated with bituminous patina, trying to paint over hard-to-reach places. After processing, part of the patina from the protruding elements is erased with white spirit. Patina can cover not all elements, but only some of them, for example, a console or pilasters.

  10. Artificial stone fireplace mantels are installed on the upper planes. Glossy dark stone combined with a plaster finish looks very rich and advantageous, but other materials can be used, such as MDF or natural wood.

  11. The final chord - the stone and decorative elements are covered with acrylic varnish with the effect of a wet stone, this can be done in several layers. After the coating dries, the surface of the fireplace will acquire dust-repellent properties.

  12. It's time to test the firebox. They connect it to the electrical network, set the mode, turn it on and enjoy the beauty, safe flame and warmth.

If you do not want to spend money on an electric hearth, it is quite possible to do without it. It is enough to finish the inside of the firebox with stone or tiles, you can also install mirrors. A backlight is installed in a niche - for this purpose it is convenient to use an LED strip by gluing it to the bottom of the firebox and connecting it to the electrical network. A living flame can be obtained by placing candles of various shapes in glass or ceramic candlesticks.