What kind of stone is better to veneer a fireplace? Facing the fireplace, its firebox and portal with decorative stone Decorative stone for fireplaces

A fireplace in a country house is not only a popular, but also a very stylish solution. If it is made at a professional level, it will not only be a decorative element, but will also perform a purely practical function.

When laying a fireplace, it is important to immediately consider its decoration. In this case, it will perfectly fit into the common space and fill the room with light and warmth. The photo of the fireplace lining with stone, which are presented below, will tell you the ideas for decorating the portal.

Finishing methods

For decorative purposes, fireplaces are lined with porcelain stoneware, special tiles, as well as artificial or natural stone. These materials are not only beautiful. They can easily withstand fairly high temperatures and are absolutely not affected by soot.

Natural stone for facing the fireplace has the following advantages:

  • Sufficient strength, significantly extending the service life.
  • Solid and aesthetic appearance.
  • Environmentally friendly raw materials.
  • Resistance to temperature extremes, high thermal and moisture characteristics.

If the owners are at least a little “friendly” with construction tools, it will not be difficult to do all the work with their own hands. Facing the fireplace with artificial stone will cost a little less than using natural material. However, natural stone looks more solid and has a longer service life.

Material selection

Natural stone for facing the fireplace can be different. The most popular materials are:

  • limestone;
  • granite;
  • soapstone;
  • shell rock;
  • marble.

Let's look at each of them in a little more detail:

  • White limestone. The material has excellent refractory properties and high strength. Does not deform or expand when heated. Easily processed, has a relatively small weight. Creates a pleasant light atmosphere in the house. It only gets stronger over the years.
  • Booth. Fragments of sandstone rocks with remarkable strength and easy accessibility. Has a fairly low cost. Not very convenient for decorating flat surfaces. Requires careful selection of matching elements.
  • Shell rock. Inexpensive and very convenient in Possesses high hygroscopicity. The stone quickly absorbs moisture, and then slowly releases it to the outside. It has many pores and a beautiful unique pattern created by nature itself.
  • Marble. It has a very beautiful texture. It has veins that give the lining a beautiful, downright luxurious appearance. There are different shades, which allows you to choose the right option for a particular interior. not very well processed, but have high strength and heat capacity. Cutting and grinding this material requires certain skills. Besides, it's not cheap fun.
  • Granite. The material has a heterogeneous structure. It contains inclusions with different thermophysical characteristics. As a result, the material may crack from constant exposure to high temperatures. Higher quality in this regard, expensive varieties of granite. They are able to withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Celsius. For a home, this is quite enough.
  • Soapstone. One of the most popular finishing materials. It has a layered structure, thanks to which it constantly remains warm. It has good density, excellent thermal conductivity and relatively low thermal expansion. The latter property means that the portal trimmed with such a stone will not crack for a long time.

Finish options

Quality depends not only on the chosen material, but also on the ability of the master to work with it.

Models made of several types of stone look great at the same time. So, the lower part of the fireplace, intended for storing firewood, can be made of buta. It is better to overlay the chimney and the firebox itself with limestone. It has a pleasant beige color and will add lightness and grace to the portal.

If you want to give the fireplace a sophisticated aristocratic look, use dark granite. Is there natural wood in the decor of the room? Granite of burgundy and brown shades will suit you.

The stone for facing the fireplace is also light. White marble looks great. Such a portal will be a great addition to a spacious room in a classic style.

It does not matter whether you want to finish the fireplace lining with artificial stone or natural stone, certain rules must be observed when performing work:

  1. All work should be carried out only in a warm room, not lower than +5 ° C.
  2. The stone should be laid only on a suitable base, treated in a special way. Chipboard, cement screed, wood and other materials can be used as a substrate. Methods of preparation for each material are different.
  3. When sawing blanks, blades with large teeth should not be used. Such files can ruin the finishing material. A hacksaw with fine teeth is best.
  4. Facing the fireplace with decorative stone is best done from top to bottom. In this case, the previously laid elements will remain clean. If the material is heavy or the master does not have too much experience, you can start from the bottom. In this case, you need to work very carefully.
  5. Each type of facing material has its own adhesive composition. It is better not to ignore the manufacturer's recommendations and use the bonding solution that will achieve the best result.

The use of artificial materials

Facing the fireplace with artificial stone (photo can be seen in the article) conveys a sense of the power and beauty of natural material. Ease of use allows you to decorate fireplaces of the most complex and incredible designs.

The positive properties of artificial materials include the following:

  • light weight, which greatly simplifies the cladding process;
  • excellent compatibility with other materials (glass, wood, ceramics) allows you to create a unique design;
  • ease of processing makes it possible to create various shapes and sizes of parts;
  • relatively democratic cost allows you to fulfill your plan with the least financial losses.

Finishing with porcelain stoneware

If you are planning to do a stone fireplace lining with your own hands, but do not want to spend a lot of money and effort, pay attention to porcelain stoneware. Despite the fact that it is an artificial material, it still contains some natural components. In terms of strength, porcelain stoneware is not inferior to natural stone and has excellent thermal characteristics.

The composition of the material includes feldspar, mica, metal oxides, clay, marble or granite chips. This allows you to repeat the pattern of almost any natural stone.

Porcelain stoneware has such positive qualities:

  • high strength;
  • wear resistance;
  • resistance to frost and moisture;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • a wide variety of textures and color palettes;
  • resistance to chemicals;
  • ease of care;
  • not too much weight;
  • ability to resist mechanical damage.

How to work with porcelain stoneware: installation

Laying the material is carried out on a special glue. If not, then a special metal frame should be made to ensure strength. They do it like this:

  1. Along the perimeter of the fireplace, a metal profile frame is made. The installation step must correspond to the dimensions of the porcelain stoneware slabs. The profiles are interconnected by means of self-tapping screws, and the entire structure is attached to the fireplace with anchor bolts.
  2. Porcelain stoneware is fixed on the frame with special brackets.
  3. The space formed between the stoves and the body of the fireplace is filled with a clay mixture, in which crushed stone and sand are added for strength.
  4. The joints of the plates are smeared with a mixture of sand, clay and colored pigment.
  5. When the lining is completed, the fireplace should be heated for several days in a row. Clay will bake from high temperature. This will increase the thermal performance of the fireplace.

This finishing method is great for a portal laid out by an inexperienced craftsman. Installing the cladding on the frame allows you to hide all the shortcomings, and the fireplace does not have to be plastered for a long time.

Fireplace cladding: work steps, tools

To properly lay a stone for facing a fireplace, you need to stock up on a minimum set of tools. You will need:

  • construction trowel;
  • container for mortar or glue;
  • level;
  • hammer with rubber tip;
  • grinder or hacksaw;
  • drill and screws;
  • brush;
  • metal grid;
  • plumb and square;
  • wedges or plastic crosses.

The first stage is preparatory

First you need to clean all surfaces from dust and dirt. Deepen masonry seams by at least 0.8 - 1 cm.

We sew up the surface of the fireplace with a metal mesh. If the masonry is dense, use a drill and self-tapping screws. Washers should be placed under their hats.

On the floor next to the fireplace, draw a pattern of the future facade with chalk. Lay out all the elements on the prepared template, carefully fitting them to each other.

Stage two - fixing the stone

After the desired pattern is laid out, you can start laying on the mortar on the template. The mixture is applied to the part and carefully applied to the location. To attach the element, lightly press it with a twisting motion. This will remove excess air from under the stone.

If excess solution comes out along the edges of the element, it should be removed immediately. After hardening, it will be much more difficult to do this. To control the seams between the rows, plastic crosses are installed. After drying, they can be removed.

Completion of work

After the installation of decorative elements is completed, it is necessary to allow the solution to dry, but not completely. When the seams are still a little wet, the stitching is done.

At the end of all finishing work, the finished fireplace is covered with a special compound that protects it from excessive moisture. A translucent film will not spoil the appearance of the portal, but will significantly extend its service life.

Work performance rules

Facing the fireplace with natural stone or artificial material is almost the same. To get a beautiful pattern, you must follow some rules:

  1. When working with artificial material, it is important to alternate the sizes and shades of the elements. This pattern will look natural.
  2. The surface of the elements is not very even. This must be taken into account when drawing up the drawing.
  3. Seams are best done in the same size. When laying out elements of an unequal shape, you need to remember that horizontal seams located one above the other look unnatural.
  4. If the selected material does not imply the presence of seams, it is better to start laying from the bottom. In this case, decorative elements should be pressed tightly against each other.
  5. When working with an artificial stone of a rectangular shape, carefully monitor the vertical seams. They should be located strictly perpendicular to the floor.

Almost any material available on the market today can be used to decorate a fireplace. Going to the store, it is worth considering the following factors:

  1. The presence of a certificate confirming compliance with sanitary standards.
  2. The reputation of the manufacturer, the period of work in the chosen field.
  3. Branded undamaged packaging with the company logo.
  4. Date of production and packaging of the material.
  5. The cost of the selected finish. Too low a price may indicate the questionable quality of the material. Unreasonably high - about the high markup of the manufacturer.

If a hired master will carry out the work, pay attention to his reputation. A bad specialist can spoil even the most beautiful material for facing the fireplace.

Facing with artificial stone is carried out in three stages. Let's see what needs to be done:

  1. Prepare the surface - this affects the life of the structure. If it is done incorrectly, the lining will not last long.
  2. Select material:
  • details should be multiples of the surface width, to reduce waste;
  • make sure that the building material can withstand high temperatures;
  • artificial stone should fit into the overall decor.
  1. Make your own cladding.

Advantages of artificial stone:

  • has soft mechanical characteristics, which makes it easy to work with;
  • the design will weigh a little, since the material used consists of flexible and lightweight components;
  • in the construction market, stone is presented in a wide variety of shapes and textures;
  • the price of artificial stone is much lower than for natural material;

There is a list of rules to be followed when working on finishing a fireplace with an artificial stone:


It should be clear what you need to pay attention to when making the facing of different surfaces:

  • wood coating is very susceptible to moisture damage, so it should be covered with waterproofing, for example, pigment, before processing with artificial stone;
  • an important next step will be the installation of a plaster mesh with special fasteners. To do this, you need to make holes in the masonry with a puncher and insert self-tapping screws into them. Caps should be put on caps. In such circumstances, the grid will not be able to fall when loaded. Fasteners should be about 15 cm apart vertically, and horizontally - 5 cm;
  • the plaster on the mesh must be adjusted in such a way that its layer is 1 cm. It must dry completely, after which it is worth continuing to work.

All the same actions can be carried out when laying an artificial stone on a concrete or metal surface, with the only difference that waterproofing will not be required.

Necessary tools for work:

  • self-tapping screws or nails for fastening elements;
  • a spray gun for moistening before laying the surface of the fireplace;
  • construction hammer and trowel;
  • grinder, drill;
  • a bar with a flat surface;
  • utensils for mixing the solution.

It should be remembered that laying is carried out only on material that tolerates elevated temperatures. Clay works well for these purposes.

At the very beginning of the processing of the fireplace with artificial stone, the decoration begins to be carried out from the corner of the fireplace. In the process, you need to alternate material having different lengths.

First, the most dimensional parts of the stone are attached, using a small amount of mortar for this. So you will be able to facilitate the laying of the material in the future.

With a trowel, a solution of 1.5 cm layers should be applied to the stone. Make sure that the surface is covered evenly.

When laying the stone, lightly press on it, moving it to the desired position. So the element is better fixed, and the seam is completely filled.

If you are doing the cladding in a very dry room, then the surface of the fireplace and the inside of the artificial stone must be moistened with a wet brush or spray gun.

If you use seamless masonry, then the material should be moistened, regardless of the room temperature.

How to make artificial stone trim

There is no big difference in facing with artificial and natural materials; masonry is carried out according to an identical scheme.

  • when performing the installation of artificial stone, it is required to alternate types, size, change the colors and texture of the material so that the fireplace looks natural;
  • it is advisable to start laying from the top of the fireplace in case the jointing will be used in the future;
  • the seams should be done when facing the same size, but make sure that they are not very even. The ideal result is seams of different thicknesses, located in the same plane. Avoid placing them in a horizontal position one below the other;
  • the stone may have an uneven surface and thickness. This does not affect the finished look of the structure.

When the artificial stone has a rectangular shape, special attention should be paid to vertical seams, controlling the intersection of these lines with horizontal ones. It should be done at a 90 degree angle.

Do not use mixtures with which tiling is done.

To completely fill the seam, you need to use a bag made from a regular plastic bag with one corner cut off, while the hole should be slightly smaller than the width of the seam.

After filling the bag, you should press on it and squeeze out the solution minimally so that it does not get on the outside of the material.

After the beginning of the hardening of the solution, you need to remove the excess with a trowel.

Shutdown

Once the cladding is completed, the surface should be allowed to dry completely. Next, the artificial stone must be treated with a hydrophobic composition.

Every fireplace needs an adequate finish. It is worth remembering that it is the decoration that is responsible for the design of the hearth, and if it is done correctly, then it becomes the center of our home. Finishing fireplaces in the house should take into account the safety, style and specificity of the hearth. Below we will describe the most common types of fireplace mantels and show you what to look for.

Finishing fireplaces in the apartment - warm or cold?

First of all, we should determine the specification of our hearth. In the offers of building materials stores, we can find cold and warm materials. A warm (heat storage) finish traps some of the energy from the heating and releases it directly into the room. Its storage capacity allows you to continue heating the room for some time after you have put out the fire.

The warm finish of the fireplace is well suited for large living rooms. It is not recommended to use it in rooms with a small area, so that there is no excessive temperature rise. A warm finish works best in an open system. This option can increase thermal comfort in large rooms. However, this option is not a good solution when the stove works in a closed system and heats the whole house. In this case, you should only use a cold finish.

The temperature in the furnace can reach very high temperatures. Therefore, the stove must be made of non-combustible materials, or protected by suitable fire insulation. In the case of finishing with combustible materials, it is imperative to make an additional protective wall (separating the hearth and finishing).

Natural and artificial stone for facing the fireplace and other materials

Nowadays, we can find many interesting materials that can be used for cladding. When choosing, it should be remembered that the material for the body should be well suited to the specification of the hearth and the design style of the room. Among the interesting finishing materials are:

  • natural stone (marble, granite, slate, limestone),
  • fake diamond,
  • concrete,
  • clinker tiles for facing the fireplace,
  • ceramic tile,
  • decorative brick,
  • gypsum tile fireplace.

A well-chosen stone gives the room a luxurious look and blends in with most interior elements.

Natural stone fireplace surrounds are ideal for both rustic and modern design. Various decoration elements are 2 to 5 cm thick. They are usually made of stone that can be worked well.

Marble- one of the most durable natural stones. It is characterized by unique decorative qualities. It is easy to keep clean, resistant to high temperatures and various types of damage.

Polished and regular limestone– can be much cheaper than marble, but requires cyclic impregnation. Its porous structure is difficult to keep clean, and without proper care, it can turn gray and lose its decorative value.

Granite- This is a decorative stone for stoves that is very resistant to high temperatures and mechanical damage. It is easy to keep clean, hard and durable. Its only drawback is the difficulty in processing, which leads to a higher price.

Slate- It is durable and resistant to any type of damage. The structure of this stone is smooth, so we will have no problem keeping it clean. The price of slate finishing is very attractive, which makes this material highly popular.

Brick and ceramic tiles for lining stoves and fireplaces

These seemingly simple materials can be used to create an impressively beautiful case. Better such options are suitable for the design of a living room in a traditional style. Brick and ceramic cladding tiles are small in size, so they are well suited for finishing a corner fireplace.

A distinctive feature of clinker bricks is a large accumulation of heat and a porous structure. The latter property makes cleaning difficult.


you can make any shape, and you can also effectively imitate natural stones. Decorative concrete for a corner fireplace will look very presentable and the hearth can be effectively presented. A big advantage is also the price of this option, which is several times less than the lining of natural or artificial stone. Remember, however, that the porous structure of the concrete will be difficult to keep clean and the material must be properly impregnated.

. On sale you can find a wide selection of traditional and modern fireplace tiles. Its sizes and colors are very diverse. Tiles can be used for simple and complex shapes. The undoubted advantage of this solution is the original timeless look. The tiles are glued with mortar, which ensures a long service life of the hull. The polished surfaces are very easy to clean and are resistant to dirt deposits. The only significant drawback is the price of the material. Good quality tiles can cost as much as natural stone cladding.

most commonly used in closed fireplaces. Drywall fits well into modern interiors and can create an interesting arrangement effect. Drywall under the fireplace is quite light, so the design will not be overloaded. Drywall is ideal for corner and wall fireplaces in small spaces. For the production of the hull, we can only use plates marked with the letter F (with increased fire resistance). There must be an insulating layer between the hearth and the body (an additional wall or a mineral wool slab). Finishing should be based on special steel profiles.

Interestingly, the body of the corner fireplace in this case can have an attractive rounded shape, thanks to the use of two layers of plates.


A fireplace can be quite an expensive element of the interior, so many are looking for ready-made solutions for sale. Unfortunately, ready-made solutions have a number of disadvantages. One of the biggest is the complexity of their installation. An off-the-shelf solution will not work well in complex geometries. This is why most people choose to make custom fireplaces. The cheapest options are concrete, drywall, gypsum and ceramic bricks. Prices for products made of artificial and natural stone are higher and can vary quite a lot depending on the material.

Even in the old days, stones were used to build a hearth. In our time, when technology allows the use of synthetic materials, nevertheless, very often stone is used for facing the fireplace.

The demand for stone materials is due to the nobility, excellent taste and reliability of this type of cladding. Finishing not only gives beauty to the appearance, but also corresponds to the practicality and durability of the structure.

The stone is a natural, environmentally friendly material that can withstand a long period of heating at high temperatures, retaining heat in the oven. Has a long service life.

Facing a fireplace with a decorative stone means coordinating the overall design of the room with the location and color shades of the fireplace for a harmonious composition of the entire interior.

Characteristics of natural stones

Facing stone is chosen from many varieties of natural materials. At the same time, the texture reflects the elegance, style and nobility of the structures being built.

To have an idea of ​​the variety of natural materials, let's get acquainted with the most popular options.

Marble

The most common type of lining. Marble has a rich palette of shades of white, red, gray, pink, green, brown and black. Stone patterns are created by its structure and depend on the methods of sawing the rock. The unique pattern of marble is used to create pictorial compositions.

Marble is characterized by many inclusions of various shades with veins and stripes. Processing methods affect the surface texture of the material: smooth, glossy or aged.

Fireplace cladding with marble can be used in combination with other building materials. An excellent option based on marble stone, while maintaining high natural quality, can be considered the use of ground marble.

Almost all varieties of rock are crushed into various fractions, which are used to produce marble mosaics or the main filler. Most often, plain varieties of white and black marble are used.

Granite

It belongs to the most durable, massive and durable types of materials. Finishing the fireplace with natural granite ensures the reliability and attractiveness of the structure. The natural texture blends in harmoniously with the design of the space, containing matching granite items such as furniture or railings.

Granite material has unique decorative properties. The finish is characterized by bright patterns and uniform grain throughout the plane.

The place of production affects the variety of color and its shades. High strength ensures long-term use. In history, the facts of hundred-year-old granite fireplaces are recorded, still heating castles, as well as large mansions.

This stone is easily processed, providing the embodiment of a wide variety of design ideas. The connection of various plates, mosaics, collages created when facing the fireplace looks spectacular. A similar design method gives exclusivity to each element of the design.

The use of granite for finishing the fireplace demonstrates the status of the owner and his attitude to life. Rich people enhanced the impression by using rare colors in order to give not just beauty, but to create the originality and uniqueness of the interior.

Advantages of marble and granite for decoration:

  • resistance to temperature extremes;
  • when heated, they do not emit harmful odors and smoke;
  • always spectacular appearance;
  • combination with various building materials, such as wood, metal, glass, ceramics and other natural stones;
  • undemanding in operation;
  • high strength, resistance to external influences.

Soapstone

Refers to the popular type of finishing materials. Due to the layered structure, it provides high heat capacity, so heat is stored in the stone and its surface is always warm.

It has been known about for centuries. In ancient Egypt and Asian countries, magical properties were attributed to him. The frequency of the radiated heat coincides with human radiation. It is believed that the stone transmits a healthy natural force in contact with the human body. Such strength increases the body's immunity and increases resistance to various bacteria and diseases.

In folk medicine, there is information about the beneficial effects on human health, the normalization of blood pressure, the restoration of the respiratory system and metabolism.

Talcochlorite has a high density, thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion. These qualities are best used in the decoration of fireplaces and stoves.

Sandstone

It is used for the front decoration of the fireplace, as it is resistant to high temperatures, durability and strong structure. Due to the uniqueness of this stone, a variety of original solutions for the fireplace are obtained.

It is easy to process and cut. It has a large selection of colors, shades and unique appearance. When facing with sandstone, you can create picturesque stone paintings.

In this type of material, the qualities of decorativeness, environmental friendliness and affordable prices are best combined.

Granitoceramics

Refers to a kind of finishing material, which is made from natural clay and is used for decorative finishing. The appearance is similar to the texture and color of granite, marble and similar stones.

This material differs from ordinary ceramic tiles only in the basis of manufacturing. Granitoceramics are made using especially durable clay. In other respects, they are very similar, especially in appearance.

Thanks to the clay included in porcelain stoneware, this material has a strong structure, is not subject to mechanical stress, is resistant to elevated temperatures and is durable. During operation, the finishing stone always retains its color and original luster.

shell rock

It is one of the most unique natural stones that create an original fireplace lining. Due to its natural porous structure, it has high thermal insulation and resistance to high temperatures, which is an important factor for finishing a fireplace.

The composition of the shell rock contains the remains of fossilized sea shells and mollusks that have been preserved inside the stone.

To create the necessary forms from shell rock, it is subjected to grinding.

The most common yellow and white colors with various shades are successfully used for interior decoration. Cutting out original details from shell sandstone allows you to arrange the design in accordance with any requests of the owners.

Facing with natural stone is not always suitable for decorating fireplaces. Modern technologies allow the use of materials that are superior to natural stones in terms of heat transfer.

Therefore, for finishing fireplaces, use stone if you are satisfied with the low heat capacity of its surface.

It is important to know that:

  • stone finish reduces the efficiency of the structure, taking heat onto itself;
  • facing the fireplace with granite can be done in the house, if it is not heat transfer that is important, but the presence of live fire;
  • the durability of marble and granite fireplaces is an indisputable fact.

If you use the softest of stones - limestone, then only after a few decades you will be able to see the destruction of its structure. The rest of the stones are less susceptible to external influences, so finishing with natural materials does not have an expiration date.

Disadvantages of natural stones

  • Marble slabs fade over time, small cracks form on their surface;
  • All natural stones are mined from the depths of the earth, so they have a high cost;
  • Natural granite emits natural radioactive background;
  • Sandstone is characterized by abrasion and the ability to quickly absorb moisture from the air;
  • Due to the loose structure, the shell rock can accumulate soot, dust and get dirty.

On the other hand, in comparison with natural beauty, such flaws are negligible, and therefore, when choosing finishing materials, be guided by practical and theoretical knowledge about stones.

Advantages of natural stones

  • Unique, diverse and beautiful in multiple manifestations of textures and shades of color.
  • Granite has a powerful natural energy, it has a positive effect on the human psyche and calms the nervous system.
  • Stone trim can be used in rooms without a regular heating regime, as it is resistant to temperature extremes.
  • You can veneer almost any shape and configuration of the structure.

Finishing with natural stone gives a spectacular appearance and pleases residents with its constancy for many years.

Finishing with artificial materials

Interior decoration with artificial stones conveys the appearance of the power and strength of stone, creating the original beauty of modern styles. The latest technology makes it easy to embody the most incredible fantasies with the help of stone finishes.

Due to the convenience of working with artificial stone, it is used for the manufacture of complex designs of fireplaces.

The advantages include:

  • ease of processing and the creation of various shapes and sizes when facing;
  • light weight, which simplifies the process of decorating;
  • can be combined with other types of materials such as metal, glass or ceramics.

The use of decorative stone for finishing the fireplace allows you to create surfaces that are similar in appearance to natural materials, while the work is much easier and faster.

The appearance of artificial stones among building materials allows the use of inexpensive analogues of the place where expensive stones were purchased. At the same time, the functionality and aesthetics of the quality of the finish are preserved.

Although, nevertheless, artificial stones can be inferior to natural ones in terms of energy and natural benefits. Natural stones can heal and fill the space with healing ions and vibrations. For these purposes, semi-precious or natural gems are used, such as jadeite, agate, onyx or malachite.

The harmony of the home atmosphere created by a stone fireplace conveys not only beauty, but also a sense of reliability, stability and well-being.

With the help of a fireplace lined with wild stone, you can create a work of art, and its originality and uniqueness will correspond to your ideas and attitude to life.

Such a fireplace can only be in a single copy, because natural stones have a unique pattern and inimitable shades created by nature itself. A variety of color shades, various ways of laying and design create the originality and sophistication of your home.

A fireplace is not just a source of heat, but also an important design element of a room. The shape and decoration of the portal largely determine the overall style of the room, so the design of the hearth is given special attention. You can give the fireplace visual appeal in many ways, using a variety of natural and artificial finishing materials.

Tiling a fireplace

One of the most popular ways to design a fireplace is tiling. For finishing, a material with high thermal conductivity is used, for example, porcelain stoneware or clinker tiles.

Decorating the hearth with decorative tiles has the following advantages:

  • a wide range of shades and textures of the material;
  • resistance to high temperatures;
  • It does not require special care;
  • the ability to create compositions in different styles;
  • ease of installation.

Important! For laying tiles, you must use a special heat-resistant adhesive. Facing the fireplace is best done with smaller tiles - the likelihood of cracking the finished coating will be significantly reduced

The sequence of decorating the hearth with ceramic tiles:


Furnace tiling technology: video

Finishing the fireplace with tiles: photo

The use of bricks for finishing the stove and fireplace

Beautiful and neat brickwork can not be hidden under additional decoration. It is enough to make the color of the material more expressive and perform the stitching:

  1. Insert a “waste” into the fireplace masonry - leave about 5-7 mm of space unfilled with mortar from the outside.
  2. After the solution dries, fill the voids formed with decorative grout.
  3. If necessary, grind the brick and chamfer the edges.

To give the masonry brightness, the surface of the fireplace can be treated with hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid solution.

The work of finishing the portal with bricks requires high qualifications from the master. Not every experienced stove-maker is ready to undertake such a cladding. The choice of design for a brick hearth is quite limited - it can be a rustic direction of the interior or an "antique" style.

Portal decoration with natural and artificial stone

Decorative stone is widely used in the design of exterior and interior walls. This material is also suitable for finishing stoves and fireplaces.

Options for finishing the fireplace with stone: photo

Compared to other facing materials, stone has some advantages:

  • high strength;
  • ease of installation - between the stones it is not necessary to leave even seams.

The disadvantages of the stone include its heavy weight and higher cost.

The technology of laying natural and artificial stone is the same as tiling a fireplace. The only difference is the design of the interstone seams.

To finish the hearth, the following natural materials are most often used:


Finishing the fireplace with artificial stone: photos of interiors

Plastering the fireplace and stove

Plastering is an inexpensive and quick way to finish the stove, fireplace. This option of facing the hearth has the following advantages:

  • ease of execution - the work can be done without special skills and without the use of expensive tools;
  • affordable price of materials;
  • the cladding will not weigh down the masonry of the fireplace, so there is no need to strengthen the foundation;
  • you can quickly refresh and change the color of the portal, giving it a new look and style.

It is important to choose the right plaster with which the work will be done. The usual material for finishing facades and walls is not suitable. The heat resistance of the plaster is provided by such components: clay, lime, asbestos, hemp and straw. The addition of fibers gives the working mixture reinforcing properties. Finishing with such plaster is considered the most competent.

You can add decorativeness to the plastered surface by staining. Suitable paints (organosilicon), resistant to significant temperature changes - from strong oven heat to complete cooling of the fireplace.

Finishing fireplaces with your own hands by plastering is carried out in the following sequence:

  1. Remove all contaminants from the surface. Remove old plaster with a grinder or spatula.
  2. Moisten the base of the fireplace a little to reduce dust.
  3. Embroider the masonry seams to a depth of 0.5-1 cm - this will ensure a reliable adhesion of the plaster to the brick.
  4. Before applying the plaster, heat the fireplace and dry it. The base must be warm, otherwise the finished plaster layer will crack at the first rise in temperature.
  5. Fix the reinforcing mesh on the masonry with small nails.
  6. Dilute the heat-resistant plaster mixture with water in the proportion indicated on the package. Mix until smooth with a construction mixer.
  7. Apply putty to the base. Spread evenly over the surface of the fireplace. Embossed protrusions and internal corners are trimmed with a narrow spatula.
  8. Leave the solution to dry - about two to three days. During this period, the fireplace is recommended to warm up a little.
  9. Apply paint or decorative putty on top of the plaster. You can give the portal the desired shade with a water-soluble color scheme.

Advice. As a solution, you can use a mixture of sand and oily clay in a 1: 1 ratio. The solution should not blur, and after its application, cracks should not form on the base. Clay plaster dries longer - at least seven days

Finishing the fireplace: photo ideas for using plastering and painting

Decorative fireplace tiles

Tiles are clay or ceramic decorative tiles of a special box shape, designed for finishing fireplaces, stoves, walls and facades of buildings.

The use of tiles for facing the hearth has a number of advantages over other finishing materials:

  1. A fireplace covered with tiles quickly gains heat and retains it for a long time. This property is especially relevant for country portals that are not intended for permanent heating.
  2. Lining durability. Tiles are heat-resistant, impact-resistant and unpretentious in maintenance, so their service life is calculated in tens of years.
  3. When heated, decorative tiles-boxes do not produce harmful substances. Tiles - environmentally friendly material.
  4. Resistant to high humidity and significant temperature changes.
  5. Finishing with tiles gives additional strength to the design of the stove or fireplace.
  6. With the help of the material, you can easily hide all the defects in the masonry of the fireplace.

Tiled tiling also has some disadvantages:

  1. Sophisticated finishing technology - it is better to entrust the work to an experienced master.
  2. Due to the large weight of the tiles, they are recommended for decorating massive wood-burning fireplaces.
  3. The high cost of materials and work on laying tiles. A tiled fireplace/stove kit will cost $1,400-1,500 on average.

The fireplace cladding kit includes the following items:

  • corner tiles - for facing the corners of the fireplace;
  • flat - to design a flat surface of the portal;
  • shaped elements - for finishing sharp corners and bulges;
  • basement in the form of a plinth - for framing the lower part of the fireplace.

In addition, additional decorative elements can be used: a shelf, decorative stucco molding, a crown, etc.

Consider the phased progress of work on facing the fireplace with tiles:


Important! Finishing with tiles should ideally be seamless. The maximum allowable gap for horizontal joints - no more than 3 mm, for vertical - 1 mm

Advice. When finishing a fireplace that will be fired with solid fuel, it is advisable to introduce 10% of the powder into the composition of the solution.

Finishing the fireplace: photo of the application of tiles

Plasterboard fireplace trim

Fireplace cladding can be made of refractory gypsum boards. The main advantage of this method is the ability to create a portal of an unusual configuration. The whole process of lining the fireplace can be divided into two stages: assembling the metal frame and lining it with drywall sheets.

When lining a GKL fireplace, the following rules should be followed:

  1. It is advisable to sheathe the frame from the profiles from the inside with sheets of magnesite.
  2. On both edges of the fireplace, it is necessary to provide holes for air circulation. Holes at the bottom of the fireplace mantel allow air to flow into the fireplace, and holes at the top allow heated air to escape.
  3. It is necessary to lay basalt insulation in the frame of the plasterboard structure.
  4. Plasterboard boards should only be joined at the horizontal and vertical framing members, not between them.
  5. Drywall sheets can be faced with artificial or natural stone, tiles or porcelain stoneware.

Features of finishing a fireplace with wood

The use of wood as a finishing material for a fireplace seems impossible to many. However, subject to a number of requirements, the portal can be given a noble and strict look, using wood for cladding.


Decorating a fireplace is a creative process that can be implemented in many ways. It is worth noting that some cladding options (plastering, laying tiles) are quite simple, and it is quite possible to do them yourself. Decorating a fireplace with tiles and wood is best left to professionals. Experienced craftsmen will be able to create a truly artistic masterpiece without violating the finishing technology and fulfilling all safety requirements.