DIY plasterboard fireplace or how to make your dream come true

Andrey
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Andrey October 27, 2016Specialization: facade finishing, interior finishing, construction of dachas, garages. Experience of an amateur gardener and gardener. We also have experience in repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing the guitar and many other things that I don’t have time for :)

Currently, there is a new wave of popularity for such a piece of furniture as a fireplace, which has always been considered a symbol of family hearth and comfort. Of course, apartment residents do not have access to a functioning fireplace for a number of reasons, however, this does not mean that the idea of ​​decorating their home with a portal will have to be abandoned. In this article I will tell you how to make a fireplace from plasterboard with your own hands - step-by-step instructions are presented below.

Decorative fireplace made of plasterboard

Niche design options

The resulting portal also allows you to implement many interesting solutions:

• Installation of shelves. You can make removable or portable options.
• Placement of a painting or bas-relief. To achieve this, the space is made more open and the appropriate exterior decoration is selected.
• Illuminated glass insert device. To enhance the effect, a pattern is created on the base, which is illuminated in different shades.
• Installation of a mirror covering with decor in the form of electric candles.

The main thing is complete harmony with the style of the room; the fireplace should create an atmosphere of calm and set the mood for relaxation.

What you need to know before finishing

Regardless of what material you use to cover the fireplace, there are some rules that are always relevant. Moreover, they apply to both fireplaces made of heat-resistant steel and cast iron stoves. For the most part, this section is dedicated specifically to the design component .
Materials and design should match the overall style of the room. Decorating with wooden half-bars in a strict hi-tech interior will look ridiculous, just like, in principle, “marble” cladding in a log house .

Also, special attention should be paid to the form. It is necessary to maintain proportions so that the upper and lower parts are in perfect harmony. Often people make a small open furnace firebox from below, and the rest of the space, right up to the roof, is occupied by plasterboard finishing . It looks strange, to say the least.

Direct assembly of the main frame

When compared with other furniture options, the TV niche has a separate assembly structure. The only similarity is that it has a main element and additional details of a special figure that have a formative function.

The assembly process itself is carried out as follows:

1. Installation of guide profiles. The most advantageous option for optimal load is 50 mm.

2. Approximately 4 rows of guides are nailed to the rough version of the plane, and in the case of continuous sheathing - to hidden plasterboard profiles.

3. An ordinary small podium is mounted at the foot.

4. If there are side columns, it is recommended to duplicate the guides, between which it is necessary to insert special jumpers of the required length; they will be the ones who will determine the depth of the excavation.

There are several profile connection options:

• with the help of bent wings”;
• use of “crab”;
• using a special insert that serves as a possible profile extension;
• The best option is cutters.

One more point should be taken into account: before sewing the frame, it is recommended to lay all the wires in the internal plane of the structure.

Voting: which hearth or electric fireplace is the best?

Which hearths and electric fireplaces would you choose or recommend to buy?

Royal Flame Space 2

16.67 % ( 1 )

REALFLAME 3D FIRESTAR 33

16.67 % ( 1 )

Electrolux EFP/W-1200URLS

33.33 % ( 2 )

Electrolux EFP/W-1250ULS

16.67 % ( 1 )

Dimplex Cassette L series Opti-Myst

16.67 % ( 1 )

Hearth RealFlame Epsilon 26 SIR

0.00 % ( 0 )

RealFlame Fobos Lux BL S

0.00 % ( 0 )

Electrolux EFP/W-1100RRC

0.00 % ( 0 )

Royal Flame Dioramic 25 LED FX

0.00 % ( 0 )

Two ways to make a false fireplace

We build a fireplace from plasterboard

To build a fireplace from plasterboard we will need:

• profiles;
• plasterboard sheets;
• self-tapping screws;
• screwdriver;
• glue;
• putty;
• decorative elements.

First, we create a drawing and calculate the volume of materials. When planning, you should remember that the appearance and dimensions of the future structure depend on the area of ​​the room. You should not make a fireplace too large for a small room; it is better to install a corner false fireplace, which will also solve the problem of unused space.

Frame made of metal profiles

The location for the future fireplace has been chosen, now you can begin installation. To do this, we make markings on the wall and install a frame made of metal profiles. For stability, we connect the frame elements with transverse jumpers. We check the evenness of all edges of the finished frame with a level and proceed to cutting the drywall.

Next, we proceed to covering the frame with plasterboard. The screw caps should not stick out, so we recess them slightly. After assembling the structure, we seal the joints with putty. First of all, we process the seams, screw heads and corners. We prime everything on top.

Covering the frame with plasterboard

False fireplaces made of plasterboard can be painted or finished with other materials: tiles, artificial stone or stucco.

It is advisable to finish the inside walls of the portal with magnesite or foil thermal insulation

Pseudo-fireplace from old furniture

This option is considered the cheapest. It allows you to create a chic false fireplace from old unnecessary furniture. To work you will need:

• old wardrobe or sideboard;
• Sander;
• plywood sheets;
• jigsaw;
• putty;
• acrylic paint;
• decorative elements (stucco, stone).

A fireplace can be made from old furniture

Remove the doors from an old cabinet or sideboard. Using a screwdriver and self-tapping screws, we cover the facade of the cabinet with plywood or plasterboard so that we get an imitation of the firebox and firewood. If the surface of the sideboard or cabinet is polished, then we process it with a grinding machine to roughen it. Next, we proceed to prime the walls, which, after drying, we putty and level. We paint the surface with acrylic paint and glue decorative elements. The corners can be trimmed with artificial stone or brick.

Now we make the combustion hole. To do this, place a yellow or red LED strip at the bottom of the firebox (along the perimeter) and lay out shells, pebbles or colored sand.

Decor of the fireplace portal

The cladding cannot be called a completely finished work.
You can make a design that will attract all your guests and will delight the eye for a long time. A beautiful glow can be achieved by lining the portal with mirror panels. Inside, along the entire area of ​​the box, you can run an LED strip, which will be reflected beautifully in the mirrors. You can also place several candles there.

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Inside the niche you can install an LCD screen with imitation of crackling logs and flames. If you want to provide a real flame, you can put a separate small bio-fireplace in a niche. It runs on biofuel, is easy to refill and is safe when used correctly.

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Plants, dry twigs, pine cones and candles also work well as decoration. They will create a special comfort and festive atmosphere. On the upper niche you can place frames with photographs, figurines or vases with interesting ornaments.

On the wall to which the installation is adjacent you can place a flat-screen TV or a picture. In a small room, you can place a mirror above it, which will visually expand the space.

The final touch: fireplace decor

A decorative portal on the wall or in the corner of the room can be supplemented with candle flames by installing a bio-fireplace with real flames in the firebox or by placing a heater there, stylized as burning logs. In any case, an artificial hearth will look no worse than a real one, and can perform the functions of a decorative element in the interior even better. After all, to light a fire you will not need either wood or coal, which can stain the carpet or floor.

It is not enough to just build a fireplace with your own hands from plasterboard. It is also necessary to decorate the finished structure. A few photos will help you choose the desired design style and make a reliable frame suitable for a specific interior.

The sufficient strength of gypsum board allows you to decorate the hearth even with materials such as imitation wild stone and tiles. Tip: the easiest way is to buy ready-made stucco molding from polystyrene foam.

Fireplaces for a rustic-style interior (photo in Fig. 3) can be covered with light tiles that reproduce the surface of rocks. Before finishing, cover the surface of the gypsum board with putty for better adhesion of the tile adhesive. Installation of tiles is carried out according to general rules:

• stick the elements;
• dry;
• perform grouting and jointing (if necessary).

The tiles are fixed in the same way. For interiors in bourgeois style, you can find tiles that imitate tiles in trade organizations. Such fireplaces can be complemented with stucco molding painted in shades of paint on the tiles.

Interior products: polyurethane molding

The greatest scope for imagination is provided by the classic style. Polyurethane foam and plastic moldings, baseboards, and stucco moldings allow you to create masterpieces in the Rococo and Baroque styles, as in the photo (Fig. 4), turning your apartment into palace apartments. This design of fireplaces should be approached very responsibly, trying to combine the appearance of the hearth and other furnishings.

Depending on whether you plan to use the fireplace as a decorative element, or whether you want to receive some heat from it on winter evenings, it’s up to you to decide, but you can choose to imitate different types of flames. The portal looks elegant, in the firebox where the bio-fireplace is installed. Such design will 100% comply with fire safety rules.

How to light a fire in a fireplace?

You will probably think that lighting a fireplace is the easiest task - throw in a couple of branches, papers, bring a match and here it is - beauty. In reality, everything turns out differently. The first fire can tell you a lot.

After manual construction, if you suddenly doubt the effectiveness of your miracle fireplace, call a specialist to the site for an assessment and initial heating

Otherwise, there may be a strong risk of ignition if installed incorrectly, as in the 2021 American film “Manchester by the Sea,” where the main character inadvertently burned down the entire house by throwing in a couple of extra firewood. There are other pitfalls that may emerge after a short time

Still from the film Manchester by the Sea (Manchester by the Sea) burning house

There is no need to rush things when it comes to the finish line. Your efforts may be ineffective, so read one of our articles in advance on how to properly light a fireplace.

In conclusion, check out this funny video of a Dalmatian and a horse having fun against the backdrop of enchanting flames - relaxation is guaranteed.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=UTxsZn7ZVkg

Peculiarities

Instagram @shabby.woody

False fireplaces can become not only a decorative element of your interior, but also a useful heating device that you will use during the cold season.

However, you can come across information that finishing with special materials allows you to use real flames in homemade structures. We advise you not to do such things, since even the most fire-resistant material may not withstand high temperatures and lead to disastrous consequences.

In this case, pay attention to electric heating. It is not only economical in its use, but also safe for life.

Advantages of false fireplaces

• You can choose any shape you like
• No special documents required for installation
• Such designs are safe and functional
• Production does not require large expenses
• Materials for stove models can be purchased at any store and market.

Kinds

Even artificial stoves have several types. One of them is interior. However, it is not suitable for heating a room, since it is only capable of simulating fire, burning coals or logs or hot stones.

If you want not only to transform your interior, but also to warm up the room, then the electric option is suitable for you. When installing it, you may need to use heat-resistant finishing materials for the portal.

• Apartment

  4 ways to make a false fireplace with your own hands: step-by-step instructions

Step-by-step instructions for making your own from plasterboard

Creating a portal for a fireplace from plasterboard with your own hands is not a difficult, creative, and interesting task. Materials for it are sold in almost all construction stores; tools can be bought or rented.

A plasterboard fireplace is a portal in the shape of a real hearth, but the structure remains hollow inside.

Deciding on the interior design

At the very beginning, it is recommended to decide on the design of the structure - the object should optimally fit into the existing interior design. It will be a “antique” fireplace decorated with stucco or covered with silver paint in a high-tech style, a simple minimalist design in white color or covered with imitation brick in a loft style. Sometimes the object is lined with flexible artificial stone, or covered with a film to imitate marble, granite, onyx and other stones.

In appearance, such a portal, with appropriate finishing, is no different from a traditional solid fireplace.

Choosing a suitable location

The fireplace can be installed in any convenient location. A niche in the wall, a free corner, just an empty, flat wall or a large protrusion (at least a meter wide) on it is suitable for it. The product is hung from the wall, placed in the middle of the room, and mounted on a pedestal. The installation site is leveled and freed from all unnecessary things.

Drywall frames are used for arranging decorative portals and for placing an electric or bio-fireplace inside the structure.

We make drawings with dimensions

After creating a preliminary sketch, you need to depict the view of the hearth from different sides to determine what details are needed. Afterwards, full-size drawings are transferred directly to the material.

Building a decorative or conventional portal for a fireplace with your own hands is a fairly simple technological process.

We create a full-fledged project, layout

For a more accurate idea of ​​what the finished fireplace will look like, a miniature mock-up is created. Any scale is acceptable - one to three, one to five, one to eight, etc. The project notes the overall dimensions, thickness of parts, cut of the internal part and other important points.

A frame is erected from a metal profile or wooden blocks, and the top is covered with plasterboard according to the pattern of the structure.

Necessary tools, materials

To work you will need:

• screwdriver;
• perforator;
• ruler;
• iron tape measure;
• square;
• building level;
• a simple pencil;
• jigsaw;
• sheet of drywall;
• metal guides;
• self-tapping screws;
• PVA glue;
• putty;
• finishing coating.

Tools you will need for your work.

Preparation, marking

Before installation begins, the installation site is marked, indicating the location of the support strips, top shelf, and extreme side points. Average dimensions of a pseudo-hearth for a room with an area of ​​10-16 square meters. m.: height 770-90 cm, width 100-120 cm, depth 25-45 cm.

The thickness of the drywall is selected based on the required load-bearing load.

Frame assembly, installation

Installation of the product begins with the installation of pedestal supports. Later, horizontal jumpers are attached to it. Afterwards the main part is installed

It is important to maintain the parallelism of the supporting parts with each other - otherwise the distortion of the structure is inevitable

Drywall is the basis for any finishing material.

We make the arch of the fireplace chamber

The “insides” of the fireplace structure are assembled separately. If the portal is arched, to create it you will need flexible perforated profiles that are laid along the contour of the already cut parts.

Heat-resistant plasterboard is an excellent material for bio- and electric fireplaces.

Sheathing

After installing the frame, the fireplace is covered with plasterboard. Self-tapping screws are used for this - they should be screwed in so that the caps are slightly buried in the material and can be easily puttyed, completely hidden from view. On such a flat surface it is easy to apply a finishing coating and glue three-dimensional props.

The shape of the portal depends on the chosen design style.

Portal cladding

It is possible to finish a plasterboard structure with a variety of materials. These are ceramic tiles, various paints, decorative plaster, self-adhesive films with images of bricks or fancy designs. All kinds of ornaments and hand painting are also acceptable.

The advantage of decorative and electric fireplaces is that their construction does not require paperwork for a building permit.

Plasterboard cladding

It is not necessary to buy fireproof boards; you can also use moisture-resistant material. Cutting drywall parts is done using a simple paint knife. A cut is made along the marked line under any straight plank, after which the canvas is bent. The cardboard on the other side is trimmed.

Do-it-yourself lining of a fireplace insert with plasterboard can cause difficulties in hard-to-reach places. And so the assembly technology is no different from any other gypsum board construction:

• The sheets are sewn to the profiles using metal screws. The hats go deeper into the canvas. It is better if individual parts are cut from a single sheet. This will make pre-finishing much easier. To process the corner joints of the structure, use a special plasterboard plane or a painting knife.
• For thermal insulation on the inside, the cladding is made using a basalt slab and foil. There is foil mineral wool. But attention should be paid to the quality of the glue used in this material. It must meet safety standards and withstand prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures.

The smoke exhaust box can also be made of plasterboard. Thermal insulation and foil reflector should be installed inside the device. The chimney box has holes for ventilation grilles.

Portal for an electric fireplace made of plasterboard

In order to make a beautiful portal from plasterboard, you need to carry out all your actions clearly according to this list:

1. We purchase an electric fireplace and measure its dimensions.
2. We determine the place where the future fireplace will be located.
3. We make a drawing with images of the frame and appearance of the fireplace.
4. We make markings on the walls and floor.
5. According to the drawing (dimensions), we cut the metal U-shaped profile (UD or CD) into pieces and assemble the frame using self-tapping screws, starting from the support frame near the wall.
6. We check the correctness of the lines with a building level and a tape measure (diagonals).
7. We mark and cut the sheets of drywall and use self-tapping screws to attach them to the finished frame in two layers.
8. In a similar way, we assemble the base of the future fireplace portal and the mantelpiece from plasterboard and a metal profile.
9. We attach the mantelpiece and the base with screws and glue (or silicone).
10. We putty all the joints and holes in two or three layers, smooth out the unevenness with an abrasive mesh until absolutely smooth surfaces are obtained.
11. We putty the surface and start decorating the portal using self-adhesive film, paint, gypsum stucco elements, decorative plaster or other materials necessary to create the stylistic design of the fireplace portal.

Finishing the fireplace portal with artificial stone

Artificial stones have a number of advantages. The appearance can imitate granite, malachite, sandstone, marble and other natural stones. Artificial stones are divided into three groups: porcelain stoneware, agglomerates and colored concrete stones.

The process of finishing a fireplace with decorative stone

Before purchasing material for constructing a fireplace portal, you should pay attention to:

• the thickness of the purchased stones (this affects the dimensions of the finished structure);
• frost resistance and percentage of water absorption;
• repeatability of elements (optimally 3 m2).

Preparation stages:

• We create a sketch of the future portal, drawing all the elements and taking into account the color scheme.
• Open several packages and mix them. Clean the side of the stone that will come into contact with the adhesive mixture and the wall with a wire brush.
• Using a brush or roller, apply acrylic primer to the cleaned surface of the stones.

Styling:

• We lay out the design on the floor according to the sketch (for cutting we use a grinder with a cutting wheel).
• Using a brush, moisten the surface of the fireplace and stones.
• We start laying from the top corner, initially using whole elements and taking into account the thickness of the seams. The rows alternate larger stones with smaller ones. Accordingly, elements of smaller thickness are chosen for the upper rows, and greater thickness for the lower ones.
• We carry the adhesive solution and level it with a spatula. We maintain a layer of about five millimeters.
• We press the stone to the surface and slightly scroll in different directions.

If necessary, we make jointing and apply paint and a protective coating to the front part of the masonry.

Recommended decoration methods

The “filling” of the portal usually determines the appearance:

• Thus, marble and granite will perfectly reflect the “classic” style with its presentability and the dominant “figure” of the interior;
• A false chimney will add naturalness to the product. In this case, with the original analogue it will be much more clearly expressed;
• For high-tech, you get a wonderful combination of brick finishing and the presence of a TV inside the firebox. Simple and clear lines are extremely relevant in the modern world;
• The bohemian style is conveyed by the beautiful Greek statues that decorate the appearance of the portal;
• Minimal, unpretentious decoration perfectly characterizes Art Nouveau;
• Candles in the portal will bring a romantic mood. They will create an illusory perception of the beginning of the last century;
• The fireplace is a great place to place your favorite books;
• Corner design - interior decoration of the smallest space;
• In the spirit of English traditions, decorate the mantelpiece with a clock in the shape of a figurine;
• The Provence style will be much more noticeable thanks to the stone finishing.

The influence of a plasterboard fireplace on the layout

At the same time, the decision to install a fireplace in your apartment should not be taken lightly. Wrong decisions will turn advantages into disadvantages, and an unnecessary pretentious shelf for trash and dust will be piled up in the corner. Therefore, we have prepared information on how to make a fireplace from plasterboard, in order to expand your design horizons.

First, you should carefully consider the changes in layout that the fireplace will cause and choose a suitable location. Based on your conclusions, think about the shape and appearance that you would like to see.

The simple design of plasterboard fireplaces reveals the limitless possibilities of this material. Don't get hung up on grave granite, the brick splendor of old England fences, or marble covered in bronze to look like gold. There are many other stylistic choices that can be fun to explore.

Simulated fire vs natural flame

The home comfort industry offers several options for simulating live fire with varying degrees of authenticity. From a full-fledged picture of a fire to an almost completely identical process of burning birch logs with smoke and flame. The dimensions and characteristics of the selected equipment will allow you to determine the dimensions of the plasterboard fireplace required for installation.

1 - electric fireplace; 2 — imitation of fire; 3 - portal decor

This is much better than the real soot, soot, firewood and drafts of a real fireplace. The question of choice is only the amount you are willing to pay for it and the goals you want to achieve. An electric fireplace, or combustion simulator, is that part of the structure that will have to be purchased ready-made. You won’t be able to make it yourself, and there’s no point in experimenting. But decorating an electric fireplace with your own hands will allow you to show creativity.

Start of installation work

The experience of using plasterboard in interior decoration can be expanded to interior elements. Making fireplaces of the desired appearance with your own hands is a completely feasible task. Make a drawing and put the main dimensions on it. Many people neglect this stage, making a big mistake at the very beginning of the matter. Three sets of work are conventionally distinguished:

1. frame manufacturing
2. covering the fireplace with plasterboard
3. finishing

The frame can be assembled from a tin U- and L-shaped profile or from wood. It is difficult to say which is preferable; it all depends on the dominant skills of the performer. The advantage of tin can be considered that it allows you to easily reproduce a broken and even bent surface.

Differences between plasterboard and brick when facing

There are no radical pros or cons of either method or the other. This is mostly a matter of taste. Drywall is an easy-to-work, universal finishing material. You can install it with your own hands in a matter of hours, without having any special tools at hand.
After completing the work, there is one more pleasant detail - you can decorate the surface in many ways, using various materials (paint, putty, etc.). The advantages of this option include, perhaps, ease and speed - which is important when you work with your own hands . And also many options for the final result. decorate the stove as you want . Many examples can be seen in videos and photographs on the Internet.

Useful tips from professionals

Construction of a box for a decorative portal requires patience and some skills; at the first stage, advice from professionals will be useful. The most interesting and artistic part of the work is the finishing of the front part.

The traditional way of decoration is wallpapering. Wallpaper hides surface unevenness well, and one layer of putty is enough. The wallpaper is selected to match the tone of the walls from one collection, using a border with an ornament to decorate the facade. The option of covering the box and walls with the same trellises looks good only in fashionable, stylish interiors - Scandinavian, minimalism, hi-tech. In this case, it is better to prefer monochromatic colors. A fireplace covered with floral wallpaper or with monograms looks out of place.

Making a drawing

The next stage is the creation of the project. In principle, there is no project here as such, you just need to sketch out a sketch in which the shape of the fireplace will be clearly visible. Don’t forget to put the dimensions of the future structure on paper. This will definitely come in handy when you have to transfer the dimensions into reality.

But here you will be faced with the question, what kind of fireplace do you want to see in your apartment? If you have not yet presented it, and you are having difficulties with this, then we recommend looking at photos of fireplaces in apartments, which are posted in large numbers on the Internet. At this stage, you just need to find the form option that suits you

Don't pay attention to the finishing, you'll deal with that later.

If the choice is made, then the form can be transferred to paper. Now align the dimensions of the portal with the dimensions of the room and the wall near which it will be built. Everything should be harmonious. Although there are no strict restrictions in this regard. You can make the fireplace high but narrow, or low but wide. The choice is huge, so go for it.

Construction technology

Work structure

Some stores provide ready-made portal layouts that do not require lengthy installation or repair work. However, such solutions are quite one-sided and do not allow imagination to unfold, contributing to the creation of a typical fireplace that is unlikely to please the eye. An alternative to buying angular and not very beautiful prefabricated structures is to build a full-fledged portal yourself. However, for this it is necessary not only to have some practical skills in working with materials, but also to have spatial thinking.

The structure of work to create such an object is as follows:

• preparatory work;
• collection of tools;
• construction of the frame;
• portal cladding;
• decoration.

The above steps are an integral part of constructing a portal with your own hands from plasterboard. Today, such a solution is one of the best, since it does not involve large material costs and does not require much time.

The key feature of construction work is preparation aimed at creating optimal conditions for the construction of the facility. In the case of our construction, it is based on the following:

1. determining the location for installing the fireplace;
2. clearing the area, preparing surfaces;
3. creation of a basic construction plan.

We decide on the place where the portal will stand.
Based on these principles, building a full-fledged portal for an electric fireplace will not be difficult. At the very beginning, you should decide on the location of the fireplace system. Choosing it is not as difficult as when building a full-fledged stone fireplace, when it is necessary to strengthen the foundation and prepare a fire-resistant base, but still there are some nuances in this matter. The best place to install an electric fireplace is a wall in the back of the house or even a corner. In this case, the appearance of the fireplace will not be blocked by daylight, and the entire interior will become more cozy and comfortable.

This solution will create optimal prerequisites for the construction of the system, and will also make it possible to carry out construction work more quickly and accurately.

Drawings and their creation are an integral part of preparation. It is the creation of a plan that makes it clear what the finished object will be like, its geometric proportions and aspect ratios, as well as determine its shape and preferences for finishing.

Basic requirements for materials

Cladding a fireplace insert with your own hands requires first familiarization with the basic requirements and rules for the selection of materials and coatings.

This instruction will tell you about the main nuances of choice:

1. Material cost. For cladding, you can choose either a fairly expensive marble or a more budget-friendly coating represented by plasterboard or decorative plaster;
2. Installation features. Depending on the stage of construction of the house itself, the type of fireplace and other design features, the price and complexity of installing a heating unit can vary significantly;
3. Technological characteristics.

Each coating has its own characteristics of performing the work. Facing some of them can take quite a long time. For example, the use of artificial stone is accompanied by a large amount of dirt and dust.

Simple and budget-friendly DIY fireplace design

Cladding the base with wood and natural stone

Important: plasterboard cladding is one of the simplest and most cost-effective options. The average time for such work is from 5 to 8 days. When choosing a natural stone, you will need not only several times more time and money, but also professional tools and work skills.

You can view photos of various finishing options in this article.

Design selection

Let's start with the fact that the first step is to establish in which place in the room the fireplace should be installed.

If you turn to a professional designer who is drawing up a design project for you, then this specialist will figure out where and what to install and how to place it.

But if you have taken on its role, then when creating the interior you will need to take into account some rules for installing a fireplace.

Everything will depend on the size of the room where it will be placed. If the room is small, then you can use two options: corner and in the form of a niche, slightly protruding from the wall.

The first option has several advantages:

• Small sizes.
• Does not take up useful space in the room.
• Fits well into the design.
• Can be used as a decorative shelf or cabinet.

The only negative is that the corner option cannot always be used. Usually the corners of the room near the window are covered with curtains, on the opposite side there is an entrance door in one corner, and on the other side the fireplace is not so clearly visible.

Therefore, it is best to give preference to the usual front element. Moreover, it is possible to build a small structure that will fit well into the interior of the room and will not take up much space.

This is interesting: Baroque style in the interior - undisguised luxury and wealth

Cladding the fireplace insert - what material to use

The purchased fireplace stove itself looks quite stylish; you have definitely seen similar solutions in a bathhouse. But a simple cast iron stove simply does not fit into many interiors from a design point of view. Of course, if you have an ordinary house without good repairs, you can get by with a simple stove with a stand, which you can make yourself. But even if you are satisfied with this state of affairs, it is better to “splurge” and do the lining of the fireplace insert with your own hands.

You can see vivid examples of this in videos or photographs (there are plenty of them on the Internet). The cheapest option is to line the stove with bricks yourself, in which case you will only need to waste your time and effort, as well as purchase materials. Fortunately, they can now be obtained quite cheaply; many people have the same brick “lying idle” in their dacha/near their house, left over from recent construction.

Imitation of fire in a fireplace: design options

Decorative home hearths made of gypsum plasterboard require compliance with fire safety standards, since such a design is designed exclusively for artificial fire.

There are several ways to create an artificial imitation of fire

Most often, craftsmen use the following types of fire imitation:

1. Use of steam.
2. Creation of "theater fire".
3. Use of salt lamps.
4. Installation in the TV hearth.

The most difficult way to create a decorative flame is with steam. Not everyone can create such an imitation, because it will require a specific set of components and special equipment, as well as skills in working with electronics.

To make a fire of this kind, you need to prepare:

1. DMX controller.
2. Fan with a diameter of 9 cm.
3. LED RGB lamp.
4. DMX decoder.
5. 3 ultrasonic fog generators.

These devices must be selected according to the parameters of the built fireplace, the layout, as well as the manufacturer and characteristics. It all depends on what initial result the master wants to get. All these devices are included in steam electric fireplaces, as well as concert electrical devices that create the effect of steam.

If the master wants to use exactly this method of simulating a flame, it is important to provide the necessary parameters for the components and mount the fireplace of the required size. The operating principle of such an electric fireplace looks like this:

The operating principle of such an electric fireplace looks like this:

1. A fog generator should be placed at the bottom of the container into which water is previously poured.
2. The generator has a membrane that creates vibrations at a specific ultrasonic frequency, providing reduced pressure. Therefore, it turns out, one might say, a vacuum and the water evaporates at room temperature.
3. Thanks to this, the steam rises.
4. The top is illuminated by an LED lamp.
5. A diaphragm is installed above the structure.

Assembly using technology will make it possible to create a more natural imitation of flame yourself in a false fireplace. The second way is the theatrical option. As is already clear, this method is used in theatrical circles for various kinds of productions. However, it is also suitable for making a dummy, imitation of fire.

To make such an imitation yourself, you need to prepare the following items:

1. A piece of light white silk fabric.
2. 3 halogen lamps with reflectors.
3. Silent, powerful fan.
4. 3 filters: red, orange and blue.
5. A box or a special bowl for assembling a false structure.

When everything is prepared, you can begin assembly according to the following scheme. A fan should be installed at the bottom of the box or bowl. The cord must be routed out. Next, you need to attach halogen lamps to one axis so that the light is directed upward. Then, at a distance of 20 mm above the lamps, you need to install light filters.

The next step is to attach the flaps to the box, bowl along the edges of the fan. When you turn on the fan in the power supply, not a real fire will appear in the fireplace, but very similar to a natural one. This method is quite simple and makes it possible to create an almost real, mesmerizing flame in the fireplace.

Materials for production

For this design, it is better to use plasterboard, the most affordable and easily processed material, which is also environmentally friendly.

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Offered in a wide range by hardware stores, it has different purposes for use and different sheet thicknesses - these indicators determine the price.

In your case, this does not matter; you can buy the cheapest option: usually it is ceiling-mounted, 8 mm thick and overall dimensions 2500 by 1200 mm. A profile system for plasterboard is used as a frame.

You will need two types: PPN as a guide and PS for the frame. If the design includes an arch, use an arched profile that bends easily.

Dream come true!

Layout
Work should begin with the manufacture of the box. We can safely say that this stage of work is the most important, because already at this stage the foundation, strength and stability of the future fireplace are laid. As a rule, the frame is made of UD and CD profiles. First, from a design drawn on a piece of paper, transfer the outline of the fireplace to the wall and partially to the floor. In this case, use a level, thereby achieving accuracy

Profile frame
When the entire frame is ready, you can begin covering it with plasterboard. After this, each formed joint is covered with a special putty.

If you want to make a footstool, you will need to additionally build a frame for it from a profile. Subsequently, logs can be placed on this foot as decoration.

Before installing an electric fireplace, you will need to thoroughly putty the entire structure. After grouting, the fireplace will be ready for finishing work.

putty

After fixing the gypsum board to the frame, it is necessary to putty the joints of the sheets. The joints and screw heads are covered with the first layer of putty - wait for complete drying. Next, a sickle mesh is glued to these places. This mesh is needed to avoid cracking of the putty at the joints. Then the structure is coated with a second layer of primer.

The dried surface is treated with fine sandpaper.

After this, you need to putty the entire fireplace with finishing putty. The finished, completely dried putty layer must be treated with fine-grained sandpaper. This will eliminate all imperfections and imperfections on the surface. With this the creation of the frame is completed, the most enjoyable work remains - decorating the fireplace.

Facing material

For cladding, it is better to use unpainted gypsum tiles in the form of brick or stone.

Select the paint as desired, and additionally cover it with varnish. Start laying from the top row, so that if trimming is necessary, the tiles of the bottom row are reduced.

Important! Using a screwdriver, adjust the power, otherwise the screws in the metal will spin and can push through the drywall.

Painting the fireplace

If you decide to paint it in any color, then you should putty the entire surface twice more. That is, apply one layer, let it dry for 24 hours, and then apply the next one.

• After the second layer has dried, the surface is sanded, removing all irregularities.

Next, the primer is applied in one layer, after it has completely dried, the paint is applied in two layers.

If you decide to finish with facing material, then the surface of the putty plasterboard is primed.

What else can you fill the firebox with?

But if you don’t want to constantly admire the dancing flames, then you can leave only decorative functions to the fireplace. Or use it for other practical purposes. At first glance, the fireplace has only two uses. In fact, everything is limited only by the riot of imagination.

False fireplace decorated with a mirror Source remont-samomy.ru

Here is a giant list of how you can use the firebox of a false fireplace:

• Lay out the wood as for a fire. You can add a little bit of everything to the logs.
• Figurative dry branches, candle lanterns and even indoor green plants.
• Lining the inside of a fake fireplace with ceramic tiles will increase its appeal. In addition, you don’t have to worry about ignition from a burning candle.
• But if the fear of fires remains, then burning candles can be placed in separate cases. Several lanterns of different sizes in the firebox will look very original.
• If you use low candles and place each one on its own small log, you can even create a festive atmosphere.
• During the Christmas season, it is good to complement the hearth with candles with fir branches.
• Using fireplace paraphernalia, you can further embellish the fake decor. For example, place dry ikebana in a poker bucket. Place a firewood stand inside the fireplace and place candles on it.
• If you rank items, you can get an original effect. In the hearth, candles are placed on stands, in glasses, or just like that.
• You can install a work of art in the fireplace portal - a small painting or figurine.
• A thematic poster surrounded by decorative bottles will look more than original.
• If the false fireplace turns out to be massive, then it can be used instead of a cabinet. In this case, a good solution would be to place a chest for things inside the portal.
• The bookshelves inside the fireplace look extraordinary.
• When the decoration is installed in the kitchen, it can perform practical functions. A rack is installed in the portal, and dishes or jars of spices are stored on its shelves.
• Children rarely have such decor. But if it is already there, then a dollhouse can fit inside. Or the hearth becomes a storage area for toys.
• It is symbolic to close the portal with a door. It will act as an entrance to the magical world.
• If there is a large toy animal, then the firebox can serve as a kennel.
• Both the mantelpiece and the shelving unit inside the hearth will help to display a collection of figurines or objects.
• A giant letter or a whole word will look quirky in the fireplace.
• A wicker basket works well for a rustic look. You can put anything inside. From chopped firewood to imitation of the harvest.
• The firebox filled to the top with pumpkins of various sizes looks extraordinary.
• A false fireplace in the kitchen will attract attention and fulfill a practical role if a hob with oven is installed in it.
• A large vase with dried or artificial flowers looks beautiful.
• Place a wine bar eccentrically in the firebox.
• The watering can for watering plants inside the fireplace looks unusual.
• Super original - hide the air conditioner in the fireplace niche.

And the classic option would be a hearth filled to the very top with firewood. The logs can even be painted. Moreover, you need to use colors that predominate in the interior of the room.

Decorative finishing of the fireplace: 8 materials for facing the fireplace photo

It is better to buy tiles with a margin of 10-15%, and you can purchase not only standard format products, but also corner elements. Installation does not require special skills or the use of specific tools: Tiles are the most popular way to decorate a home. You cannot use ordinary tiles - they will not withstand high temperatures. As a rule, the following types of ceramic tiles are used for facing a fireplace: Many manufacturers offer both base and finishing plaster. The first is applied in a layer of 10 mm, intended for rough finishing and preparing a flat base. The finishing layer is applied with a thickness of 3 mm. This is not even finishing in the traditional sense of the word.

In this case, there is no question of installing some kind of facing material on top of the fireplace. The brick from which the fireplace is constructed is finished accordingly. This is both the simplicity and complexity of the method.

• resistance to high temperatures, the ability to “breathe with the fireplace;
• high heat transfer and the ability to accumulate heat, which increases heat transfer;
• moisture resistance, frost resistance, resistance to sunlight;
• ease of care;
• durability;
• environmental friendliness, no odors when heating;
• chic appearance and ample choice.

The frame should be sheathed with plasterboard. This is a lightweight material that lends itself well to cutting. He is easy to work with. The technical characteristics of the material are such that it is used not only for decorative purposes, but also for the construction of non-load-bearing partitions, suspended ceilings, wall cladding, to create columns, arches and other structures. High-quality plasterboard sheets, made in accordance with GOST, are durable and can withstand additional weight.

The dimensions of the fireplace in the apartment must correspond to the overall space of the room in which it is located. Large fireplaces are suitable for a large room; small designs will look appropriate in a small room. A false fireplace is often installed in the hall, living room, kitchen, bedroom and even bathroom.

It is sometimes used as a TV stand. The fireplace, depending on the interior of the room, can be decorated in a classic, modern, rustic, English, or hi-tech style. For heating structures, the most rational choice is metal fireboxes.

A wide selection of similar products, as well as their custom manufacturing, allow you to choose the best camera option. When choosing, they are guided by the estimated design of the device, the place and method of its installation, the type and size of the fireplace. From the options offered by manufacturers, you can purchase fireplace inserts: Drywall is considered the preferred material for the manufacture of hinged and suspended structures. But some of its brands are also suitable for non-standard applications - the construction of a full-fledged fireplace.

How modern heating structures are made using these sheets, what they are like and how the facades are finished - we suggest you find out in this publication. Decorating with decorative self-adhesive film is a simple, relatively cheap option. The variety of textures and patterns allows you to choose one that suits any interior.

On sale you can find imitation marble or granite, bog oak or wenge, brick or plastered surface, straw or bamboo. First, using a building level, markings are applied to the wall. The guide elements are measured, marked, cut and attached to the wall using a puncher and dowels.

The frame is usually made of a metal profile, less often - wooden slats or timber. Wooden is practically not inferior in strength to aluminum or steel; it is used when it is necessary to reduce the weight of a structure to the maximum possible minimum. Metal is more expensive, but holds the shape of the product better.

1. Preparatory stage - development of a sketch, selection and purchase of tools and materials, preparation of the site.
2. The stage of creating a base, a base, is the construction of a structure frame from a metal profile or timber, finishing the fireplace with plasterboard.
3. Finishing - decorating the appearance of a false fireplace, working with the firebox, creating a suitable space around it through the use of suitable accessories (pokers, candelabra, candles).

An original solution can be considered wallpapering the fireplace. You can choose vinyl wallpaper with high-quality relief, on which imitation brick, stone, or arbitrary ornaments and patterns will be painted. Wallpaper looks impressive on a false fireplace and goes well with the paintings on the walls of the room.

Another type of portals for fireplaces that do not have a chimney, but which have a heating element, are electric and biofireplaces. They also use plasterboard cladding. A heat-resistant analogue is used here; it differs in its composition.

Fireproof properties are enhanced by a special layer of clay and reinforcing fiberglass. In the middle part, the sheet is equipped with crystallized water up to 20 percent of the mass of the material. Externally, it is easily distinguished by the pink color of the cardboard.

The classic wall portal is simpler in design. For complex original flash fireplaces, a foam model is first made. For beginners, it is better to study the selections on construction sites and evaluate their capabilities.

• firebox for burning wood;
• a smoke collector through which smoke enters from the firebox into the exhaust pipe;
• portal decorated with decorative material;
• chimney guaranteeing draft

The built-in fireplace has a chimney and firebox in the wall masonry, which requires the use of a significant amount of facing material. It protrudes outward in thickness by no more than half a brick. Designers prefer to use the same material for finishing such a fireplace that was chosen for wall cladding.

Required Tools

To work with this material you will need the following tools:

• Roulette
• Square
• Metal scissors
• Pliers
• Drywall cutting knife
• Screwdriver
• Mounting level

The purpose of the first is clear, a square is necessary for marking the profile, it is better to use a professional knife, with a short, locking blade.

You will need a screwdriver when assembling the structure; you can rent one. Pay special attention to the level before starting and during the work process.

It often happens that the floors are displaced in the horizontal plane, so the structure must be leveled by increasing or decreasing one of the sides.

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Finishing work: finishing the fireplace and connecting the fire simulator

Having created the surface of the product, we proceed to the final operations. It is important to decide on the composition of the work before it begins, by making a design project or sketch. The decision to decorate a fireplace from plasterboard should be supported by your abilities. If you doubt them, it is better to limit yourself to the type of finishing that you are ready to perform with sufficient quality.

One of the options for a simplified solution could be the use of ready-made tiles or panels, which can easily be used to decorate the fireplace portal. A simple lime paint or metal finish looks good. The main thing to remember is that the design of fireplaces is endlessly varied!

Next, you should install the electrical wiring through a pre-designed or locally made inlet hole. Install a fire simulator, turn it on, pull up a chair and tell your friends that now you know how to make a fireplace from sheets of plasterboard with your own hands.