Allows you to use the material for finishing or decorating a wide variety of modern interior items. Even such an ordinary attribute of any home as a countertop can be very attractive, high-quality and reliable. Using a marble countertop for a fireplace will create a special atmosphere family well-being and comfort. Marble fireplace countertops with a unique, natural pattern will decorate any family hearth!
Marble products and their advantages
All products from natural marble have a wide scope of application. Use this material can be used as finishing for absolutely any room, either independently or together with other finishing materials. Unique texture, beautiful natural pattern, variety color range make marble furnishings unique in their kind, indicating the impeccable taste of their owners, as well as the luxury and elegance of your home.
The presence of a fireplace in a room makes the environment warmer and more comfortable. If, for some reason, you cannot or do not want to equip a real fireplace with a fire and all the accompanying attributes, consider decorating a false fireplace with your own hands.
To implement this idea, you can use many various materials. At the same time, you will be able to cope with all the activities on our own. Familiarize yourself with the features of the available solutions, read the instructions and get to work.
What can you make a decorative fireplace from?
Craftsmen have come up with a variety of designs for false fireplaces. We present to your attention an overview of the most popular of them.
Brick
This material allows you to bring the design as close as possible decorative design to the appearance of a real fire. The false fireplace is laid out from decorative or facing bricks for jointing.
Anyone who has at least once encountered masonry work can handle this activity. However, you must first make sure that the existing floor can support the weight of the finished structure, especially if it has large dimensions.
A beautifully laid out brick decorative portal does not need any additional support. To decorate it, it is best to use a massive wooden shelf– the combination is very successful and attractive.
laminated chipboard
Laminated boards and other similar materials are perfect for decorating false fireplaces.
In order for the structure to have a neat and attractive appearance, it is necessary to thoroughly prepare for the upcoming work. Preparation comes down to creating a drawing indicating all the dimensions of the future false fireplace. Based on this drawing, you can order cutting of the slabs from a specialized company, or you can do it yourself if you have the required skills.
If you want to save money, laminated boards can be replaced with a more budget-friendly analogue - chipboard. Once the structure is assembled, you can customize it to your liking.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane decor Products made from polyurethane are used primarily for decorating already ready-made structures. However, if desired, all kinds of moldings, platbands and half-columns can be glued directly to the wall. Such a design will not look like a full-fledged fireplace, however, special decorative techniques will allow you to benefit from the portal, making it look like a real fireplace.
For example, you can attach a mirror to the back wall of the “firebox” of such a fireplace. Thanks to this technique, the depth of the “firebox” will increase. To enhance the effect, you can attach a wooden shelf, stylized as a fireplace, above the portal.
This material is most often used to decorate false fireplaces. Drywall is characterized by extreme ease of assembly and goes well with a wide variety of finishes. From sheet material you can create spatial forms of almost any complexity. At the same time, the cost of drywall makes it accessible to a wide range of buyers.
Sheet construction requires mandatory finishing. But this is rather an advantage of the material, rather than its disadvantage - over time, the cladding can be changed without dismantling the decorative portal itself.
Beautiful fireplace from plasterboard with unusual decoration plaster False fireplace made of plasterboard: step-by-step assembly instructions
Instructions for creating a false fireplace yourself will be discussed using sheet plasterboard as an example.
The first stage is preparation of tools and materials
Start by preparing your kit for work. First of all, you will need the drywall itself. When choosing a material, be guided by the features of the chosen finishing cladding. If you plan to finish with tiles, it is better to buy a moisture-resistant modification of drywall.
To fasten the frame elements, buy self-tapping screws. The recommended length of the fasteners is 1.4-1.6 cm. You also need to buy self-tapping screws with a countersunk head for fixing the sheets. In addition, you need to purchase dowel nails for attaching profiles to the floor and walls.
Next, focus on the features of the selected finish. If you are going to wallpaper or paint the portal, purchase a primer and putty. If the false fireplace will be tiled, buy tile adhesive and grout for the joints.
Select the required amount of materials individually, taking into account the dimensions of the future decorative fireplace. Plasterboard construction can have a wide variety of sizes. When choosing a specific option, be guided by the available space and personal preferences.
| Thickness | Size | Square | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12.5 mm | 1200x2500 mm | 3 sq.m | 28.9 kg |
| 12.5 mm | 1200x2700 mm | 3.24 sq.m | 31.2 kg |
| 12.5 mm | 1200x3000 mm | 3.6 sq.m | 34.7 kg |
The set of necessary tools includes:
- screwdriver;
- electric drill;
- scissors for cutting metal;
- level;
- roulette
The second stage - installation of the frame
First step. Mark the walls and floor to install the profiles. Work according to the drawing. Place marks taking into account the selected dimensions of the fireplace.
Second step. Secure the guides along the marked lines. If you commit to concrete surface
, first attach the profile to the base, drill holes according to the markings, insert dowels into them and after that attach the guides.
Third step.
Install the posts into the guides. Fasten the products using self-tapping screws. Before attaching the profiles, it is recommended to check the evenness of the wall using a plumb line. If deviations are detected, fix the guides using direct hangers. These products will allow installation of products strictly vertically. First, assemble the frame for the entire structure, then for the portal with a recess for the “firebox”. To give the base greater rigidity, connect long horizontal profiles And
vertical racks
additional jumpers.
If desired, you can give the firebox opening a curly shape. To do this, just carefully cut through the stiffening ribs of the mounting profile and bend the product in accordance with your idea. The third stage - lining the frame with plasterboard Mark the sheet according to the dimensions of the fireplace and cut out necessary details. If this is not available, cut with a simple wallpaper knife. In this case, you will need to first cut the cardboard layer on one side of the sheet, carefully break the board, and then cut the second layer of cardboard.
Fix the sheathing elements to the frame. Screw the screws into the material so that their heads are slightly recessed. The recommended spacing of fasteners is 100-150 mm.
There shouldn't be any problems attaching the sheets. Even without such experience, you can cope with the sheathing. Just remember that this is a relatively fragile material, so try not to drop it and do not press too hard on the screwdriver when screwing in the fasteners.
Video - Making a false fireplace
Stage four - finishing
Having covered the frame with sheets of plasterboard, all you have to do is complete the finishing decoration of the structure. When choosing a finishing option, focus primarily on the design features of the room as a whole.
Most often, plasterboard is used for cladding false fireplaces. fake diamond, decorative brick And . To attach finishing elements, tile adhesive or liquid nails are used. When performing cladding using tiles correct form, lay them with equal gaps. To decorate them, use special plastic crosses.
Brick or stone finishing is unlikely to fit into modern interior. In such a situation, it is best to use paint or decorative plaster. The surface must first be carefully treated with putty, sealing the joints between the sheathing elements and eliminating any kind of unevenness. After puttying, the surfaces are additionally sanded with sandpaper.
Otherwise, when choosing a finishing option, be guided by your taste preferences.
Finally, all you have to do is install an electric fireplace in the “firebox” opening or decorate the free space at your discretion. For example, instead of installing an electric fireplace, you can install warm and soft lighting in the firebox - an excellent option for a classic interior. A more modern and bold solution is to decorate the “firebox” using multi-colored LED strip.
For decoration back wall firebox, you can use a mirror. Attach it to the surface, and line the bottom of the firebox with decorative logs or other material, for example, shells and pebbles.
Installing several candles in the firebox different shapes and size, you will create a real fire in your fireplace.
There are many ideas for decorating a false fireplace. You can use the proposed solutions or come up with something yourself - everything is limited only by your imagination.
Good luck!
TOP 10 best hearths and electric fireplaces
| Photo | Name | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |
|
⭐ 99 / 100 | ||
| #2 | ⭐ 98 / 100 1 - vote | |||
| #3 | ⭐ 97 / 100 1 - vote | |||
| #4 |
|
⭐ 96 / 100 1 - vote | ||
| #5 | ⭐ 95 / 100 | |||
| #6 |
|
Hearth RealFlame Epsilon 26 SIR | ⭐ 94 / 100 | |
| #7 |
|
RealFlame Fobos Lux BL S | ⭐ 93 / 100 | |
| #8 |
|
Electrolux EFP/W-1100RRC | ⭐ 93 / 100 | |
| #9 | Royal Flame Dioramic 25 LED FX | ⭐ 92 / 100 | ||
| #10 |
|
RealFlame Dewy | ⭐ 91 / 100 | |
Prices for electric fireplaces and stoves
Electric fireplaces and stoves
Video - Do-it-yourself false fireplace
An electric fireplace model with an ultra-modern design. The body of the device is made of high-tech plastic; the back wall has 3 color modes. The hearth lighting has 10 different shades. Using the remote control remote control you can change any settings. A type of decorative fuel is stone dummies. An electric fireplace can be built into a portal or any other furniture, or hung on a wall.
- remote control control;
- there is a shutdown timer;
- wide selection of firebox and wall lighting;
- the fireplace quickly warms up the room;
- The device is economical in energy consumption.
- not found.
Electric fireplace Royal Flame Space 2
Model of an electrical source with a 3D effect. The user has the ability to adjust the flame level using the control panel. Performance in heating mode is a maximum of 1.5 kW, allowing you to heat a room of up to 30 square meters. The device has 2 heating modes and overheat protection.
- control settings using the remote control;
- can be integrated into any portal;
- 2 heating functions: 0.75 and 1.5 kW;
- wood cracking sound effect;
- presence of a timer.
- high price.
Electric fireplace REALFLAME 3D FIRESTAR 33
Modern design electric fireplace, created using latest technologies. The device has a rounded shape and large width, and thanks to its ultra-thin depth it can be built into any furniture or niche. The manufacturer offers the model in four colors. The body of the electric fireplace is made of MDF, the inside is lined with heat-resistant metal tiles. Due to this design, the risk of burns is eliminated, which is very good for owners, especially for families with small children. The flame simulation function and the heating mode are independent of each other, but if necessary they can be combined. Consumers noted the modern appearance of the device, the realistic image of a fire, its sound effect and the ability to replace modes with a control panel.
- two operating modes are independent of each other;
- the presence of a “crackling fire” function;
- control of settings using the remote control;
- great design.
- no timer.
Electric fireplace Electrolux EFP/W-1200URLS
Mounted model of electric fireplace with a power of 2 kW. The device has 3 operating modes: two heating and decorative. It is possible to choose the flame visualization option: wood or coals.
- control settings remotely;
- there is a sound effect of crackling wood;
- During heating mode the fan is noisy;
- no timer.
Electric fireplace Electrolux EFP/W-1250ULS
Built-in electric fireplace model. It can be installed either in the portal or without it. Decorative image with the effect of an active flame. Thanks to the viewing angle and 3D effect, the electric fireplace can be viewed from different angles.
- suitable for rooms with any interior;
- there is an air humidification function;
- You can adjust the flame level.
The hearth is the “heart” of the house, and this truth has not changed over the years. In the era of advanced technology, complex life rhythm and constant stress people are starting to gravitate towards truly homely and cozy things. This rule also applies to the interior, and in particular to the fireplace in modern designs.
Features of cladding
The fireplace easily fits into almost any interior, regardless of style, color scheme and variety of shapes and textures. It quickly fills the space with special warmth and becomes the main “highlight” of the room. At the same time, the fireplace not only makes dreams come true home comfort, but also acts as a heating element and part of the heating as a whole.
While everything is clear about the functions of this piece of furniture, the appearance raises a lot of questions., because the variety of shapes, colors and textures is simply amazing. The result depends solely on the designer’s vision and the materials used to decorate the fireplace. They can be of both natural and artificial origin. It is difficult to determine by appearance how the material was produced and what its cost is, which allows you to reduce the cost of installing and finishing the fireplace, and the beauty of the product will not suffer.
There are many advantages of stone finishing, but there are also certain disadvantages, which may influence the master’s decision.
- high cost of the materials themselves, especially such beautiful stones like marble and granite;
- problems in terms of installation, since it is difficult to find a specialist who has experience in this matter and is familiar with cladding surfaces with stone;
- marble and granite are heavy, which also creates great installation difficulties.
At the same time, the building materials market is replete with decorative stone, which is an ordinary tile with a surface that imitates the natural texture of individual materials. Its cost is not so high and installation does not cause much difficulty, so such materials are chosen by those who prefer budget, simple, but at the same time no less attractive option. A false fireplace often has the most varied design. Such portals can be covered with all kinds of materials.
Fireplace finishing methods
Tile
Ceramic tiles are the most popular material for facing the fireplace. It is distinguished by its relatively low cost, durability, long service life, ease of installation and attractive appearance. Specifically for the fireplace, those types of tiles are used whose surface is an imitation of natural materials.
This solution allows you to significantly reduce your budget and at the same time create a unique fireplace that will be relevant in any room.
The main advantage of using ceramics to decorate a fireplace is that you can do it at home and with your own hands. The tiles are easy to install, so you don’t have to spend extra money on the services of repair specialists.
At the tile selection stage, it is important to consider that unusual tiles should be used, which is laid on the floor or walls in the bathroom, are types with high thermal conductivity. The main materials for its production are ceramics, porcelain stoneware and clinker.
In some interiors you can find fireplaces lined with gypsum tiles that imitate natural stone.
The main reasons for choosing tiles as a material for finishing a fireplace are:
- Wide choice in terms of design, since tiles are made from different shades, textures and shapes, which makes it possible to choose the most suitable option.
- High thermal conductivity, which is the main criterion for using the material when decorating a fireplace.
- Easy to care for.
Such tiles are not afraid of aggressive cleaning agents, mechanical damage occurs extremely rarely, and cleaning means wiping the surface from dust with a dry or damp cloth.
- Not only specialists are familiar with tiles, but also many men who have at least once carried out renovation work with your own hands. The cladding process does not require special knowledge, so installation occurs without any particular difficulties, which is important when doing DIY repairs.
- In addition to the fact that the tiles must have special thermal conductivity, the adhesive for masonry must be heat-resistant. Experts recommend choosing tiles small sizes, because in this way the risk of cracking is reduced, and the material will last much longer, and the appearance will always be attractive.
If we talk about the cost of tiles, the price varies greatly depending on the manufacturer, composition and collections, which are constantly updated. average price will be 700-800 rubles per 1 sq. m.
Installation is carried out in the same way as with regular tiles, but after finishing the work it is advisable to cover the entire surface with heat-resistant varnish. This will greatly facilitate the cleaning process, getting rid of soot and other unpleasant contaminants, since it is extremely difficult to remove them later.
Brick
An equally popular material for finishing a fireplace is ordinary brick. This is especially convenient if the fireplace is made entirely of brick, since such masonry can be left in natural form. You just need to decorate the surface a little and tidy up the seams to get a finished and attractive look.
Experts advise finishing in several stages:
- The surface of the brick requires grinding, although some options can do without these manipulations.
- At the second stage, the edges of the brick are chamfered.
- Brickwork becomes more attractive when treated with sulfuric acid or saline solution. This makes the surface bright and beautiful, and painting can be the final touch in the fight for an attractive appearance of the fireplace. There are special paints for brick, with which it can easily take on any shade.
- After painting, it is advisable to take care of the appearance of the seams. To do this, it is necessary to treat all these elements with a special solution and decorative grout.
Quite often, the brick is covered with tiles, mostly clinker, but this will require a lot of expense and labor.
Facing bricks are completely unsuitable for such work., since it gives a too “heavy” look, since the material itself is quite heavy and takes up a lot of space. This is especially inappropriate in a city apartment, where every meter counts. In addition, the cost of facing bricks is high, and there is no point in spending money on something that can overload the interior and thereby ruin it.
Decorative rock
This material has long been used for finishing interior surfaces, including fireplaces. The main advantage of this solution is its attractive appearance, since decorative rock released in different shades and invoices. Such a surface fits into the overall space and becomes an integral part of the interior, attracting the main part of attention.
In addition to appearance, decorative stone is high strength and long service life. A natural stone– this is always a durable material, and if we talk about marble or granite, then its service life is simply unlimited. A shelf made of this material looks very elegant against the backdrop of a home fireplace.
The material is also easy to install because it does not require perfect evenness in terms of the fabric and seams. Natural origin gives no restrictions in terms of appearance, since there is plenty to choose from here too. You must understand that the service life and future appearance of the fireplace completely depend on the material that will be used for finishing.
Most budget option is a shell rock. At the same time, it has an attractive appearance, is sold in most modern stores and is easy to install even by non-professionals. Among the disadvantages, one can note its low strength, since it is easily damaged, and its porous structure is easily contaminated with soot and dirt.
Granite is superior to other types of natural stone in strength and durability. Such material will last for centuries and will delight several generations of home or apartment owners. The color scheme allows a fireplace trimmed with granite to harmoniously fit into the interior design, while the surface looks attractive both in polished and natural form.
Granite is not afraid of aggressive detergents , it is resistant to mechanical damage and does not require cleaning special effort, because any dirt can be easily washed off. A granite countertop looks very beautiful and stylish - such a fireplace stove will last for many years.
The main disadvantage of this material is its heavy weight and price, which not everyone will be happy with.
It is also worth noting such natural stones as sandstone and limestone, the cost of which starts at around 1,700 rubles per 1 sq. m. m. Compared to other materials, it is not so expensive. At the same time, sandstone and limestone have a wide palette of shades, as a result of which they can be used in different interiors. Just like shell rock, these types of stone are not durable and create a lot of problems when cleaning due to their porous structure.
A strong competitor to granite is marble, the price of which starts from 3,500 rubles per 1 sq. m. m. The main advantage of marble is its unique appearance, wide range of colors, special strength and ease of care. If we talk about the installation of marble, then the hand of a professional with extensive experience in this matter is definitely required. It's clearly not worth saving on work.
Slate has a relatively low cost, which in its own way natural properties very similar to shell rock and limestone. It can be difficult to fit into the interior, but with the right design solution it looks harmonious, interesting and quite unusual. It is also used for stoves.
Experts have come up with several options for solving the problem with the porous structure of some types of natural stone. One such solution is to treat the structure after installation with a special transparent coating, which prevents the appearance of complex contaminants.
The history of fireplace portals dates back to ancient times, when they were simple design in the form of stones laid out in the shape of a circle, and the main function for which it was made was protection from fire. Several centuries later, the ancient Romans began to use designs that acquired more attractive shapes and were similar in appearance to modern models.
It was the master masons of that time who invented and created the first chimney system, which was improved for some time by subsequent generations. Already in medieval period portals for fireplaces began to be made exclusively decorative functions, just like today.
With the passage of time and the invention of centralized heating systems fireplaces began to gradually become a thing of the past, and at the same time the interior of living rooms lost an important decorative element that gave the rooms additional comfort and harmony. From time to time, interest in these designs is revived again, but the classic models are being replaced by much more modern electric fireplaces.
An electric fireplace, framed in a decorative and elegantly designed portal, can provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in a warm and cozy fairy tale, especially on cold days. autumn evenings or on a frosty winter morning.
The portal, which has an original and elegant appearance, will certainly become a real decoration of the room design. The rich assortment that the market can offer today will help you choose the most suitable model taking into account the specific design of the entire room and will allow the electric fireplace to fit harmoniously into it.
What material can it be made from?
It is not necessary to purchase a portal for a fireplace ready-made; it is quite possible to make it yourself with your own hands.
To carry out this process you can use whole line various materials, the most popular are:
- Laminated parquet boards. Most often they are used to create special decorative devices, which in essence are not a portal for an electric fireplace, but only imitate this design. They usually contain candles, which replace heating elements or a hearth. However, the material can also be used to construct portals for real fireplaces.
- Combined use of galvanized metal profile and plasterboard. A significant advantage of plasterboard-based materials is that they are easy and convenient to cut at home, creating individual parts and elements of the required shapes and dimensions. It is also convenient to bend the material and give it any shape, which is also a significant advantage, since, if necessary, you can create any element from it for decorative design portal.
- Combined use of timber and plywood. These types of material are recommended to be used in conjunction with metal profile, which will be required to create the frame. Overall, plywood is a good and economical material that can be a good alternative natural wood if there are budget restrictions. It looks good with additional cladding if you use artificial stone or ceramic tiles to create it.
- Natural wood. It is one of the most preferred varieties of all materials that are available for the construction of such structures, since it gives the portal not only originality of style and elegant appearance, but also solidity. However, we must remember that wood also has a number of disadvantages, the most important of which is the material’s susceptibility to influences. environment, for example, change temperature conditions First, assemble the frame for the entire structure, then for the portal with a recess for the “firebox”. To give the base greater rigidity, connect long high humidity, which negatively affects such a parameter as durability.
- MDF or chipboard. The main advantage of such material is its availability. Moreover, it is not necessary to purchase chipboard; it can be obtained by dismantling old unnecessary furniture, which will save money financial resources on a small budget. Most often, in such cases, additional grinding of the joints is required, for which you will need to take care of the preparation necessary equipment, facing with plinths and covering surfaces with additional layers of antiseptic and protective varnish. Possible installation and ceramic tiles using liquid nails, it will be additional factor, increasing the visual appeal of the portal for the electric fireplace.
All of the above materials can be combined with each other, creating original and unique models.
Also to create additional coverage and decorative finishing you can use:
- Artificial or natural stone.
- Heat-resistant acrylic or water-dispersion paint.
- Decorative film on a self-adhesive basis.
- Tapestry.
- Stucco molding made from polyurethane.
One of the main advantages of electric fireplaces is the complete absence of heating parts. open type, this gives a certain freedom in selecting the desired material.
The main selection criteria are:
- The size of the available budget.
- Existing experience in working and processing specific types of materials.
- Shape, modification of the fireplace and its general functionality.
Most people prefer plywood or chipboard, since these materials are the most optimal in terms of price and quality.
Another feature that distinguishes portals for electric fireplaces from the classic version is the mandatory presence of a tabletop.
For it, it is also necessary to separately select the material, the most common are:
- Natural wood, the coating of which must be coated with a special antiseptic and varnish to ensure the durability of the material.
- Plywood with increased thickness, which can then be additionally covered with ceramic tiles.
- Medium density fiberboards.
Required Tools
If the choice was made in favor self-construction portal for the fireplace, you will also need to prepare all the necessary set tools, fixtures and workpieces in accordance with the list below:
- A metal profile in the shape of a box.
- Plasterboard or metal profile.
- Plasterboard sheets.
- Elements of structural insulation.
- Special mixture for putty.
- Several spatulas.
- Brushes of different sizes.
- Mesh for finishing seams.
- Corners made of metal material.
- Sandpaper.
- Tabletop.
- Frame for the structure made of metal.
DIY making
Making your own portal for a fireplace requires a careful and attentive approach.
In order to obtain a high-quality design that will meet all the requirements for it, you must adhere to the following algorithm of actions:
- At the initial stage, prior to construction, the shape of the portal is determined, which largely depends on the type of electric fireplace itself. Traditionally, triangular models are used for placement in corners, and square or rectangular varieties are used along the surface of the walls.
- It is recommended to draw up a visual design diagram in in paper form. In order not to pay large quantity time to complex drawing processes, you can take advantage of software, intended for use on personal computers. Many modern programs are free and freely available on the Internet. At the same stage, the volume of building materials that is expected to be used in the construction process is calculated.
- After completing all the preparatory work, you can proceed directly to the construction process. First you will need to collect bottom part frame designs.
- Special metal stands are attached to the assembled part of the frame in a vertical position.
- It is necessary to tie the fixed racks in their upper part.
- Installation of ports using pre-prepared metal corners. All ports must be attached to the wall surface.
- The selected type of sheet material must be fixed and secured with screws or self-tapping screws.
- It is necessary to connect two elements - the portal itself and its tabletop. In order not to stain or damage it during further installation, it is recommended to cover the surface with unnecessary paper or polyethylene material.
- Check the structure for seams and any cracks, after which they must be sealed with putty on the upper part of the structure. At this stage it is necessary to show Special attention so as not to miss even the smallest cracks, as they will in the future affect the reliability and durability of the electric fireplace and the portal for it in particular.
- Using the selected finishing material The structure is being clad. The most recommended varieties are special finishing tiles or any types of stone, since they have the longest service life.
- Wait until the completed structure has completely dried, after which it will be possible to install the electric fireplace itself.
DIY drawing of a false fireplace made of plasterboard
For those people who decided to make a portal for the fireplace with their own hands, experienced craftsmen and qualified specialists have prepared the following recommendations that can help in the construction process:
- It is highly recommended to look through catalogs that present ready-made portals for electric fireplaces, even if the goal is not to purchase these devices. Pictures are most often taken by professional craftsmen and designers, so studying them, as well as assessing the overall style of the room, can greatly help when choosing the direction in which to move when deciding on the appearance of the structure.
- When choosing the material from which the portal will be made, it is necessary to take into account the design and appearance of the fireplace itself. Both designs must have the same style and be combined with each other.
- During the design of the frame, it is necessary to double-check the selected dimensions and the accuracy of their calculation several times, since due to mistakes made, there is a risk of causing mechanical damage to the surface of the fireplace or its electrical part during its installation.
- Usage natural wood as the main material, it will add sophistication to the portal and an attractive appearance, but the construction technology will be more complex.
- When using wood, it is recommended to use special wood glue on a synthetic basis to fix and fasten individual elements.
- When making calculations, it is necessary to take into account not only the dimensions of the electric fireplace and the portal for it, but also the area of the room in which they will be located. Yes, owners small rooms, which do not require a large amount of free space, it would be best to abandon the construction of floor models. In such cases, it is recommended, if possible, to abandon the idea of using a portal altogether in favor of installing an electric fireplace in partitions, furniture, or directly into the wall surface.
- It is best to purchase the hearth itself in advance of the start of construction of the portal. Despite the fact that its dimensions and all specifications You can check with the manufacturer or look in the catalog; you can still make a mistake with the dimensions due to the presence of additional decorative elements, protruding parts of the fastening system, wires or other objects. If such a mistake is made, then the entire structure will have to be redone, starting from the very initial stage.
Is it possible to make a fireplace from plasterboard? What does this require? How to make portals for fireplaces with your own hands with maximum safety? Let's try to figure it out in order.
A fireplace has long ceased to be just a functional heating device. Now this is a design element, and sometimes the direction in the interior is “driven” by the type of device.
Note: The main component of any fireplace is the portal, that is, this is the element in which the fire burns and from which the pleasant sounds of crackling burning wood can be heard. Although most of modern fireplaces powered by gas and electricity, decorative fireplace portal is an important component.
Materials for decorating the main visible part of the fireplace can be:
- drywall;
- tree;
- stones;
- metal;
- polyurethane;
- marble;
- other options.
This is because the decorative part of the fireplace is not subject to strict requirements, as are its functional components. Of course, one of the most affordable is drywall.
In fact, the portal for the fireplace is the external visible part of the entire complex, which is a decorative combustion chamber. Even the portal in the electric fireplace is equipped with this recess, as it corresponds to the classic idea of a home.
When deciding to create a portal for a fireplace with your own hands, it is important to decide on the style in which the “firebox” will be decorated. These elements are divided according to stylistic direction in the interior, the most popular are:
- modern - fireplace portals in this style are distinguished by multifaceted colors and various forms, such devices ideally combine ancient decorative monograms and modern manufacturing technologies; do-it-yourself fireplace portals in the Art Nouveau style will look good in most types of interior design;
- hi-tech - a portal for a fireplace in this style is distinguished by a futuristic direction in decoration and shape, as a rule, contrasting monotonous materials are used for lining, it can also be steel or glass;
Fireplace with portal in high-tech interior style - classic - everyone who imagines a fireplace portal sees it in exactly this style, such models are often depicted in various pictures, advertising photos, where it is important to show the warmth of the hearth;
Fireplace in modern classics - country is one of the classic types, characterized by particularly soft forms and ornate lines; usually used for rooms decorated in a rustic style.
Fireplace with portal in rustic style In principle, you can make a portal for a fireplace with your own hands in any style. It is important to choose the right materials, components, and equipment.
Materials
Choice decorative elements depends on the type of device and the skill of the finisher. Most often, a do-it-yourself fireplace portal is made from:
- laminate;
Laminate portal for fireplace - plywood;
- self-adhesive film;
- polymer stucco;
- wooden beams;
- drywall;
- natural wood.
Portal made of natural wood Naturally, the most common products will be those made of plasterboard. This material has a number of advantages. Such do-it-yourself portals for fireplaces are better both from an aesthetic and practical point of view.
Making your own false fireplace
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Step-by-step instructions for making devices with your own hands will consist of the following steps:
- Measurements and drawings. In fact, any engineering work should begin with this. First you need to obtain the exact dimensions of the structure based on the finished fundamental elements. After this, all measurements are scaled and schematically entered into the drawings.
- Preparation. Preparatory work are carried out in two directions. First it is selected required material and tools for work, after which the workspace is prepared.
- Step-by-step work on creating a portal for a fireplace with your own hands.
Among the equipment and materials for creating the most simple device you will need:
- plasterboard sheets;
- metal profile for drywall;
- putty;
- reinforcing mesh;
- spatulas;
- metal corners;
- sandpaper or sanding machine;
- insulation.
Once you have the materials and tools at hand, you can proceed directly to creating a portal for fireplaces with your own hands.
Work process:
1. Selecting the position of the product. If we're talking about about a decorative portal for a fireplace, there won’t be any particular difficulties with choosing a site.
2. Frame assembly. Schematic illustration will help you quickly and efficiently assemble the main frame from profiles.
Metal carcass for drywall 3. Forming the material. Drywall sheets are cut into pieces of certain sizes. Afterwards they are connected to the metal corner and frame using self-tapping screws.
Forming and fixing the material 4. Putty. After the sheets of drywall are screwed to the frame, you need to move on to puttying and sealing the seams. Suitable for this reinforced mesh, the corners will be neat with the help of metal corners.
Plasterboard putty when making a fireplace portal 5. Primer. As soon as the putty layer has dried, it is necessary to proceed to priming the surface.
Decorating the fireplace portal with stone Note: If it is impossible to install a real fireplace in the apartment, ideal solution there will be a portal for an electric fireplace. Then it is enough to make an infrared thermal device simulating fire, powered by the network, and the original decorative one with your own hands is ready.
Making a portal for an electric fireplace
Tabletop
A decorative electric fireplace can be a very functional device thanks to its countertop. Its installation will allow you to create a flat plane on which you can place various items interior: frames with photographs of your loved ones, etc. In total, three types of tabletops can be distinguished:
- From MDF. The most inexpensive finishing method.
- Made from plywood. In this case, additional cladding will be required.
- Made from solid wood. The most luxurious and expensive decorative material, which is subject to further processing.
Right installed countertop automatically turns into a reliable, stable shelf. Making a false fireplace with a neat portal is not a difficult job, but it requires care and adherence to the previously outlined plan.
In conclusion, it remains to add that with your own hands you can make not only a portal for the fireplace, but also additional elements, which will create comfort in the house and will help control the fire control of the device. If you don’t want to tinker with firewood, you want more aesthetics, then you can get by with “little blood” - make decorative electric fireplace. And even if it's just an imitation natural device, she is able to maintain a certain comfort in the house.
Features of making a fireplace portal from plasterboard