Fireplace decoration with decorative stone

25-04-2018

Useful

The decorative and natural stone was earlier a sign of luxury and prosperity. Just a couple of decades ago, it was problematic and difficult to include a fireplace in the interior of the house, and especially the apartment. Now, manufacturers produce a huge range of electric fireplaces, for which it is enough to mount a plasterboard niche of a fireplace type and decorate it. For example, a fireplace decorative stone will suit.

Introducing Artificial Stone

Decorative stone has such a set of properties as strength, reliability, durability and beauty. But besides this, he also has a number of other advantages that put him one step higher than other finishing materials:

Environmental friendliness. When it comes to quality material, it is safe to say that it is made on the basis of exclusively natural components. That is why, even with high surface heating, no toxic substances and vapors will be released from this material that can harm human health.
Incombustible. The artificial stone is a non-combustible product that allows to bring it as close as possible to the open hearth.
Durability and heat resistance. Even if the fireplace will constantly function, the material will not lose its properties.
Ease of processing. To cope with the decoration of decorative stone, everyone can do it yourself, just read the recommendations and instructions.
Versatility. You can give the material absolutely any shape.
Weight. Artificial stone trim will weigh significantly lower than natural stone.
Range. In the building stores you can see a large variety of colors, shapes and textures.
Cost Unlike natural stone, it will be several times cheaper.

Due to the fact that manufacturers use modern equipment and innovative technologies in the process of manufacturing, decorative stone can be given any kind that will be as close as possible to the natural one. Particular attention should be paid to the components:

sand;
cement;
fillers (perlite and expanded clay sand);
gypsum;
natural pigments.

The manufacturing process is primitive and simple: the mixture of components is poured into a special relief form and sent to settle.

Cement-based stone is resistant to moisture, so it can be put in the kitchen, but the gypsum base for this purpose will not work.

Criteria for choosing a decorative stone

First of all, you should get acquainted with the most common types of decorative stone, suitable for facing the fireplace.

Porcelain tile is similar to natural stone due to its properties and appearance.
Majolica is a ceramic tile, which is poured with glaze.
Terracotta is similar to majolica, but does not have a glazed coating.
The clinker is made on the basis of clay, in which various additives interfere.

Each of them will be able to harmoniously fit into the created interior and style of the room. But, since we are talking about finishing the fireplace, it is necessary to approach the choice of material responsibly, so that the result of the work meets all expectations. For this, it is enough to take into account a few tips from experts.

It is important to carefully consider the design of the fireplace, as its shape, size and color of decoration should fit into the interior of the room.
Carefully read the technical specifications that should be listed in the accompanying documentation.
All purchased items must have identical size, weight, color and texture. The surface should not have any defects: dents, spots, cracks and scuffs.
Domestic products will be cheaper than imported ones.
Check quality certificates and documentation from laboratories after testing.
Pay attention to their date of manufacture. Facing material should not go on sale before the expiration of 28 days, since it is during this period that the stone gains strength.

All facing materials are transported in special packages. They should be marked with the logo of the manufacturer.

Fireplace decoration

Natural stone cladding is a rather laborious and expensive process that will require special knowledge and skills. Those who decide to save, choose an artificial stone. Experienced builders compare this process with the laying of conventional ceramic tiles, which does not cause much difficulty and problems. The process is divided into several stages.

Tools and materials

In the process of finishing the worker will need the following tools and materials:

glue mix (cement mortar or liquid nails);
grout for joints or putty;
paint for seams;
Bulgarian (for gypsum stone);
mixer for mixing the solution;
building crosses;
rubber mallet;
nails;
string with weights;
level;
pencil.

Preliminary work

Special preparatory work decoration with artificial stone does not provide. So, the surface will be enough to clean the dust and debris. If the lining is made directly on the reinforcing mesh, then you will need to first fix the mesh with nails, and then level it with glue.

You can proceed to the next stage only after the leveled and prepared surface is completely dried.

Stone fireplace

There is also a simple algorithm of actions.

For convenience and accuracy of work at the top of the fireplace, two nails are hammered and tied with a rope with weights at the end. This will allow for vertical stacking.
Laying the stone start from the bottom. To this end, an adhesive solution is applied to the surface of the fireplace with a serrated spatula in an even layer. No need to immediately use a large area.
The decorative stone is pressed tightly to the surface and the masonry flatness is adjusted in accordance with the plumbs. With the help of a rubber mallet lightly tapped. Plastic crosses are fixed between the tiles to align the seams - there are two pieces on each side.
Evenness must be observed on the plane, for which use the building level or flat rail. If an incorrectly fixed element is found, it should be immediately re-glued until the glue hardens.
Similar actions are repeated for all rows until the very end.
After completing the work, a minimum of 24 hours should pass, after which you can begin to grout and remove crosses. In the store you can find a fairly rich assortment of mineral grout. The grout should be applied with a rubber trowel, and leveled with a damp sponge without strong pressure.
Remove residues from the tile can be 20 minutes after application, using a dry cloth. You can put the fireplace into operation in another day.

The instructions described the suture method of laying, but to save glue, you can choose a seamless one - the stones should fit tightly to each other.

In the process of laying a decorative stone, you must immediately remove residues and traces of glue from the surface.

It is important to know

In addition to the above information, we also advise you to familiarize yourself with the following recommendations regarding the performance of finishing a fireplace with a decorative stone:

For the fireplace is recommended to choose only heat-resistant stone. The same principle must be followed when choosing glue.
Too large stones glue solution can not stand.
Facing with a decorative stone is carried out only from the side, and the upper part should be flat so that it can be, for example, put photos and scented candles.

A fireplace lined with decorative stone will look great in combination with a variety of surfaces: wood, rough, smooth and glass. Using artificial material, you can decorate the fireplace in various styles. If you want to achieve the effect of antiquity, you should choose a stone with a coarse-grained structure. Unusual relief and irregular shapes will help to embody any idea and design decisions. In this element both sophistication and elegance will be combined.

Video

The technology of finishing the fireplace with decorative stone from gypsum is described in the video:

General guidelines for laying decorative stone are indicated below: