Fireplace decoration and decoration
Depending on the choice of style, the fireplace is decorated. Here you can turn on your imagination and think over a variety of designs and details for decoration
Although, if we take into account that this is a do-it-yourself drywall fireplace, it is better to beware of heavy materials for decoration. There are several options to consider
Plaster
Decorative plaster for decoration, has many types, some types very naturally imitate stone, such as Venetian. A little experience is required to work with this material. It is produced in the form of a dry mix, which is easy to prepare for finishing. Also, a perforated tape is attached to the corners so that the product comes out strong. Apply on the right side of the bottom corner, covering a small area. After 10 minutes of drying, you can begin the mashing process to create the desired pattern.
Dye
Painting a fireplace is one of the most budget-friendly and easy-to-use options. Before starting, the entire surface is intensively putty, then fine-grained sandpaper is taken and sanded for the most even surface.
Film
Self-adhesive film - even an inept beginner can handle it, it is glued onto a finished (with putty, primer, sanding) flat surface, you can choose a pattern suitable for the fireplace.
Fake diamond
Artificial stone for decoration is a very attractive option, as it looks very impressive, in the likeness of a real fireplace.
Stucco
Decorative stucco molding made of polyurethane is easy to use, as it is attached to ordinary assembly glue. Its details can be painted in any desired color.
Tile
Ceramic tiles can become a real masterpiece for a fireplace, its variety and colors will allow you to choose a unique pattern just for your personal fireplace. During installation, a reinforcing plaster mesh is used. Before laying, the surface is primed with an adhesive mixture.
And finally, you can complete all the splendor by decorating the surface. Here you can also use metal grates for a complete semblance of fireplaces, you can place figurines, frames on the surface, you can put real firewood in the firebox, use lighting. Here is a complete dispersal of fantasy. A little skill and patience and a real highlight of the room will come out.
Required materials for a fireplace
To create an angular decorative fireplace from drywall with your own hands, you will need certain tools and consumables. Therefore, you should have at hand:
- drywall - for cladding a false fireplace and creating its shape;
- guides (28x27) and rack (60x27) metal profiles - for building a frame base;
- self-screwing screws (14-16mm) - for fixing the frame elements;
- countersunk self-tapping screws - for connecting the frame and drywall;
- screwdriver or screwdriver - for working with metal profiles and sheets;
- dowel nails - for fastening a profile frame with a concrete base;
- scissors for metal;
- building level and measuring tape;
- abrasive mesh and beams - for cleaning plaster and putty.
Also, many craftsmen advise using a hand circular saw with a cutting depth of 16-24mm for cutting drywall. But if there is no such tool, then you can work with a large kitchen knife.
Depending on what the plasterboard corner fireplace will be faced with, it is also necessary to select the grade of material. For example, decorative and ceramic tiles require moisture resistant sheets.In addition, this moment also determines the need for additional materials - glue for tiles or wallpaper, and other similar costs.
When starting to create a drywall fireplace with your own hands, you should have drawings on hand, and even before purchasing building materials! The point is that this will help to calculate the expense of costs. Also, depending on the external configuration, the seller may advise one or another brand of the building material itself.
As for the fire itself for the fireplace, then you can use an electronic photo frame. It is very difficult to make a real fire in an apartment, and it is not safe either. Therefore, it is better to make drywall corner fireplaces electric. Firstly, the atmosphere and heat will be no worse than the present, and secondly, you can save a little on fire-safe materials. After all, the same fireproof drywall will cost more than an ordinary brand.
To create a corner false fireplace with your own hands, the drawings must be drawn up taking into account all the requirements. The project must indicate:
- points of location of outlets;
- where exactly the switches of the false fireplace will be located;
- whether there are heating surfaces in the structure, for which you will need your own heat-resistant material;
- if an electrical option is used, and not a photo frame, then you will need to think over the outlet for the heated air, which also requires permission;
- will there be a pedestal by the fireplace;
- in the drawings, not only the height and width of the false structure is calculated, but also its depth.
These moments are important, since when the frame is created, its elements will need to be fixed to the wall, and after all, an electric cable can pass through there. And this is already fraught with consequences.
To make it easier to cope with these issues, you can use Whatman paper to create a "fireplace" in full size. By the way, such a sketch will also help in calculating materials, and if you paint it, you can navigate in colors.
When it is difficult for yourself to make such a blueprint, you can always turn to a specialist for help. The designer will be able to offer several options for corner designs and from them it is already possible to judge which option is most acceptable.
Marking the zone for a raised fireplace
Starting to build a corner fireplace from drywall on your own, first of all it is worth deciding on the location of the structure. It was for this purpose that a sketch layout was needed. An electric fireplace can serve as a separate element of the interior, or it can play the role of a stand for vases, photographs and even a TV.
Further, the appropriate markings are applied to the wall and floor, which will initially indicate the contour of the fireplace. The base for the frame is done like this:
- According to the existing drawing, it is necessary to fix the sections of the guide profiles. For this, a drill or perforator is used, and a dowel is inserted into the resulting hole.
- Further, a rack profile is mounted in the guide element. It also happens that the base of the wall is not perfectly vertical. In this case, you can use straight suspensions, which will help eliminate this disadvantage.
- If the planning implies a pedestal, then it's time to create its base.
Tools and materials
There are three types of false fireplaces: authentic, conventional and symbolic. The latter are more like a painting than a fireplace, the cost of their construction is minimal. Conditional fireplaces are a structure that protrudes from the wall and has a special portal for the electric fireplace screen. Reliable fireplaces have an imitation of a firebox, inside which a bio-heater or candles are installed.
The most suitable material for a false fireplace is drywall. It is lightweight, durable and amenable to processing. An important point - it can be faced with dolomite, stone or tiles.Using this material, do not be limited to strict forms, experiment and create your own unique project!
A universal option for small rooms is a corner fireplace. Its advantage is that, without taking up a lot of space, the structure will become the focal point of the design. Second, a free corner is still easier to select than a free wall.
The first thing to start with is to make a project. There are options with different dimensions, shapes and finishing methods. When making a drawing, it is better to use ready-made projects, and then transform at your discretion.
It is important to decide on the design and "fit" it into the room. Therefore, it is better to make the intended layout (using real dimensions) from paper or cardboard.
This will help save time and materials during the installation process. Having a finished project, it is easier to calculate the required amount of materials. For the construction of a false fireplace, you will need a metal profile, drywall, self-tapping screws, a primer, putty and finishing materials.
Drawing option
To build such a fireplace with your own hands, you will need a set of tools that each master has:
- drill;
- long ruler;
- grinder (or hand saw);
- square;
- level;
- electric jigsaw.
If possible, purchase tools that will greatly simplify your work. The first is a hand-held circular saw with a dust removal function (connected to a vacuum cleaner). For cutting drywall, it is more practical, and the result is more accurate than with an electric jigsaw. The second is an abrasive mesh and nozzles of various types. When sanding, it does not get clogged with dust and is easier to work with.
False plasterboard fireplace
So, for those who decided to build a fireplace, we offer a phased work plan.
1. Preparatory stage
First, we make an estimate of costs: we write down and calculate all the necessary material, a tool, trying not to miss anything. We carry out the drawing. A convenient and reliable way is to make the marking lines of the future fireplace at the selected location, followed by transferring the actual dimensions to paper. Don't be afraid to use curved lines, drywall bends easily.
If you want a false fireplace to look more natural, use the proportions of a regular wooden fireplace, where height is related to width as 2: 3, and fireplace depth to height is 1: 2.
Do not forget to take into account the thickness of the drywall sheet when calculating. To make sure that the calculations are correct, you can build a visual mockup of the fireplace, where mistakes are eliminated, changes are made
2. Stage of assembly of the frame base
To complete the frame, we will use galvanized profiles, guides and rack. The guide profile is similar to "P", has corrugated walls, which gives rigidity. The rack profile comes with a strip in the middle. This adds convenience in mounting and centering fasteners.
Plasterboard fireplace
To assemble the frame, we will perform a number of steps: - With the building level, we check the marking lines drawn on the floor and walls. - Cut the profile to the required length. To obtain a part with a radius, we cut the profile along its entire length after 1 cm, and then gently bend it. - We spread and attach the profile to the floor. We fix the rack profile on the wall with dowels. We place the fastening material in increments of no more than 1 meter. - In a room with low humidity, you can additionally strengthen the frame base with wooden slats, only taking conifers. - We increase the strength of the structure with jumpers, using a rack profile for this.
3. The stage of preparation of plasterboard parts
Blanks are cut with a knife, clerical or construction. You will also need a rule, which is taken as a flat board or a meter ruler. The drywall is cut, flipped to the other side, and the cut is made again.After that, when pressing on the plasterboard sheet, it breaks off along the notch. A roughing planer will help remove the resulting irregularities.
Direct fireplace made of plasterboard
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We cut out the semicircular parts with a hacksaw or jigsaw, followed by processing the irregularities. To bend a drywall sheet, proceed as follows: the sheet is laid face down on the floor, shallow holes are made using an awl. Drywall is saturated with water, but the bottom layer must remain dry. After the gypsum is soaked, the sheet is bent, giving the desired shape, and securely fixed until completely dry.
4. Stage of sheathing of the frame base
A heat-resistant material is used for the firebox: mineral wool is placed under the metal plates and screwed onto self-tapping screws. The panel is covered with heat-resistant varnish and paint. Plasterboard blanks are attached to the frame base using plaster-metal fasteners at a distance of 20 cm from each other.
Imitation fireplace in the living room
5. The stage of leveling the surfaces First, we treat the drywall with a primer, and after it dries, we apply the putty, starting with the caps of the screws. When the putty dries up, smoothen the irregularities.
6. Stage of finishing a corner fireplace A mantelpiece made of a wide board will add charm. It is fixed to the wall and frame. Its surface is covered with paint, stain. When starting the design of a corner fireplace, do not forget that its general appearance should harmoniously fit into the surrounding interior. It is not forbidden to use some decorative elements, for example, columns, pilasters, but everything should be in moderation, not to violate the integrity of the composition.
Corner fireplace
After the structure is ready, you can buy an electric fireplace and insert it inside. The interior of the living room should be cozy, therefore, during the renovation with your own hands, think over the location of the fireplace in this room. Simple methods allow you to simulate a real fireplace and give the atmosphere a touch of originality.
Installation and its features
The main distinguishing feature of this device is its angular position. Therefore, certain nuances arise here when assembling the frame.
The assembly of the frame from metal profiles is carried out as follows:
we apply the markup. It is worth noting here that the lines should run along the edges of the frame and in the corner, where the installation of profiles is also necessary;
- the markup must completely repeat the drawing to scale;
- after the markings have been applied, we begin to fasten the profile;
- on the floor along the walls, set the starting profile so that it converges in the corner;
- then we display the base of the fireplace on the floor. We collect it according to the standard scheme, displaying it using guide profiles. Uses rack profiles cut into separate sections as jumpers;
Base frame
- along the lines along the walls and in the corner, we fix the guide profile, which is included in the starting profile, fixed on the floor;
- all fastenings between the wall, floor and profiles are carried out using dowels.
Remember that the larger the fireplace is, the more we form its base. A strong and stable base is the key to the strength of the entire structure.
After you have mounted the base, we proceed to the assembly of the niche and the frame of the fireplace portal. To do this, insert the profile guides into the base and bring out the box. Then we fix the jumpers between the guide profiles. We connect the profiles to each other using metal screws.
Finished frame
We are completing the installation of the frame for placing wires in it for connecting devices that simulate a real flame.
Varieties of decorative plasterboard fireplaces
Depending on the purpose of use, there are two main types of these units:
- interior;
- electric.
Plasterboard fireplace, which serves as a decorative interior decoration
In the first case, the stove is used as a decorative element of the interior. The imitation of tongues of flame in this design is carried out due to the process of burning ethyl alcohol. Such a hearth is not suitable for full-fledged heating of the room. Today, the most popular are interior units made of gypsum plasterboard (GKL). During the installation of such a device, there is no need to use refractory materials. Almost everyone can organize such a false fireplace. Photos of such structures, as well as all the necessary drawings, can be easily found on the Internet.
All interior units can be conditionally subdivided into the following categories:
- imitating the burning of fire;
- simulating fire burning and smoldering logs;
- imitating a natural fireplace.
The third option is the most popular, since it does not require the organization of a ventilation system. In the first two cases, ventilation may be required to remove flue gases.
The plasterboard structure can be equipped with an electric fireplace that looks like a real one
The electrical device, in addition to serving as a decorative decoration for the interior, also serves as a heater. Electrical devices are characterized by high power and have an appearance that most closely resembles natural models of fireplaces. In specialized stores, as well as on the Internet, ready-made false fireplaces are sold. You can buy a ready-made structure to save time, however, from a financial point of view, it is better to assemble this unit from drywall yourself.
Installation workshop
Having prepared the project, proceed to the markup. The construction of the body of a false fireplace is a simple process, so you can do it yourself. At the points where the metal profile is attached, make notes on the floor and wall.
After that, fix the guide profiles, and already install the racks to them. Check the flatness of the installed parts. Fasten the frame with self-tapping screws.
When the metal frame is ready, cut out the drywall parts
Doing everything with your own hands, it is important to accurately observe the dimensions of the necessary parts. The next stage is the cladding of the frame
Sink the self-tapping screws into the casing by a millimeter so that there are no protrusions.
Metal carcass
Complete the fireplace foot and shelf. If necessary, sand the corners, make flutes. Fasten the foot to the glue, and mount the shelf for reliability with self-tapping screws. If you plan to use a candle in the fireplace, then attach heat-resistant material to the drywall in the upper part of the firebox.
After that, carefully putty the slots and holes from the screws. Once dry, sand the surface with a mesh or sandpaper. It is better to putty in two or three layers until a flat and smooth surface is formed. If necessary, stick to the side and cross parts of the rosette and other decorative details. Materials should be non-soak and water-based filler used for finishing.
Using a photo frame in a fireplace
Beginning of work
The most important point in the work is the choice of placement in the room. Since we will be making a false corner construction, we have little choice - only four corners. It is necessary to exclude corners after a detailed study of how the new structure will fit into the room. Here you need to consider the following factors:
- availability of free space. The less cluttered the corner, the easier it is to clean. In addition, such a fireplace will look better in free space;
- distance to other objects.Not the best solution would be to place the structure near cabinets and other furniture, since it will not look here;
- away from windows. A fireplace, even a decorative one, is always associated with warmth, and this association can be violated near windows.
The best option for placing a false fireplace, assembled with your own hands, would be the corner set aside from the windows near which there is no bulky and large furniture.
After choosing a place, we draw a drawing, which reflects the parameters of each structural element.
Scheme
It is advisable to draw a drawing, since without it, you can incorrectly apply markings on the walls and floor. This will lead to distortion of the design and its unsightly appearance.
You can draw a drawing yourself or choose a ready-made plan from the Internet and only make some amendments to it. Using a ready-made drawing, you will be sharpened to be sure that the structure, made by hand, will be verified and precisely assembled. When the drawing is ready, we put the markings on the floor and wall. In this situation, all lines, before starting the assembly of the frame, we check by level, since they must be perfectly even.