Facing with a decorative stone of a fireplace: we carry out correctly

Gusevsky Andrey Anatolyevich

The use of decorative stone in the decoration of the fireplace

Facing a fireplace with a decorative stone in our time is quite common. First off, it's cheaper.
In terms of parameters, decorative elements are not inferior to natural ones. Facing this element will be the focus of this article.
Facing is the ultimate work that can ruin everything, so it must be done correctly. You can watch a video on how to do this work.
Instructions will be given on the rules of work.

Fireplace trim

To get started, you should look at the photo and select the desired design. This will determine the color and size of the elements.
After that, you make their purchase and you can begin to work. The fireplace may be operational or performed portal.
Our instructions apply to both options. Where required we will make reservations

Surface preparation

Facing fireplaces with decorative stone begins precisely with this work. We need to make a base for the installation.
It will determine the quality of bonding surfaces. If this is not done correctly, then the durability of the structure will be significantly reduced.
For the portal, it will be enough to clean the plane from the previous coating and cover it with a primer.
For the current design, everything is somewhat different:

• We completely clean the surface from the previous coating. To do this, use a brush for metal.
  Both old tiles and plaster should be removed. You can use a chisel. But the surface must be completely clean;
• Now we need to make a deepening of the seams. This will largely determine the quality of bonding.
  They should be deepened by about one cm. For this, we use a chisel and a hammer;
• For a good connection of the solution and the wall, we need to pull the grid on a plane. To do this, drive the nails into the seam.
  If the masonry is strong, then we make holes with a punch and then screw the screws there;
• We cover the plane with a primer. It will provide a high-quality mix of materials.
  To do this, use a brush or spray;
• After that, cut the grid to the desired size and hang it. Just do not forget to wear washers on hats. They do not allow the grid to subside.
• We do an inspection and determine the level of coating. To do this, we use a plumb line and a building level.
  After completing the work, the fireplace should have the correct geometric shape. Set beacons to determine the height.

Solution preparation

The decorative stone for facing fireplaces is best of course laid on the mortar from which the masonry was made. It will combine in the highest quality and increase durability.
At this time, there are generally three types of solution, from which you can choose exactly what you need.

Clay mortar

This mixture is best for fireplace trim. She fully meets all the parameters.
It can withstand high temperatures and is resistant to temperature changes, but it is much more difficult to prepare it.
So:

• We begin by determining the clay's fat content. The proportion with the sand will depend on this.
  This is one of the most important parameters. We make a dozen balls with different proportions. And let them dry completely;

Attention: When you make balls, do not forget to number them and write down what proportion was used in each individual case.

• After complete drying let them on a solid surface from a height of one meter.The one that does not break and does not deform and will have the correct proportion;
• Now we take the clay and pass it through a sieve. We need to remove the weight of rubbish and stones.
  The mixture should be clean;
• Now put it in a container and fill it with water. In this form, leave for a day.
  The material should become ductile and sour. Gain the desired viscosity;
• After a day, we begin to add sand in the right proportion and re-mix. If necessary, add water.
  There should be a viscosity of thick sour cream. Kneading with our hands all the lumps;
• Now we need to make the solution homogeneous. For this, a drill with a nozzle is best suited.
  It is she who will make the whole mass completely homogeneous;

Attention: If you use solid fuel in the fireplace, then it is worth adding about 10 percent fireclay powder to the solution. It will allow the masonry to withstand higher temperatures.

Cement mortar

Such a solution is also used for masonry fireplace. Only if you use solid fuel, then it will not be as durable as in the clay solution.
So:

• First, we fill the sand and after that we add cement to it in the right proportion;
• Mix on dry and achieve uniform distribution of components;
• Now add the right amount of water and mix at the same time;
• Bring the composition to uniformity with a drill with a nozzle.

Dry mix solution

A decorative stone for facing the fireplace is placed on a solution of a dry mixture. Its price is quite different, but it is perfect for attaching elements to the portal.
The sequence of its preparation is as follows:

• The dry mixture before use is best passed through a sieve, while separating all the garbage;
• After this, it is necessary to fill it in a container. To do this, it is best to use a plastic bucket from under the paint.
  It has an edge without edges and a flat bottom. It can best be kneaded;
• Add water and mix at the same time. Complete homogeneity can be achieved using a drill with a hen. Bring the mixture to a thick sour cream.

Making the fireplace lining

Now after the proper preparation of the plane and the made solution, you can proceed to stone fireplace. To do this, there are rules to follow.

All work is done completely by hand:

• Before laying parts, spray on the mounting plane. To do this, make the solution more liquid, at the level of liquid sour cream, spray on the plane of attachment with a bucket.
  This work is not performed for the decoration of portals;
• Facing fireplaces with a decorative stone starts from the bottom row and from the corner and then moves up;

Caution: Never mount onto a mortar without first trying on the elements. Before installation, it is necessary to fully fit all the parts and then mount.

• First, lay out all the details on the floor in full size. We make a pattern.
  The bottom should have thicker elements;
• We take the corner element and try on the plane. Immediately try on others from the series.
  If necessary, we make adjustments to the part using a grinder and a cutting wheel;
• After a quality fit, take a notched trowel and apply the solution to the surface of the element;
• Each stacking row should be checked with a level. Do not break configurations;

We carefully adjust each row

• We press it to the installation site and at the same time make a little rotational movement. The part should sit on the solution and there should be no pores with air.
  The mixture should protrude from the seams;
• There are two ways to stack. It is sutured and seamless.
  The second is simpler. When applying the first option, you will need to observe the size of the seam.
  This is achieved by using plastic crosses or wedges;

We use crosses for a high-quality seam

• After fastening, we wait a little while the mixture dries and remove the excess.At the seams, go to the corner of the spatula and clean them;
• We are waiting for the solution to completely dry and fill the seams. Having given a little dry, they should be wiped with a rag;
• After complete surface lining, a protective coating is applied. For this, wax mixtures are best suited.
  They will protect the surface for a long time.

So fireplaces are revetted, facing by a decorative stone for such and difficult work. Most importantly, do not rush anywhere and properly adjust the elements.
Also on our resource you can find out how stove tiling and fireplaces.