Do-it-yourself plasterboard fireplace: step-by-step work algorithm

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Fireplaces made of plasterboard are decorative elements that are most often installed in apartments. Thanks to the variety of facing materials, such designs can be combined with various interiors. Anyone can make a fireplace out of plasterboard with their own hands, since creating one requires only having minimal skills in working with plasterboard material and strictly following the instructions.

A fireplace with a plasterboard base can be decorated in any style

Features of false fireplaces made of plasterboard

The use of full fire in such an artificial fireplace is strictly prohibited. There are articles online that provide instructions for finishing plaster fireplaces to use real flames rather than fake ones. Experts categorically do not recommend implementing such instructions, as the consequences can be fatal.

A false fireplace can be installed in any room and decorated at will with any objects without fear of fire

Assembling a false fireplace from plasterboard with your own hands allows you to get not only an elegant interior element, but also a heating device. Heating in such units is carried out by special heating elements, which are powered by energy from the electrical network.

Finishing

It doesn’t matter what type of imitation fireplace you have made, in any case it should ultimately be combined with the design of the room. It is for this reason that it is extremely important to choose the appropriate finishing coat for the drywall product.

Decorative brick cladding

The most popular options for cladding such structures are decorative bricks, tiles and artificial stone. But paint is often used for finishing cladding. Before deciding to paint the finished fireplace, it must be puttied, thus creating a perfectly smooth surface.

Making a false fireplace (Decoration)

If a different facing material is chosen, you may need decorative plaster; you can find out how to make it yourself in our article. But this will significantly increase the overall weight of the product. You must choose the material for cladding yourself, and solely according to your taste.

What are the advantages of self-made false fireplaces?

Decorative fireplaces made of plasterboard have many advantages. Let's consider the advantages of using such devices in more detail:

An imitation fireplace made of plasterboard can be installed in any apartment. Moreover, for such work you do not need to obtain any permits;
the shape of the device is selected to match the features of a specific interior, which is very convenient;
assembly of a fake stove is carried out using simple materials that can be easily purchased on the market or in any specialized store;
the absence of an open flame source makes it possible to ensure the safety of such a structure;
organizing a plasterboard stove in an apartment or house has low financial costs;

Imitation fireplace made of plasterboard, decorated with real logs

The upper partition of this design is functional, as it can be used as a stand for family photos (or any other items).

Note! If necessary, a decorative plasterboard fireplace assembled by yourself can be equipped with electric heating.

The organization of electric heating is quite simple. As mentioned above, the use of open flames in such structures is strictly not recommended. If you decide to use an open fire in such an imitation of a stove, then you need to take care of covering the back panel and side surfaces with fireproof materials. This type of cladding is quite easy to do with your own hands. Photos of decorative plasterboard fireplaces with different heating options can be studied on the Internet.

Such decorative elements do not need to be fixed to the wall, which will allow it to be moved to any point in the room at the request of the owners.

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

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Electrolux EFP/W-1200URLS

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Dimplex Cassette L series Opti-Myst

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Royal Flame Dioramic 25 LED FX

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Types of decorative fireplaces made of plasterboard

Depending on the purpose of use, there are two main types of these units:

interior;
electric.

A plasterboard fireplace that serves as a decorative interior decoration

In the first case, the stove is used as a decorative element of the interior. Imitation of flames in this design is carried out due to the process of burning ethyl alcohol. Such a fireplace is not suitable for full heating of a room. Today, the most popular are interior units made of plasterboard sheet (GKL). During installation of such a device there is no need to use fire-resistant materials. Almost anyone can organize such a false fireplace. Photos of similar structures, as well as all the necessary drawings, can be easily found on the Internet.

All interior units can be divided into the following categories:

simulating the burning of fire;
simulating burning fire and smoldering logs;
imitating a natural fireplace.

The third option is the most popular, as it does not require the organization of a ventilation system. In the first two cases, ventilation may be required to eliminate gas combustion products.

A 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 highly powerful and have an appearance that closely resembles natural fireplace models. Ready-made false fireplaces are sold in specialized stores, as well as on the Internet. 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 plasterboard yourself.

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.

DIY plasterboard fireplace: choosing a design

Installing a full-fledged fireplace in an apartment not only requires large financial costs, but is also accompanied by other difficulties. But an indoor stove of this type creates a unique atmosphere in the house, so many owners decide to install a decorative plasterboard fireplace with their own hands. Photos of apartments with fireplaces indicate that this element often becomes part of the interior and makes it unique. The photographs will also help those wishing to acquire a false fireplace decide on the design and choose the most suitable option.

The dimensions and design of the imitation furnace are determined according to the following rules:

if you intend to install a fireplace that will have medium dimensions, you can place a small plasma TV inside it. This solution will allow you to simulate flames without installing gas burners and ventilation pipes;

A decorative fireplace in the living room and surrounding accessories attract attention and make this composition the highlight of the interior.

To simulate flames in a small device, you can use a regular LED photo frame. It will perform the same function as a plasma TV (picture transmission);
To get as close to a natural device as possible, it is recommended to install an electric heating system in the decorative stove. In this case, you can get not only a decorative interior element that imitates a flame, but also a full-fledged heater.

Helpful information! Please note that in small rooms corner fireplaces made of plasterboard are most often used. This solution allows you to save useful space in the room.

False fireplaces can also be used as a stand for a plasma TV. Using a structure in this way is a fairly common practice.

The shelf above the false fireplace can be used as a TV stand

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.

How to choose a place for a plasterboard fireplace?

Before you move on to studying the instructions, which tell you how to make fireplaces from plasterboard with your own hands, you need to decide on the choice of place for it. If you plan to install this device in a large living room, then the best solution would be to place the fireplace at a point that corresponds to the middle of the longitudinal wall.

If desired, you can also make a decorative chimney, which will give the structure the most realistic appearance. The main thing is to decide on the size and design to create your own fireplace from plasterboard. Photos of structures equipped with a chimney will help assess the feasibility of such a solution and the possibility of installing a chimney in your room.

Experienced craftsmen do not recommend installing fake fireplaces in hard-to-reach areas of the room. This rule especially applies to structures that are equipped with heating devices. Hard-to-reach places include:

space in front of the heating radiator;
points located near the doorway;
places near cabinets and other bulky structures.

The fireplace should be located in a place where it will be accessible to everyone

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.

Creating a drawing for a plasterboard fireplace

A drawing or sketch is the first step in creating a decorative plasterboard fireplace with your own hands. You can complete the drawing and project yourself or use an Internet search. It is best if the drawing is made in full size (scale 1:1). In order to make such a drawing, you will need:

large sheet of paper;
ruler;
pencil or marker.

The drawing must be attached in the place where the gypsum plasterboard stove will be installed and visually verify that the location of the structure is correct. After this, you can begin assembling the layout.

The drawing must indicate the dimensions of each element of the future fireplace

A drawing with the dimensions of a plasterboard fireplace must include every detail of the future design. Dimensions, relief, shape - all this must be noted when creating a design for a gypsum plasterboard stove.

Video description

Try making a fireplace according to the instructions in this video or use it as an example to assemble your own design:
The instructions provided are suitable for simple wall-mounted models. Angular, asymmetrical and other complex shapes require an individual approach to frame assembly. Some craftsmen first make it completely, and only then fasten it in place.

It is important! When an electric fireplace is built into a plasterboard structure, the combustion chamber frame is assembled taking into account the fact that after plating its internal parameters will decrease.

Do-it-yourself plasterboard fireplace: making a layout

Experienced craftsmen advise that after completing a drawing of a plasterboard stove, make a model of it. This recommendation especially applies to beginners who have no experience in creating such structures. Why do you need a layout? Assembling the model allows you to realistically evaluate the structure that will be assembled according to the drawing and identify errors made at the stage of creating the project.

The materials and tools that are required to organize the layout - these are foam sheets and PVA glue - are inexpensive. Assembling the layout does not cause any problems and allows you to correct design errors before expensive materials are used.

To fasten drywall sheets, use a U-shaped metal profile

Sheathing the frame

There are no special restrictions when choosing drywall for covering a false fireplace. Since there is no plan to have a fire in the fireplace, you can opt for moisture-resistant material with a thickness of 12 mm or more. The structure can withstand light loads and is easy to care for. The purchased sheets must be kept at room temperature for several days to dry them.

Important! Drywall can only be stored in a lying position. There is no need to place it on its edge - it will lose its shape.

To cut gypsum plasterboard, a mounting knife is used; with its help, a deep cut is made on one side of the sheet, and the element is broken along the created seam. The sheet is turned over and the cardboard is cut from the reverse side. It is necessary to cut the material on a flat surface, according to pre-prepared markings. It is better to do this using a ruler (usually a profile for drywall).

The edges of the cut are cleaned and possibly treated with fine sandpaper. For installation, special metal screws (black, with narrow threads) are used; they are screwed in so that the caps go in to a depth of 1 mm. The largest parts are installed first. This is how the entire fireplace is gradually covered.

How to make a fireplace from plasterboard with your own hands: materials and tools

To make a fireplace from gypsum plasterboard, you need to purchase the following tools and materials:

metal profile in the shape of the letter “P”. Slats are used as guides;
GKL;
self-tapping screws for frame construction. The length of the screws should be approximately 14-15 mm;
Self-tapping screws are used to fix the gypsum boards. The head of such self-tapping screws must be countersunk;
ordinary dowels;
tape measure (for measurements);
screwdriver;
perforator;
Bulgarian;
building level. You can use a plumb line as a level;
sealing compound (silicone);
putty;
paint (water-based).

All of the above tools and materials are necessary for assembling a false fireplace made of plasterboard. You can buy them in almost any specialized store.

Related article:

Fireplace in the apartment and the best design options using it
Principles of using a fireplace as a key element of the interior to create a cozy environment in different styles. Popular design techniques.

The screws must be special, designed for working with drywall, and also of a suitable length. The last parameter depends on the thickness of the gypsum board.

First of all, you need to mark the fireplace on the wall according to the drawing

Material selection

Today, craftsmen can make a decorative hearth from any material, even from old furniture. But the most popular material here is plasterboard. Why is it that he has held the palm in this matter for several years in a row? The following advantages of this material will help answer this question:

accessibility in terms of pricing policy. Today the construction market is represented by both domestic and foreign products;
environmental friendliness;
safety for indoor installation;
the ability to implement various fireplace projects;
the ability to assemble the structure in any style;
the ability to place the device anywhere in the room;
ease of installation. Any person can handle the assembly, even without special construction education.

In addition, using drywall you can make concave and curved surfaces on the portal of the structure. This will allow it to fit perfectly into the existing surroundings of the room. Also, a false fireplace made of plasterboard will allow you to carry out external finishing with any finishing materials, completely changing the appearance of the room.

DIY false fireplace. Step by step instructions. Photos of work stages

How to make false fireplaces for the living room or any other room? In order to answer the question of how to make a fireplace from plasterboard material, it is necessary to study the three main stages of its creation:

execution of the frame;
covering the structure using gypsum plasterboard;
portal design.

The frame is the basis of the future furnace portal. The work of assembling the frame structure must be taken very seriously. Before installing the frame, it is necessary to apply markings to the surfaces to which the structure will adhere. The markings convey the contours of the future furnace and allow you to estimate its actual size.

Important! When marking, you must ensure that all lines are straight. As a result of the intersection of the line, the walls and floor should form a right angle (90°).

Method of fastening metal profiles together

After completing the markings, you can proceed directly to assembling the fireplace from plasterboard with your own hands. Step-by-step instructions for making the frame are presented below.

To assemble the base of the rear wall, guide profiles are fixed to the wall (according to the markings). The profiles are secured using dowel nails. The base of the rear wall includes two vertical and transverse posts. When assembling the frame, it should be remembered that the numerical indicator (cm) from the floor to the bottom crossbar is the determining factor in the height of the parapet.

Next, the guide profiles are fixed along the contour of the combustion chamber. After this, the profile is fixed on the floor, which is fixed along the parapet line. Then the front racks are mounted, the distance from which to the rear wall is an indicator that determines the depth of the fireplace. The front pillars are connected to each other by means of crossbars. The front pillars are connected to the rear wall using crossbars located in a horizontal plane.

To bend the profile, you need to make cuts on it at regular intervals.

After assembling the front and rear posts of the fake stove, you can proceed to installing the parapet posts and tying them with crossbars. Then, in the front part of the frame of the unit, the racks of the combustion compartment are fixed, which must be connected to the main racks using crossbars.

At the end, the arch of the combustion chamber is mounted. To make a curved arch, you need to cut the profiles and bend them in order to obtain the desired shape. The pitch of the cuts should be approximately 1.5 cm. Thus, the frame of the portal for the fireplace is assembled from plasterboard.

On the Internet you can find all the necessary materials for assembling a fireplace with your own hands from plasterboard. Photos of frame structures at different stages of assembly will help you do this job correctly.

An example of a finished frame for a false fireplace made of plasterboard

Do-it-yourself fireplace made of plasterboard: step-by-step instructions for covering the frame

In order to cover a fireplace with plasterboard sheets, you first need to cut them (in accordance with the dimensions specified in the project). Let's consider the procedure that needs to be done to cut the gypsum board:

First you need to press the ruler to the surface of the gypsum board. The ruler must be pressed strictly along the cutting line;
Next, you need to draw a construction knife along the ruler;
After making a cut along the line, you need to break the plasterboard sheet with your hands and cut through the cardboard layer on the other side.

Helpful information! Complex fireplace elements (for example, the arch of the combustion chamber) require high precision when cutting them out of gypsum board. Therefore, you must first mark such parts on a sheet of graph paper.

Cutting sheets of drywall must be done very accurately, using a ruler

Cutting out complex parts is done using a special device - a jigsaw. On the Internet you can see various photos of plasterboard fireplaces made using intricate elements.

The finished parts are fixed to the frame using self-tapping screws, which must be suitable for working with plasterboard material. The pitch indicator for such self-tapping screws ranges from 10 to 15 cm.

It is necessary to strictly follow the algorithm of actions proposed below in order to make a plasterboard fireplace with your own hands. Step-by-step instructions for covering the fireplace frame with plasterboard parts look like this:

a chamfer is cut from the joints of sheets that are placed in the same plane (the cut width should be approximately 5 mm);
after this, the joints are reinforced. For this, a special sickle mesh is used;
then the joints are covered with two layers of primer. The second coat of primer is applied only after the first coat has completely dried;

Before applying putty, gypsum board joints must be reinforced with a special mesh

after the second layer of primer has dried, the resulting structure is treated with putty (starting);
then the entire portal is treated with putty.

Thus, a ready-made portal for a plasterboard fireplace is obtained. It won’t be difficult to do it yourself, however, you need to take into account all the above nuances.

How can you decorate a false fireplace with your own hands? Photos of interesting ideas

Let's consider the most popular materials used to decorate fireplaces:

self-adhesive film or “self-adhesive”;
ceramic tiles (the most common material for decoration);
stone (natural or artificial);
brick;
marble;
tree.

A plain plasterboard fireplace can be decorated with a variety of decorative elements

In addition to the above materials, forged metal elements can be used for cladding a decorative fireplace. However, an important point when choosing a facing material for a portal is that the decorative structure should not experience excessive load.

You can cover the fireplace with any material with your own hands, but experienced craftsmen do not advise decorating the stove yourself if the cost of the material is significant (for example, natural stone).

Cladding the fireplace portal with ceramic tiles is quite simple. To do this, you need to use a special tile adhesive and use it to glue the tiles to the portal. Instead of glue, you can use liquid nails, which have also proven themselves well in this matter.

Raised fireplace with ceramic tiles and plaster moldings

Built-in fireplaces with double-sided firebox

Fireplaces with double-sided fireboxes are usually rectangular in shape. Externally, they look like part of a wall, the surface of which is made of glass. There's a fire burning inside her. Such a hearth often plays a decorative role. If you install it in a wall connecting adjacent rooms, it will heat both rooms, but the amount of heat generated will be small.

Built-in hearth with double-sided firebox

Double-sided fireboxes must be closed with glass doors, otherwise the fireplace may start to smoke. The good thing about these doors is that you can add wood to the fire from any room.

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.