Making a fireplace out of brick is quite difficult. To create a high-quality and productive structure, you will first need a well-designed order or project. The design features of the equipment and the materials used for assembly play an equally important role.
A fireplace with your own hands can be placed both in a private country cottage and in a country house. First of all, this heating variation is suitable for those rooms in which there is no other source of receiving and generating thermal energy. Such a stove can be installed in a house made of brick or wood. Installation in a building made of logs or gas silicate block is also possible. A properly designed fireplace design allows you to efficiently heat not only a small house, but also a fairly large and even two-story house. The efficiency of such a design can reach about 80-90 percent. This is considered a high and good indicator.
What is an island fireplace?
By definition, an island fireplace (or, as it is called, central) is a unique structure that can easily be placed in the central part of the room, or with some offset, depending on the need.
Island fireplaces
This equipment is positioned as a kind of island, the central part of a particular living space, near which the whole family, friends and relatives can be located. Thanks to this specificity, the location and equipment received the appropriate name, which has become popular today among the audience of potential users.
Preparatory stage
A fireplace that is too large consumes a lot of oxygen.
Arrangement work begins with choosing a location. You can install it in a corner, along the wall in the center. It depends on the size and configuration of the room, financial capabilities, and the type of design chosen. This takes into account not only the space occupied by the hearth, but also the need to build a chimney.
You should not place the fireplace opposite a window, as there is a high risk of drafts.
The size of the fireplace determines the dimensions of the room. This design does not heat the room, but is purely decorative. You should not build a fireplace that is too large, as it consumes a very large amount of oxygen.
A classic fireplace in any version requires a foundation, since its weight reaches 700 kg or more. If you buy a steel firebox and install a plasterboard portal lined with tiles around it, you can do without a base.
The foundation depends on the weight of the stove. The simplest is a concrete or crushed stone-sand slab, 50 cm thick and 10–15 cm larger than the dimensions of the body.
It is necessary to provide protection for the walls and floor around the open fireplace. The structure does not heat up too much, but there is a risk of sparks and burning beehives. To do this, the open firebox is protected with a grate or glass screen. The floor around the fireplace is lined with non-flammable material - asbestos or mineralite sheet.
Characteristic elements of island fireplace designs
What is noteworthy is that the central fireplace in question, in its design features, differs very slightly from similar units, for example, the same wall fireplace. The fireplace includes such basic elements as a foundation, a built-in firebox, a mandatory exhaust smoke collector, the chimney itself, as well as a platform in front of the firebox.
If the fireplace is made open, it will also have no portals; a chimney placed in a vertical position will immediately be located above the direct hearth in such a unit.
Dependence of the size of the fireplace on the area of the room (mm) per (m2)
Necessary tools and accessories
Fireclay refractory brick
To make a fireplace, you will need:
- fireclay brick;
- clay red brick for the body and chimney;
- sand, crushed stone and cement for the foundation;
- finishing material: natural or artificial stone, tiles, etc.;
- mortars for masonry – clay, cement, adhesive;
- spatula, trowel;
- grinder with diamond blade, tile cutter;
- tape measure, plumb line, square.
The choice of materials depends on the design. If you use a ready-made firebox, less materials will be needed.
Distinctive features of these fireplaces
The distinctive features that include a fireplace in the center of the room include the following:
Central fireplace
A significant area is required, which is provided for by the safety precautions established for this type of equipment. According to the regulations, around the fireplace itself there must be a platform in front of the firebox, the size of which is set to at least 1 meter. Additionally, it is worth taking into account the area of the unit, and then figure out how best to fit in the same room with friends and relatives.
The optimal estimated area of the room in which it would be appropriate to install this equipment varies within 30 square meters or more. Installation of the foundation is relevant only if the dimensions of the device do not exceed the total figure of 500 kilograms.
Island fireplace with legs
A significant number of fireplaces offered in this category weigh up to 500 kilograms, therefore, additional strengthening of the structure in the form of a foundation is not provided. Consequently, a significant bonus is the saving of material resources for the installation of the structure.
If you decide to install a wall-mounted island fireplace in a room, you will not need a foundation at all, but it is worth considering the additional costs of installing a pre-ceiling platform. As a rule, in this case, the basis is taken from a brick laid directly on the edge, or from ceramic tiles specially selected for this case.
Warm living room interior
Finally, do not forget that the island fireplace is designed to provide full opportunity to observe the playing tongues of open flames, which can thus be seen from virtually anywhere in the room. By the way, this design is the only one that can provide such a unique opportunity in practice. At the same time, it is accessible and easy to install.
The “side” effects include a relatively low efficiency. This is primarily due to the observed lack of retention of such combustion products in the room, as a result of which heat, along with waste components, immediately rushes out through the chimney. A closed fireplace uses all the possibilities of heat release somewhat more efficiently and rationally.
However, this will require additional installation of the firebox with glass-ceramic protection provided. In most cases, such models have through or double-sided fireboxes, built in the form of a kind of wall.
- There is no need to lean the structure against the wall, as well as the need for subsequent thermal insulation. But this is a significant saving for the owner of the premises, which he cannot but rejoice at. However, at the same time, it is worth noting that the pre-ceiling area must be additionally lined with materials classified as non-flammable.
This is necessary in order to avoid possible sparks or coals from the previously opened firebox of the device itself. As a subsequent set of security measures, it is definitely recommended to remove furniture and various objects in the room to a considerable distance, thereby guaranteeing their safety. As a rule, the optimal distance from the fire is set to no less than one meter.
Installation of a chimney for a fireplace
Let's also pay attention to the chimney, which should be located strictly in a vertical area, like all fireplaces without exception that use wood as a heating material.
It is advantageous to design such structures not at the stage of construction itself, but rather at the stage of installation of various ceilings. This will be of particular interest to those who have already started building a house, but later decided to equip it with an additional fireplace. If the building is already completely constructed, it is very difficult to install a chimney pipe in it.
Closed island fireplace
Such a fireplace will require close attention and compliance with all requirements and operating conditions. The open flame in it will not be protected by absolutely any elements, so it is quite likely that sparks and even smoldering coals will fly out.
It is for this reason that closed-type fireboxes are very relevant, which will protect your room from fire, and your health from possible exposure to burning elements.
If it is necessary to build such a structure indoors, there is no need to use materials such as brick, marble or even ceramics, since these components have significant weight, and in particular, a solid foundation. As a rule, the optimal combination of glass and ordinary metal is used, which are positioned as the main components.
It is worth noting that the metal is much easier to bend, avoiding possible obstacles, which also will not create any particular problems for subsequent attachment to various floors between individual floors, and also have slightly less weight.
The chimney design deserves special attention, which is often suspended when equipped with fireplaces under review, regardless of whether an open or closed firebox is provided for in the technological plan. In particular, the chimney can rest on the fireplace, and, as a rule, is made of metal, which ensures the least weight of the structure.
- The heat obtained as a result of the operation of the fireplace is distributed evenly throughout the room, in all directions at once, or in two directions. Such a room is filled almost instantly with warmth and comfort, which is sometimes impossible to achieve when using similar names.
Panoramic fireplaces
[ads-mob-1][ads-pc-1] Do not forget that the main advantage of such designs is their somewhat unusual design, which is also very original. For example, there are a huge variety of elegant models for a modern home that will fit perfectly into the design and thereby become an elegant addition to a number of other elements. Using such original designs, you can easily divide the rooms into two separate, adjacent ones.
Execution of work
After you have chosen a location for the fireplace, calculated the amount of materials, designed and made a detailed order, you will need to purchase the following materials and tools:
- A reservoir in which the adhesive base will be mixed. It should be large enough, at least 40 liters. For better mixing, it is best to get an electric mixer;
- In order to sift sand, you will need to buy a special sieve;
- Laying is carried out using a trowel;
- To check the evenness of the corners, a building level is required;
- Get a tape measure, a square and a ruler;
- Marks are made using a simple pencil or construction marker.
Additionally, you may need such items as: a hammer, rags, a knife, sandpaper and others.
Before you start work, prepare the room, cover all the furniture and interior items that are in it. To make it easier to connect the tool, take an extension cord.
Do-it-yourself installation of a brick fireplace is carried out according to the following stages:
- Any massive structure begins to be erected only after the foundation is built. It can have either a strip or a concrete, block or brick base. If you are going to pour mortar into a pit, formwork is required. In this case, the construction of the furnace occurs only after the foundation is completely dry;
- Next, we begin laying the rows. Each row is pre-laid dry, the evenness and thickness of the seams between the bricks is checked. Periodically, to strengthen the structure, the rows are ligated. All adjustments are made before the adhesion composition dries;
- After the firebox and fireplace portal are erected, we proceed to laying the chimney. the hood is fixed to a horizontal partition. We provide surface insulation. If the pipe is metal, it is best to enclose it in a brick box;
- At the last stage, facing work is carried out, a damper, shelf, grille, and countertop are installed.
The Kuznetsov stove or any other heating device cannot be heated immediately after construction. It is necessary to allow it to shrink and dry well for 10-15 days. After which the furnace gradually begins to operate. Firewood is placed in the firebox exactly halfway, gradually increasing.
From this video you can learn how to make a brick fireplace with your own hands at home or in the country:
Design of fireplaces as part of a room, house, apartment
Original island fireplaces
Special attention in the design is given to processed sheets of metal, skillfully designed as part of the room. What’s noteworthy is that constructively, you can highlight several main design directions that will expand the capabilities of your room and give it a visually attractive appearance.
For example, skillfully complemented designs with glass that will fit into the high-tech style and will be able to demonstrate the desire of the potential home owner to be in the center of attention. Such a fireplace will fit perfectly into a room with an area of about 40 meters or more. You can also complement the minimalist style with it, thereby opening a new look at old principles and traditions.
Clay fireplace
This design, which is based on ordinary clay, can be called somewhat original. For example, if you prefer to keep the style of your own room in a country rhythm, you should definitely take the opportunity and choose one of two options for it - clay or concrete.
Both materials will practically fit into the structure of the style and convey a unique mood to all visitors present in the room.
Such a successful choice will perfectly form the basis for the subsequent development of the concept of a “rural” house, or a cottage, in which a decisive place is given to the central exhibition, and it will be occupied by a fireplace made of an island. This is a very high solution in terms of aesthetic expressiveness, which will certainly appeal to everyone who wants to acquire at their disposal a truly original and reliable design for a fireplace and more.
Let's start from the foundation
The main rule when building a fireplace: the foundation must be made reliable. This means that it is erected separately from the building, otherwise uneven shrinkage will lead to cracks in the fireplace walls. There will be a safety hazard, as the combustion chamber and chimney duct may be damaged.
When the structure is placed next to a load-bearing wall, a layer of sand is poured between the foundations of the house and the fireplace. The upper level of the foundation is compared to the floor.
The digging into the ground is not made too deep. If the soil is mobile, you should make a sand and gravel layer at least 50 cm thick. It will play the role of a compensator during the capillary rise of groundwater. This is a kind of waterproofing of the base and fireplace walls.
M150 concrete is used for pouring. Reinforcement is required. The formwork will be strong if it is made of boards or plywood, fastened with self-tapping screws. According to the parameters, the foundation should be larger than the structure itself, at least 0.1 m on each side. The fireplace drawing usually indicates the required foundation parameters.
On a note. When the foundation is completely poured, you need to wait until the concrete “sets.” This happens within 6-7 days.
It is necessary to lay roofing material on top of the concrete, which will prevent moisture from being “pulled” from the soil. After this, you can make markings and begin laying, strictly adhering to the diagram.
Decorating the space in front of the fireplace
Marble central fireplace
If the decision is finally made, you need to think about what the space in front of the fireplace will be like, in the so-called “safe” zone. As an option, you can lay out the floor surface with skillfully designed stone tiles, after which you can rest assured that nothing will get in or destroy the presented idyll of order and harmony in the room. What is noteworthy is that the material must be selected to be fire-resistant so that there is no source of fire. [ads-pc-2][ads-mob-2]
Materials
Table of necessary materials for building a fireplace
The manufacture of fireplaces begins with the selection of materials. For construction we will need:
- Red ceramic brick. Its quantity is calculated based on the prepared drawing, while all incomplete bricks must be taken into account as whole.
- River sand. Be sure to sift and clear of dirt and debris. The grain size of the material should be within the normal range (0.2–1.5 mm).
- Crushed stone for making a foundation. The acceptable fraction should be from 2 to 6 cm.
- Blue Cambrian clay or regular red.
- Cement (M 200 or M 300).
- Smoke damper.
- Fittings.
Chimney
If the chimney structure is made of brick, it is necessary to consider a foundation or a steel frame for it, which will rest against the main foundation. The chimney itself is located on the outside of the firebox and wrapped in thermally insulated material. The top of the chimney is sheathed with a sheet of steel or aluminum.
Bracket for fastening the chimney pipe
Using ready-made pipe sections for the chimney, special clamps are used as fastenings, with the help of which the structure is fixed to the floors of buildings. This chimney option can do without a foundation.
Preparation
This stage consists of the process of preparing materials. Particular attention, of course, is paid to the brick, but in addition to it, other components will be needed.
Proportions of ingredients for preparing mortar for bricklaying
You will need a clay mixture, which is thoroughly cleaned of unnecessary impurities and wiped. Before laying, this mixture is soaked for about 2–3 hours.
The sand that will participate in the solution must also be cleaned; it will be enough to sift it through a sieve with fine holes.
Having completed this, you can begin to prepare the solution, the proportion of which must be strictly observed. Based on the fat content of the clay, the ratio of sand and clay should look like 1:1 or 1:2.
The resulting solution should not spread on the surface of the brick, but at the same time slide off it with ease.
