The finished fireplace is very popular today. This is due to the fact that such a stove can be placed both in a standard apartment and in a private house. In addition, the price of a fireplace can be different, including quite budget ones.
Characteristics and features of the units
Metal fireplaces have always been on the level and are simpler and alternative options to brick stoves. The firebox, the cast iron fireplace of which is located in your home, if properly installed and located in the interior, will provide the necessary heat and have high efficiency.
Many people say that metal stoves cannot harmonize favorably and well enough with many styles due to their simple visual design, however, for example, the Demidov fireplace is an example of good cast iron fireboxes.
Modern metal fireplaces, although quite simple, have an original finish that allows them to combine favorably and harmonize with any interior of a house or apartment.
A wood-burning metal fireplace and its other variations (fuel) have the following advantages:
- Such metal structures are small in size, which distinguishes them from a traditional bulky brick fireplace. To build a brick unit, you will need to build an additional foundation;
- Metal fireplaces are very easy to clean and maintain. This is due to open access to the smoke collection channel. For cleaning, you can use standard available products that are found in every home, such as powders and toothpaste (for polishing the surface). You can also buy special care products in a specialized store;
- The structures have high heat transfer. This allows the installation to quickly heat up to maximum temperature, accumulate heat, and distribute it throughout the premises. However, the case itself also gets very hot and you can easily get burned on it.
The fireplace, with which the cottage will become cozier and warmer, gets very hot. That is why, for safety reasons, we recommend insulating the walls of the fireplace, lining it with non-combustible materials, or purchasing a fireplace portal. Walls and floors must also be properly insulated. To do this, you will need special plates or sheets of metal.
Advantages
Japan is considered the birthplace of metal fireplaces, although in a simplified version it strongly resembles the domestic “potbelly stove”. Here we are talking about the fact that the original shapes of metal fireplaces came to us from the Land of the Rising Sun, especially for island options. From the above it follows that one of the advantages of fireplaces of this type is the arbitrariness of the style for decorating any room.
The absence of foundation requirements allows you to think about arranging metal structures after the construction of the house. The product can be installed anywhere in a finished and finished room. Mobility allows for re-installation with a change in the location of the outbreak.
A very big disadvantage of wood-burning fireplaces is that a significant part of the amount of heat leaves the room through the chimney. An increase in efficiency is only possible due to the rapid removal of heat from the firebox.
Homemade stove
Any metal has excellent thermal conductivity, so it will heat up soon after igniting the wood. The transfer of energy to the air in the room occurs at a much higher speed than in the case of a fireplace built of brick. However, this plus easily turns into a minus when the wood is completely burned. The fireplace cools down very quickly and does not accumulate heat.
Kinds
A heating fireplace, a metal stove and other units located in a house or apartment can be made of various materials, which in turn allows us to distinguish several categories and varieties of this heating equipment.
Cast iron
Fireplaces made of cast iron, the price of which is quite high, are of high quality and durability. To make such a structure you will need time, skills and special tools. Each part and element is usually manufactured separately. The devices have high efficiency, good heat dissipation, durability and reliability.
A sauna fireplace is a stove that can be made of either cast iron or steel. The second option is more budget-friendly, while the first is more effective.
Steel or metal
A fireplace whose firebox is made of high-quality steel is more affordable and lightweight. Such structures do not require the manufacture of a foundation or reinforcement of the floor in the house. Most structures are made of sheet metal. The shape of the product can be classic square or rectangular, cylindrical, oval, round, triangular, trapezoidal.
Copper fireplaces
Fireplaces made of non-ferrous metal or copper, the price of which is higher than, for example, steel or cast iron, are of high quality. It is quite difficult to find such products in the assortment today, since they are mainly made to order.
A house whose stove is made of non-ferrous metal or copper will acquire a unique and inimitable appearance.
If you decide to buy a bronze fireplace, it should be noted that the main properties of the material include resistance to rust and corrosion. In addition, the advantages of the material include flexibility and pliability, which allows you to create any details, patterns and elements from bronze.
Finishing
In absolutely all cases, the resulting fireplace will have to be decorated from the outside. It can simply be coated with a layer of glossy or matte paint. Here you need to remember the elementary laws from the physics course. Dark bodies emit more energy, and since our task is to remove energy, black colors will be a priority.
Good to know: Metal fireplaces for the home that burn wood: cast iron, iron, steel
The fireplace can be finished with special fireproof materials. These include tiles made of ceramics, artificial and natural stone. When gluing tiles, you should remember the thermal expansion of the metal, so the seam gap should be slightly increased.
With the possibility of making your own fireplace, a lot of opportunities open up for you to realize your old dream exactly in the form in which it interprets itself. Desire and work in a certain sequence will ensure an excellent result.
Main purpose
A stove, with which a bath will be an undoubted pleasure, may belong to a certain category. Metal fireplaces are divided into these variations:
- A heating device or system is intended for heating houses and apartments. The design of such equipment is as simple and discreet as possible;
- Fireplace stoves are ways to combine not only a heating function, but also a visual component. Such designs can be additionally equipped with an oven or hob;
- A barbecue is a kind of metal fireplace, which is intended for cooking food using coals, firewood, and pellets. the barbecue has an open top and is located in the garden, in the open-air country house;
- Decorative fireplaces or false fireplaces are intended for visual contemplation. Such metal fireplaces with candles and other decor can be quite compact and are installed not only in the living room, but also in the bedroom, hallway, and attic.
Other tips
The living room with the kitchen can be combined and decorated with various shortcomings
It is important to calculate and anticipate everything in advance. Decorators and craftsmen share tips that will help avoid problems during repairs and furnishings:
The result depends on how detailed the project is drawn up. Oddly enough, it is worth taking into account the growth of loved ones and relatives. It is also recommended to calculate the approximate number of possible guests. You can get rid of food smells by installing a strong hood or ventilation system.
Small models are more suitable for housewives who do little cooking. If you plan to have a sleeping place in the living room, then it is important that the ringing of appliances and other kitchen utensils is not heard. Silent dishwashers and other appliances will come in handy.
In addition, you can install a sliding door and install a soundproof partition. If there is sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, the owners hang thick curtains made of light-proof fabric. If household appliances do not match the direction of the interior, they are hidden behind furniture or put away in kitchen cabinets. When installing luminaires and lamps, they are guided by several criteria
It is important that the light falls evenly throughout the entire space. Especially bright lighting is preferable in the kitchen area and where the dining table is installed
In the living room, designers create a subdued atmosphere using wall sconces and table lamps. Multi-level stretch ceilings with LED strip also look good in this room.
Moisture-resistant finishing materials are more durable and easy to clean. Thus, they retain their appearance for a long time. The kitchen combined with the living room combines:
- personal tastes of the owners;
- reliable finishing materials;
- current design ideas;
- convenience;
- trends. The best photos of kitchen living room design
Selecting a location
Installation of fireplaces and their location in the interior can be as follows:
- A wall-mounted fireplace can be installed near any wall or partition in a house or apartment. This device has small dimensions and optimal weight. A fireplace with fireproof glass will be safer and more convenient to use. It is not recommended to install such a structure opposite window or door openings, since in this case drafts may affect the efficiency and quality of work;
- A corner fireplace can be either electric or solid fuel. The corner variation has the smallest dimensions and is perfect for installation in a small living room or bedroom;
- A hanging hearth is no less popular and effective, despite its unique and unconventional location. Hanging fireplaces can be installed either completely separately or complete with a portal;
- The island metal fireplace has massive dimensions and is quite heavy. It is suitable for placement in rooms with an area of 35 sq.m. The stove chimney will be located directly in the center of the room, and will not be hidden by the box.
Design features
The fireplace insert can be located either completely separately or installed in a fireplace portal triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, elongated, cylindrical.
The power of the fireplace is an individual parameter on which the quality and speed of heating directly depends. In addition, a large fireplace has a higher power, while a small one is more suitable for a small living room.
The combustion chamber is equipped with two compartments. In one, fuel combustion occurs, in the second, gas masses accumulate. The lower part is equipped with a mesh through which only ash and soot move below and end up in the ash pan.
A metal fireplace stove has one integral component, namely a chimney. A fireplace whose firebox is not equipped with a tooth can have a high-quality imitation of it. Thus, due to the curved structure, other products of combustion and decay cannot get back into the room.
The upper part of the chimney is an umbrella or cap that prevents precipitation, wind, and dirt from entering the pipe and clogging the system. The chimney installation is installed on the roof at a distance of at least 500 mm.
Cast iron structures
Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces for cottages made of cast iron have a higher cost and impressive weight. Despite these two minor drawbacks, they retain heat in the room much longer (up to 2-3 hours after the end of the fire) and one load of logs can last for 6-15 hours.
Another undeniable advantage is the durability of cast iron. It tolerates strong heat and sudden temperature changes well, will not expand and will not wear out over time.
If you want to learn more about the characteristics and visual features of cast iron fireboxes, we recommend watching the video in this article.
Cast iron is stronger and more durable, due to which the cost of such fireplaces increases sharply
Even small installations can have useful features such as shelves, countertops and firewood racks
Fuel selection
The fuel for a classic type metal fireplace is wood. Much depends on the type of wood chosen. It is best to use birch and ash for the firebox, while coniferous trees produce the greatest heat. However, they are recommended to be used as a chimney cleaner and with extreme caution.
A wood-burning fireplace can also be heated using a product such as peat pellets. Purchased fuel is safe and environmentally friendly. Many manufacturers prohibit burning a solid fuel stove with coal, as it contributes to rapid contamination of the unit and leads to various deformations and breakdowns.
The fireplace design can be heated with liquid fuel such as natural gas. It can be supplied either from the communication system of the house or from a special cylinder, which periodically require replacement after the gas in it runs out.
DIY installation at home
You can assemble a metal fireplace with your own hands at home, without the help of a professional craftsman or stove maker. First of all, for successful installation and construction work, we will need to prepare specialized tools for cutting, welding and other work. In addition, it is important to purchase the following materials, components and fittings:
- The base of the fireplace requires the preparation of sheets made exclusively of fire-resistant materials. The cladding must also be heat-resistant - it can be porcelain stoneware, tiles or steel sheets, the thickness of which is 4-5 mm;
- The frame and body of the structure are complemented and assembled from steel angles and sheet steel;
- The chimney is made of individual elements, pipes, elbows, brackets. For proper functioning, thermal insulation material may be required;
- As additional accessories, they buy a grate, a glass door to close the combustion chamber, and various fasteners.
Installation and step by step guide
At the first stage, you will need to insulate the floor and walls next to which the fireplace will be installed. For this, materials such as mineral wool are used, on a layer of which it is necessary to lay heat-resistant steel in the form of a metal sheet.
The stove firebox is a frame based on metal corners. It is recommended that the stove have reliable double walls - this will increase indicators such as efficiency, heat transfer, and make the device more efficient.
The front part of the combustion chamber must have a slot into which fuel will be loaded. The ash pan and grate are necessary for comfortable use and removal of residual combustion products and soot.
The fireplace hood plays one of the most important roles. a hood equipped with a smoke collector will allow all combustion and decay products to be discharged directly onto the street and not enter the room. Such a mechanism can be direct and exit through the roof, or multi-stage, that is, consist of various tees, bends and elbows. Finally, each joint and connection must be treated with mastic and mineral wool must be laid as insulation.
Framing a fireplace is the lining of the portal with various materials, for example, for these purposes you can use brick, artificial stone, natural materials, paint, forged elements, stucco, decorative plaster, tiles or porcelain stoneware.
You can get a modern fireplace by first thinking through the image down to the smallest detail. To do this, you will need to draw up a plan, a drawing on paper, and an order. For better visualization, you can use various computer programs.
Fireplace insert glass self-cleaning system
And at the end of the article, we will talk about the advantages of the “clean glass” system. If it is not there, then the glass will quickly become smoked, and the owner of the fireplace will not see the beautiful flame. Glass cleaning occurs according to the “air curtain” principle. Inside the firebox, along the glass, usually from top to bottom, a specially organized flow of clean air moves; sometimes it is preheated for higher system efficiency.
We recommend reading the article - Do-it-yourself fireplace: detailed photo instructions for construction.
Watch the video - Step-by-step assembly of a fireplace with a metal firebox with your own hands.
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Popular fireplace manufacturers
Fireplaces made in Russia are primarily brands such as Angara and MetaFire. In the range of hearths you can buy a metal fireplace made from sheet steel of the highest quality. These models can be used to heat an apartment or house with an area of up to 150 sq.m. The fireboxes are equipped with a hob and are equipped with a water circuit or jacket. The price for such a fireplace is affordable, and the controls are quite simple and intuitive.
Metal fireplaces produced by Termofor are no less popular. Such heating wood stoves are quite economical, and their quality is time-tested. The range includes stoves with a hob and outdoor barbecues for the garden and cottage.
European manufacturers are primarily brands such as: Boley, Fugar, Traforart. You can buy both classic and modern fireplaces, in high-tech, Provence, modern, art deco, and fusion styles. The price of such stoves is quite high.
From this video, you can learn how to install and position a wood-burning fireplace, the firebox of which has a cast iron or steel frame. Troubleshooting from a master:
