(Manufacturing of a concrete fireplace)

An open hearth made of parts cast from a solution based on a refractory mixture is lined with natural stone.

The appearance in the wide market of new building materials, such as tension cements, universal refractory mixtures, waterproof tile adhesives, allows you to create interesting designs. For example, parts of a garden fireplace can be cast from a solution of a refractory mixture based on high alumina cement and refractory aggregates. This material is characterized by high operating temperature (up to 1450°C), good adhesion to brick and concrete base (not less than 2.0 MPa). The strength of concrete from such a solution can reach 2000 kg/m3.

The manufacture of a fireplace begins with the preparation of the foundation for it. To do this, on a plot of 1x1 m, fertile soil is taken out to a depth of about 0.2-0.3 m and, having added a layer of sand to this place and compacted it, a reinforced foundation slab is poured.

For casting fireplace parts, formwork of various shapes will be required. It is knocked together from thin boards. For easier removal of the finished part, the inner surfaces of the formwork are covered with plastic wrap.

The fireplace parts are assembled on a cement mortar or high-strength waterproof tile adhesive, for example, the Glims brand. The same glue can be used for facing the outer surfaces of the fireplace with natural stone. The approximate dimensions of the fireplace parts are shown in the figure, and some stages of work are in the photo.

The grate plate, reinforced during casting, is installed on the plinth on a solution of a refractory mixture.

For a reliable connection of the fireplace parts, the glue is applied with two concentric rollers.

A metal mesh is laid between the pipe sections - a spark arrester.

Stone fireplaces are very popular today. They look expensive, stylish and sophisticated. However, for those who prefer to build a more budget option with their own hands in their home or in the country, we recommend paying attention to a concrete fireplace. Concrete belongs to the category of inexpensive materials, and also perfectly tolerates high temperatures, is easy to work with, and allows you to imitate any cladding and texture.

The fireplace, the lining of which is made of natural stone, of course, looks very stylish. However, the cost of such a portal is quite high, and the installation and assembly of the frame is impossible without experience, professional tools and large financial investments. Concrete in this case has an advantage, since even an inexperienced beginner can work with it.

the fireplace portal can be made of a concrete base mixed on a certain basis. The composition, which is based on fiberglass concrete, is very popular. If we consider the composition in more detail, this substance consists of reinforced particles and glass fibers. Due to this, the furnace portal acquires maximum strength, stability, and tolerates high temperatures well.

A fireplace, the finishing and assembly of which is made of concrete, may have not only a frame made of this material. Individual walls or partitions of the structure, a mantelpiece, a countertop and other decorative elements of the stove can be created from concrete.

By applying an additional lining to the prepared concrete surface, it is possible to perform a very high-quality, original and realistic imitation of any material or texture. The material can be similar to marble, granite, limestone, sandstone. Due to this, many designers and architects prefer to use such a coating.

A fireplace, the portal of which will be made with your own hands in a house or in a country house made of concrete, will have a large mass. At the first stage, you will need to find the most suitable, safe and spacious room in the house. After that, we determine the location and dimensions of the heating unit. The location of the fireplace in the interior can be very diverse. The most common corner, island, wall, built-in and hanging stove-fireplace.

At the first stage, it is necessary to prepare an additional foundation, which in no case can be combined with the house. We dig a hole, the dimensions of which will be on average 150-200 millimeters larger than the dimensions of the fireplace itself. At the bottom of the pit, a thin layer is laid and compacted with sand or sand + gravel in a ratio of 1/1. Next, we form a sand cushion, the height of which varies from 100 to 700 millimeters and depends on the quality of the soil.

At the second stage of the work, we will need to prepare a solution based on Portland cement and sand with gravel. In this case, the proportion will be 1 to 4. We fill in the first layer, level it, lay the reinforcement grid and fill it with the second layer of mortar. We make tamping and leave to dry completely for 3-7 days. Next, you can proceed to the formation of the firebox and the fireplace portal.

Such a hearth can either be completely formed of concrete (monolithic), or consist of separate decorative elements. Today, both classic and modern frames are popular, complemented by various patterns, ornaments, three-dimensional patterns, curls, columns. The texture and surface of the fireplace portal can be either perfectly smooth and glossy, or rough, matte.

If necessary or lack of free time, you can buy ready portal or fireplace lining in our specialized online store.

Concrete outdoor fireplaces

A fireplace, the cottage with which will look stylish and comfortable, can be located not only indoors, but also on the veranda or on the street. An outdoor fireplace will become an alternative to such a design as a barbecue or barbecue. Near it you can relax and gather in the company of friends and relatives.

Outdoor fireplace can be island, wall, corner. A fireplace, the firebox of which is built into the wall, is a built-in fireplace. The chimney in this case is located and carried out inside the wall or a nearby partition. In its structure and design features, such a heating unit is no different from a home.

A wall-mounted outdoor stove is installed close to the wall of a house, porch or gazebo. To ensure the proper level of fire safety, the wall is pre-lined and insulated with refractory materials.

A fireplace, for which marble is the main material, can be additionally decorated and decorated with concrete details and elements. This will reduce the final cost and minimize cash costs.

For spacious gardens, verandas and gazebos, you can opt for a fairly massive structure. This category includes an island fireplace, which is installed anywhere, including in the center.

Also, as the basis for a street-type furnace, you can choose a special concrete mortar, which includes high-alumina cement and additional refractory additives. This fireplace base is highly durable and can withstand heating temperatures reaching 1000-1500 degrees.

For such structures, it will also be necessary to build an additional foundation, the structure of which is not much different from home. To do this, we pull out a pit, the depth of which will be about 300-400 millimeters. The bottom is covered with a layer of sand, which, after tamping, is filled with cement and reinforced with reinforcing bars.

In order to maintain the quality of details and design at the proper level, they are made and formed from a refractory composition. To give the necessary shape, we use a wooden formwork. In order for the composition not to stick to the molds, the walls are covered with plastic bags.

The assembly of the fireplace portal and the interconnection of individual parts and elements is carried out using a cement bonding base, which, if desired, can be replaced with refractory thermal adhesive.

You can make a simple concrete fireplace from ready-made parts and elements. You can buy or order so-called "rings for wells" at a specialized reinforced concrete company. With the help of such rings, you can form the depth of the hearth and place it both on the surface and deepen it a little into the ground. The fireplace insert can be open or closed at your discretion.

To form such a fireplace portal from rings, each element is placed on the previous one. For better adhesion and stability of the structure, and also if you want to assemble a high fireplace with your own hands, cement mortar is used.

At the last stage, the design of the fireplace installation is carried out. To do this, you can use any non-combustible and environmentally friendly lining. A stove lined with natural stone outside and inside the firebox will look beautiful and stylish. However, do not forget that stone lining the inside of the combustion chamber will significantly reduce the amount of free space.

You can also install an artificial fireplace in the garden, in the hearth of which a real flame will not burn. Such a firebox is nothing more than a decor and is not useful.

Before placing a concrete fireplace at home or in the garden, it is important to familiarize yourself with the basic requirements for its installation.

As a ready-made solution, you can take care not only of the appearance of the furnace itself, but also of the space surrounding it. To do this, the garden or any other area must be properly ennobled. If this is a garden, you need to level the surface, plant flowers or beautiful lawn grass. If you plan to spend evenings near the outdoor fireplace, it is important to take care of the necessary garden furniture. It can be both simple chairs and small benches, armchairs, sofas, hanging cocoons, a hammock. For added convenience, you can prepare the floor surface and clad it with a material such as stone, concrete or ceramic tiles.

To make an outdoor fireplace even more functional and useful, you can equip it with a special grate on which you can cook food. You can also additionally design a barbecue rack, equip the oven with a hob for one or more burners, and an oven. This will allow you to cook food right on the street and not take up more free space in the house.

Particularly convenient to use are gratings and racks of a combined type, the height of which can be varied manually. Thus, the grate can be closer or further away from the fire burning in the firebox, and you, in turn, will be able to shape the speed and intensity of frying / baking food.

As an alternative and spectacular option, you can equip the outdoor oven with a grate, which is fixed on special chains located on both sides. Such a design will be in harmony with both classic and modern, as well as with more complex styles (loft, country, Provence).

An open hearth is primarily a fire hazard in a house or garden. Therefore, do not use combustible, flammable materials to finish the firebox. The surface and space near the hearth must be lined with refractory materials. You can make a small area lined with ceramic tiles or stone.

Do not build a fireplace close to the house, gazebos, bathhouses or any other building. Also, you should not place such a street structure near various objects, trees, planters.

When choosing finishes and materials, pay attention not only to the design of the portal and firebox, but also to the overall design of the house and garden. The chosen style and materials should intersect favorably, look harmonious, holistic and create an overall picture. We recommend to abandon a lot of materials, textures, bright color spots.

If you cannot choose the style for the stove or fireplace yourself, use the services of a professional designer.

This video provides a visual step-by-step guide, instructions on how to assemble a fireplace from concrete and prefabricated elements, do-it-yourself blocks, at home, with minimal money and time costs:

Who among us does not dream of spending evenings like Sherlock Holmes in a rainy autumn, sitting in a rocking chair when it is already cold outside, and there is still a whole month before the central heating is turned on.

Now residents of an ordinary apartment have such an opportunity - a concrete fireplace. This variety is suitable for both a private house and an open veranda. The advantage of the model is that it has a high heat transfer.

Unlike natural stone, concrete is cheaper and easier to use, easily tolerates temperature changes and changes in humidity.

Kinds

You can assemble a concrete fireplace from factory parts or come up with your own unique design. Models from rings are widely used. They are easy to install and can be used for cooking both on an open fire and in a cauldron. This type of hearth is perfect for placement on a personal plot.

Stone decoration will give the design a neat appearance , which will organically fit into the exposition of the garden plot. The area around the fireplace, tiled in the same color scheme with stone, will look very nice.

According to the type of blocks, fireplaces can be conditionally distinguished:

• from ready-made concrete blocks - can be in the form of rings or molded parts;
• from ordinary concrete blocks that require improvement;
• from molded gas blocks;
• cast concrete.

By location:

• wall-mounted;
• built-in;
• island;
• angular.

By type of foundation:

• on a brick foundation;
• on rubble foundation;
• on cast concrete foundation.

By design method:

• country style;
• in modern style;
• in a classic style;
• in loft style and others.

Installation and Assembly

Such models, as a rule, have a foundation at the base. Experts advise to think about the placement of the fireplace before building a house. If you install it indoors, for less structural deformation and longer service life, make sure that there is no common bond with the floor.

Otherwise, you will have to dismantle part of the floor covering after a while.

Installation work includes the following steps:

• Prepare a pit with a depth of 0.5 m slightly larger than the outer diameter of the fireplace.
• We lay out the bottom first with gravel, then with sand.
• We fill in the resulting DSP pillow, consisting of one part of cement and four sand.
• To prevent condensation from entering between the upper rows, a waterproofing material is laid.
• The foundation must protrude above the floor.
• The resulting base plate is left for a couple of days until the concrete hardens.

Next, you should think about the placement of the chimney. It is better to place it inside the wall if your house is under construction. In the completed room, the chimney will need to be made as a separate structure.

To correctly cut the smoke hole, you first need to mark and cut it on the concrete ring. The ring should be attached to the chimney without applying DSP.

It is more convenient to make a hole with a special saw with a diamond blade, which can be rented, a grinder will not work in this case. Stock up on special glasses, headphones, a construction vacuum cleaner, overalls and get to work.

Now it's time to start building the fireplace itself.

The first two rows can be connected by DSP with the addition of lime. They will serve to collect the ash and will not get very hot. Then crushed clay mixed with sand is used. The resulting mixture should have an elastic consistency. During application, the evenness of the masonry should be checked from time to time with a level.

In an apartment or room, it is better to build a fireplace from ready-made concrete blocks. They are assembled similarly to brick ones:

You will need the following materials:

• Blocks for a back wall 100 mm thick.
• Side blocks 215 mm thick.
• Concrete slab 410x900 mm with a hole of 200 mm, which will serve as a cover for the smoke box.
• Portal for framing the firebox.
• A lining that acts as a base.
• Steel sheets and refractory bricks for the design of the pre-furnace area, for fire safety purposes.
• Fireplace shelf.

Fireplace device:

• "Under" - a place where firewood burns. They lay it out of refractory bricks on a pavement above floor level to ensure uninterrupted traction. You can install an additional grille on it.
• An ash pan is installed between the base and the hearth. It is better to make it removable in the form of a metal box with a handle.
• A portal grate that prevents firewood and coals from falling out of the fuel chamber.
• The lining of the fuel chamber with refractory fireclay bricks will save on lining.
• Laying out the back wall of the firebox with a slope of 12 degrees and finishing it with a cast-iron plate or steel sheet will increase the heat-reflecting effect.

• The chimney board will give the design a sense of completeness and a beautiful appearance. It can be made from both concrete and marble, granite.
• Installing a pyramid-shaped smoke box above the fuel chamber will prevent cold air from entering the fireplace from the outside.
• The stove damper, installed at a height of 200 cm, helps regulate the draft and prevents heat from blowing out through the chimney.
• The chimney should not be lower than 500 cm. To ensure full traction, it is brought to a height of 2 m above the roof ridge.
• During construction, it is imperative to observe the proportions of the fireplace relative to the heated room.

Construction of a concrete fireplace in a finished room

• Preparation consists in dismantling part of the floor and digging a pit to a depth of at least 500 mm. IN two-story house– from 700 to 1000 mm. To mark the boundaries of the foundation, take the dimensions of the fireplace table and retreat 220 mm on each side.
• When arranging a fireplace on the second floor, I-beams are used, which are mounted in the main walls to a width of 1.5 bricks. For light models, it is enough to strengthen the logs.
• Foundation construction. As a material for laying, rubble or red brick is used. Its height should not be higher than the floor and it must be waterproofed to prevent moisture from entering the subfloor. When constructing a foundation from buta, the upper two rows are laid out with bricks. To build a concrete foundation, a special mortar is prepared with the addition of a sand-gravel mixture, which should be four times more than Portland cement. This solution should be reinforced with reinforcing mesh. It can be bought ready-made or welded from metal bars with a cross section of 8 mm, soldering them together at a distance of 100 or 150 mm.

• After hardening, we begin to build a fireplace table made of concrete or special refractory bricks, to which the pre-furnace area adjoins.
• We lay out the side walls of the fireplace.
• We are building a fireplace. For coupling finished blocks, a mixture of one part of sand and cement and six parts of sand is used.
• We install a stove with a hole for the smoke box. The latter is attached with a solution 1.5 cm thick.
• Mantel. As a finish, it is worth abandoning ceramic tiles, as they may not withstand high temperatures. Usually in such cases, brick or stone is used. They arrange it in the same way as during the construction of a house - with an offset of half a brick.

With all the variety of modern materials for decoration and construction, a concrete fireplace is one of the most popular options today. The fact is that it is quite easy to work with concrete and, most importantly, it can imitate absolutely any material.

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The advantages of the material and features of the construction in the house

A fireplace made of natural stone is, of course, very beautiful. However, it is not easy to perform and costs quite a lot of money. Concrete in this case will save money and time.

For the manufacture of a fireplace portal, a special durable concrete mixture is used, for example, glass fiber reinforced concrete - a material reinforced with fiberglass. This material is able to withstand heavy loads, but at the same time it is light and economical.

From concrete, you can create not only a portal, but also internal walls, as well as make a mantel. In skillful hands, concrete provides a huge field for experimentation: modern technologies finishing allow you to "turn" it into any material. The texture of natural stone - limestone, sandstone, granite - will be visually indistinguishable from the real one. This is a real find for an interior designer.

The construction of any fireplace begins with a foundation. After you have decided on the place and size of the fireplace (or rather, its base - a fireplace table), you need to dig a hole that will exceed the parameters of the table by 15-20 cm in size. The bottom of the hole must be filled with sand or a mixture of sand and gravel (this depends on soil properties). The height of the sand cushion is from 10 to 70 cm, depending on the soil. The layer of sand must be perfectly even and well compacted.

After that, concrete is poured into the pit. The best option for a home fireplace is to mix Portland cement and sand and gravel in a ¼ ratio. One layer is poured with this mixture, then a metal grate is placed, and a second layer of concrete is placed on top. It will take a couple of days for the foundation to harden. After that, you can build a fireplace chamber, a firebox, a shelf and a portal.

Concrete will allow you to make a portal of absolutely any shape and type. Today, ascetic monolithic portals, classic-looking claddings with columns and ornate patterns, rough “brick” (concrete imitation) or with the texture of natural stone are popular.

By the way, the concrete portal can be purchased ready-made.

Concrete fireplace - a great solution for the street

This design will successfully replace the barbecue - evening gatherings by the fire with a fireplace will become much more comfortable. Outdoor fireplaces can be built-in, wall or island.

The built-in fireplace is built right into the wall of the house, the chimney from it goes inside the walls. In fact, it differs from a home built-in fireplace in that it is located on the outside of the wall.

A wall-mounted outdoor fireplace is built close to the wall from the outside, like a chest of drawers.

An island fireplace can stand anywhere - in fact, it is an independent stove that can be located in the place where the owner of the house wishes. An uncomplicated and original outdoor fireplace can be made from concrete parts, decorating it with natural stone.

The basis for such a fireplace will be a refractory mixture. It consists of high alumina cement and special refractory additives. Such a fireplace will withstand temperatures up to 1500 ° C, it will be very durable and stable.

The foundation is done in much the same way as for a home fireplace. It is necessary to make a hole with a depth of 30-40 cm, pour an even and dense layer of sand and pour cement, reinforcing the structure with reinforcement.

The details of the fireplace themselves (what they will be - an individual decision) are cast from a refractory mixture. This will require formwork of various shapes: it is usually made of thin wooden slats lined with polyethylene from the inside to make it easier to get the frozen parts.

Very quickly and simply, an open hearth in a summer cottage or garden plot can be made of concrete rings. You can buy such rings at any factory of reinforced concrete products, they are usually called "well ring".

Depending on the desired depth of the hearth and the type of rings purchased, you can make a high fireplace or a very low, open one. It can be placed on the ground, or it can be partially dug in - then the fire will burn not on the surface, but in the depths.

The rings are stacked on top of each other (for strength, you can connect them with cement). Then you need to decorate the hearth - it is most beautiful to overlay it with stones. Such work will look very neat and complete if the “well” is decorated with stone not only from the outside, but also from the inside. One has only to take into account that the interior design will partially “eat up” the space for the firebox.

The place around such an impromptu fireplace is also best to ennoble - level or tile the floor, put chairs, benches. A canopy will also be useful. To cook food over such a hearth, you can use a special rack with a barbecue grill. A metal support is placed next to the firebox, and the grate is lowered to the desired distance to the fire. There is also a very original barbecue grill hanging over the fire on chains that are attached to a high support.

A fireplace in the house or on the street will create a pleasant feeling of warmth and comfort. It is rightfully considered a symbol of prosperity, as well as love and a burning family hearth.

Materials for fireplaces. Used Construction Materials- brick and natural stone, concrete and metal - have a great influence on the architectural forms of the fireplace. As a rule, these are the same materials from which the building is built. But in wooden house you can build a fireplace from any material. Natural stone is especially good, beautifully combined with any other material.

Natural stone may have a smoothly hewn surface with various shapes and sizes of stones. The pattern of free jointing, the play of halftones in the color of the stone create a special richness and expressiveness of the fireplace. Stones can protrude, and the seams can be deepened relative to the surface of the cap, or, conversely, stone slabs can be deepened relative to the seams, which in this case become wide and form, as it were, the main material. The combination of large stones with small ones, flat ones with voluminous ones, the smooth or embossed surface of the cap or the entire fireplace - in a word, it is difficult to enumerate all the diversity, all the richness of the “palette” created by the most beautiful material - natural stone. The hearth of natural stone fireplaces can be both rectangular and arched (see Fig. 10, c).

Almost all classic fireplaces, architectural monuments of the past, are lined with marble, ornamented or sculpted - the finest bas-reliefs and statues of caryatids are carved from it. Probably, in modern construction, fireplaces with marble sculptural lining, but with a modern interpretation, can find a place. You can lay out a fireplace from roughly processed stone. The main features of such fireplaces are brutality (simplicity of form, naturalness and variety of "living" natural material).

Fireplaces lined with facing bricks are more graphic, drier in shape and pattern. In order for the fireplace to have an attractive appearance, you need a front brick of excellent quality. Cleanliness and impeccability of the masonry, the clarity of the seams and their pattern - this is what determines the type of fireplace. You can also apply figured masonry, introduce plastic of rectangular shapes - protrusions, niches, crevices, or combine brick with other materials - concrete, metal, wood. Brick fireplaces are also made plastered, especially if the brick is of poor quality. Plaster can be smooth and textured, tiles, ceramic sculptural tiles, forged metal are sunk into it - it all depends on your imagination and taste (see Fig. 10, b and d).

Concrete fireplaces, especially partition fireplaces, have complex, curvilinear plastic shapes and firebox outlines without right angles. The flexible, tense line of the vent, the thinness of the structures, the free pattern of niches, the chimney - all this creates the impression of lightness, sculpture, and emphasized modernity of the fireplace. But this ease is apparent. For the construction of a concrete fireplace, highly qualified performers and complex, expensive formwork are needed. But in no other material can such plasticity be achieved (see Fig. 13, c). The inner walls of the furnace are laid out with refractory bricks. Concrete fireplaces are found with a hearth raised above the floor (then firewood is placed under the firebox to dry) or on the same level with it. Part of the floor in front of the fireplace is laid out with ceramic tiles. Black forged fireplace paraphernalia of a complex pattern, a grate in the firebox, on which firewood is laid, give concrete fireplaces a special sophistication.