The presence of a fireplace in a house has always been considered an indicator of the wealth and high social status of its owners. Until recently, only owners of summer cottages or private houses could afford the installation of a fireplace (this was due to the impossibility of arranging a chimney in apartments). But today, thanks to the rapid development of technology, everyone can decorate their home with such a wonderful decorative element. In particular, almost every owner can make a polyurethane fireplace with his own hands. We will talk about all the intricacies of its arrangement further.
Pros of polyurethane
A material like polyurethane has a number of advantages. Among them are:
- shock resistance - the material withstands well the pressure and blows of almost any force (this is especially important for families where there are overly active children);
- heat resistance - polyurethane retains its performance at very low and high temperatures (from -40 to +80 degrees);
- fire safety - of course, this material will not withstand direct exposure to fire, but it will begin to melt, and not burn, and this significantly reduces the likelihood of a large fire growing;
- aesthetics - the appearance of polyurethane structures is quite elegant, thanks to which they fit into the interior without problems;
- ease of installation of structures (for this purpose, you can use both glue and special fasteners);
- long service life - polyurethane structures are guaranteed to last more than 10 years (the more exact period depends on the conditions of use).
As you can see, this material really has many advantages. Let's find out how to equip fireplaces with it.
Stylistic options
Before installing a fireplace, you must first decide on the style of its future design. There are 4 stylistic options in total.
- Classics are ideal for those who love antiquity. Usually such models are decorated with stucco, columns or specific patterns typical of the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Constructivism - this design style reflects the characteristics of the entire room. In such situations, the fireplace is harmoniously combined with the entire room in color, geometry, dimensions.
- High-tech is a way of arrangement suitable for those who wish to arrange all their homes according to the canons of the 21st century.
- Modern is a universal style that suits both connoisseurs of antiquity and admirers of the latest technologies. As a rule, with this design, the design combines elements of classics and hi-tech.
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When choosing a future framing style, you need to take into account a number of factors: the subsequent use of the fireplace (simple decor or a full-fledged heater), the design of the entire room, the degree of natural and artificial illumination of the room, material possibilities.
What is required for the job?
To create a fireplace made of polyurethane, you need to acquire the following tools and parts:
- proper polyurethane elements;
- a large sheet of paper (for drawing);
- ruler;
- with a simple pencil;
- measuring tape;
- miter box;
- docking glue;
- assembly glue;
- fine-grained sandpaper;
- spatula;
- a hacksaw for metal;
- drill;
- self-tapping screws.
Before starting work, it is imperative to measure the place in which the installation of the fireplace is planned. Based on the obtained values, a drawing should be drawn. Only then can you get down to the main part of the work.
How can work go?
There are 2 options for creating a fireplace. The first option is as simple and fast as possible. It implies the purchase of blanks, from which then, like a designer, a ready-made fireplace is assembled. You can buy such blanks in many places. For example, you can buy blanks for a home fireplace from the Europlast company.
The first option has its pros and cons. The advantages include quick and easy assembly. But the main disadvantage is the fact that you can only make a decorative fireplace purely from polyurethane, which will not play the role of a heater (this is due to the material's susceptibility to temperatures exceeding 80 degrees).
If you choose the second option, you will have to do everything yourself: from the drawing to fixing the last part. However, with this approach, you can use additional materials (for example, drywall). If you do the work on the second option, you get a full-fledged fireplace, which will become not only an elegant addition to the interior, but also a good heater.
Drawing Tips
As mentioned above, before starting all work, it is necessary to measure the area where the fireplace is planned to be placed. Then you need to make a drawing. When creating a drawing, it is recommended to follow these principles:
- the support of the fireplace should be slightly longer than its upper shelf (for example, the length of the lower part can be 160 cm, and the upper part - 150 cm);
- the height of the lower pedestal should be between 15 and 20 cm;
- the total height of the structure should be up to one and a half meters (so that the fireplace does not look too bulky);
- the height of the side panels that can be set aside for the "columns" should be 60-80 cm;
- the fireplace portal should look like a rectangle, but the lengths of the sides should differ slightly (by a maximum of 15 cm);
- between the top of the fireplace portal and the top of the entire structure there should be something like another pedestal (its height should be 20-25 cm);
- the thickness of the upper shelf of the fireplace should be small (up to 10 cm).
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Build process
After preparing the drawing, you need to perform the following actions:
- make markings on polyurethane elements;
- cut all the details of the future structure with a saw;
- match the different elements exactly (their dimensions should correspond to the drawing indicators);
- attach different components to each other to see if they are touching correctly;
- after checking all the parts, begin to fasten them with mounting glue or self-tapping screws;
- after finishing work, place the fireplace in the place designated for it.
The fastening of the elements can be combined (i.e., some parts can be fastened with glue, and others with self-tapping screws). Parts connected only with glue look more aesthetically pleasing, but fastening with self-tapping screws is considered more reliable.
If during work you will use a plasterboard frame (so that you can then place a stove inside the portal), the principle of action will be the same. However, you will have to think about the size of the stove in advance and make room for the wires through which the stove will be connected to the mains. In addition, you will need to carry out additional work on the arrangement of the external polyurethane stucco molding.
Principles of fixing stucco molding
Framing the fireplace with polyurethane stucco molding will give it an incredibly elegant look. This work can be done in two ways.
The first method involves gluing. With this approach, the surface is first degreased and dried well. Then the first layer of glue is applied to it. When this layer dries, the glue is applied to the inner surface of the molding. Stucco elements are applied to the desired point, after which they are given time to dry (as a rule, the glue sets very quickly).
The second method requires mechanical fastening. Nails and screws are used here. Before starting work, the surface of the fireplace frame is drawn so that all the stucco elements fit properly. Then each part is applied to the surface of the frame and attached with screws.
The final stage of decoration
The final stage of the work is the decoration of the finished structure. Everything here will depend on your preferences. The fireplace can be painted in any color that will suit the design of the entire room. If the design is decorative, the fireplace portal can be decorated with a vase with flowers, topiary, a picture that will simulate fire.
Also, you can decorate the top of the structure. For example, family photos, miniature crafts, souvenir plates, etc. can be placed on top of the fireplace. If there is still a real electric oven inside the structure, a rug can be laid in front of the fireplace to warm the whole family.
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