Most owners country houses cannot imagine their home without a fireplace, which creates a unique atmosphere of coziness, comfort and harmony in the room. It is possible to light a fireplace both in a family circle and in a friendly company. The fireplace will always be appropriate, and the enchanting play of flame will not leave anyone indifferent.
By their location, fireplaces are divided into:
- wall-mounted
- insular
- embedded
A wall-mounted fireplace is installed next to a wall or partition. It can be frontal or angled. The chimney of such a fireplace is usually attached to a fireproof wall or joins the chimney of the stove (if any). A wall-mounted fireplace is built both in a new and in an existing house. It can have many finishes: brick, artificial and a natural stone, ceramic tile.
Such a fireplace takes up a lot of usable space, and it is not very convenient to use a wall-mounted version in small rooms.
Island fireplaces are freely located in the room and are open from all sides. Such fireplaces are different forms and sizes, they look very impressive and, moreover, the heat from them goes in all directions. Chromed or brushed metal and glass are very often present in the decoration of island fireplaces.
Island fireplaces take up a lot of space and require special fire safety measures.
Built-in fireplaces are built during the construction phase of a house, since this type of fireplace is installed in a wall opening. The firewall of such a fireplace can have not only a classic rectangular shape, but also round and triangular. Sometimes a fireplace is built into a partition and made two-sided. Facing along the contour of the firewall is not always performed, therefore the fire "in the wall" looks very mysterious and unusual. Around it can be done wooden frame, then you will get a "picture with a living fire." Built-in fireplaces are widespread due to their main advantage - they do not take up a lot of usable space, which means they can be installed even in small rooms.
If you are planning (or just starting) building your own home, then our article will help you correctly design a built-in fireplace.
Built-in fireplace device
At the stage of building a house, we leave an opening of approximately 70 × 200 cm in one of the walls (depending on the size of the firebox). It is best to use an internal capital wall for this. Please note that it is not recommended to install the fireplace in front of a window or doorway.
Materials and tools:
- brick
- mortar for masonry
- 2 reinforced concrete slabs
- insulation
- stainless steel sheet
- metallic profile
- dowels
- screwdriver
- bit - screwdriver attachment
- gypsum fiber sheet GVLV
- self-tapping screws with countersink head for GVL
- bituminous mastic
- hacksaw
- building level
- putty knife
- firebox
- reducer
- chimney
- ventilation grill
Work order:
- We lay a small reinforced concrete slab as the foundation of the future fireplace.
- We form the walls of the opening with brickwork.
- On top we install another plate with a hole for the chimney. For thermal insulation of the opening, we use mineral wool slabs with foil coating.
- We install a cast-iron firebox inside the opening (be sure to level it with a building level).
- We attach the chimney to the firebox through the transition pipe, the pipe goes out through the hole in the upper plate.
- If you use a stainless steel pipe (which is most common in practice), then it must be attached at a distance of about 50 cm from the top plate to the wall using a bracket, since steel chimneys have a low load-bearing capacity.
- The joint between the pipe and the plate is sealed with bituminous mastic... Cover the plate with a stainless steel sheet.
- From the side of the room we sheathe the opening gypsum fiber sheet GVLV, leaving holes for the combustion screen. A sheet of GVLV can be taken in any size, for example, the most common - 1200 × 2500 × 10 mm. You can cut it with a hacksaw or jigsaw. Sheathing is carried out on metal profiles installed with dowels, over a layer of insulation. The sheet is fastened with special self-tapping screws for GVL (GVLV), installation is carried out "razbezhku", the installation step of the screws is 25 cm.
- The surface of the sheets is treated with a special compound, so there is no need to prime the drywall.
- The front side of the fireplace is decorated with the same material as the walls or any other material of your choice.
- The contour around the firewall can be designed in different ways building material: wood, tiles, metal. If you wish, you can decorate the surfaces with wall paintings, etc.
Having finished the work, we put it near the fireplace comfortable armchair, we brew aromatic tea and, covered with a soft blanket, enjoy the play of flame in the new fireplace.
It is interesting!
If you use tree roots or stumps as fuel, you get an unusual flame pattern.
If you prepare an aqueous solution of table salt and soak one or two logs with it, then the flame will acquire a yellow tint, and when using a solution of copper chloride - bluish-green.
Fireplace built into the wall electric type represents perfect solution for apartments in multi-storey buildings where there is no possibility of installation standard version on the wood. Electric option will give warmth, while creating coziness and emphasizing the originality of the interior. In addition, such variations are safer than wood-fired counterparts. On modern market a wide range of these devices is presented, so there will be no problems with the choice. Let's consider their features, characteristics and installation possibilities.
Peculiarities
Built-in electric fireplace in apartment building replaces the real wood-fired stone version. This model does not require additional fuel, takes up little space, and does not smoke. At the same time, you can choose a modification for any style and design of the room. The modifications under consideration are cheaper than other analogs; for operation, special permits are not required.
Advantages
Electric fireplaces have a number of objective advantages:
- The built-in unit does not require special installation skills compared to the wood-burning option, the installation of which must be carried out by a specialist.
- The considered type of fireplace can be installed in almost any apartment.
- Electrical modifications do not need a chimney and ventilation system.
- There is no need to buy firewood and look for a place to store it.
- All that is needed for installation is an electrical outlet and a niche prepared in the wall.
- The fireplace built into the wall is easy to use, does not need constant replenishment, and the decorative glow simulating a natural flame is regulated using a remote control.
- Electric fireplaces are designed not only for a decorative function, but are also capable of heating a room up to 20 square meters.
Types and device
By type, they are divided into models that are built into the wall, and modifications that are mounted close to the wall. Both options include a pair mandatory elements: portal and hearth. The first design is a framed niche in which the fireplace is placed directly. The material of manufacture for this part can be wood, marble, stone and other finishing groups. The style of the portal can be carried out in various design solutions, which allows you to choose the version that best suits the interior of your room.
The hearth is the central part of the structure, in which decorative elements are installed that imitate an open flame on wood. These parts are divided into two groups:
- Classic variations that are compatible with any standard portals.
- Wide hearths, which are distinguished by the presence of decorations resembling curtains, doors and other frames typical for fireplace designs.
A fireplace built into the wall can serve as a purely decorative function without heating. These modifications are thin-walled, do not have heating elements, and are equipped only with internal illumination simulating a flame. Models with heating parts that supply heat to the house look more realistic.
Mounting
If the built-in was designed at the development stage, a niche for it is left during construction works... To facilitate the installation of the device, its dimensions should be accurately determined, including the dimensions of the hearth. The niche can have a depth of 55 to 310 millimeters, depending on the modification of the electric fireplace.
A specialist will help to make a niche in the finished room. You can do this work yourself, but there is a high risk of marriage, especially if you do not have the appropriate skills. As a rule, stores selling the product in question have installation masters on their staff.
For the installation of an electric built-in fireplace, it is better to choose a wall that is not aligned with the neighboring apartment. The best option there will be a partition between the bedroom and the living room. A niche located under a window or above which there is a large TV is not suitable for installation.
Installation and connection provide for a separate socket. In this case, you should consider masking for wires and plugs. Otherwise, the visible wire will spoil the whole "naturalness" of the object. If a place for a fireplace is not provided and it is not possible to make it, the situation can be corrected by the acquisition of a decorative hearth and a portal.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a fireplace built into the wall, you need to pay attention to several factors:
- Know the exact size of the object, excluding an increase or decrease in size in relation to the room.
- Consider the comparability of the decorative heating device with the interior of the room. It is unlikely that the ultra-modern version will organically fit into the classic style.
- Decide on the functionality of the purchased device.
Prices for realistic built-in electrics range from 20 to 100 thousand rubles, depending on functions, materials, finishes and size.
Built-in wood structures
These devices represent a fireplace, the structural elements of which are built into wall partition... It is equipped with a chimney and a furnace niche. A similar design can be frontal or angular.
The firebox is predominantly arranged with a deepening and goes into a single structure with a base, a vault and three walls. The flame can only be seen from the side of the facade, whether or not it is equipped with a special glass door. Some models are equipped with a firebox that protrudes slightly forward, providing better visibility of the flame.
External design
Built-in wood-burning fireplaces have a base for a portal, which is a platform that rests on the ceiling. If the mass of the portal exceeds 0.4 tons, the site is equipped from above. It can be laid out of bricks or made of concrete screed... This site is also designed for the safe operation of the fireplace, it plays the role of a pre-heating zone.
The standard fireplace portal is made in the shape of the letter "P". The furnace niche window fits perfectly into this configuration, regardless of its shape. It can range from a rounded variation to a polygonal design. The portal may not rest on the floor, but simply be installed in the wall. The considered parts of the fireplace are manufactured and sold separately from the firebox, Alternatively, you can make it yourself.
Decoration
Since the fireplace is almost completely hidden in the wall, decorative decoration from the front part is a portal. It can only be made from non-combustible materials. Mostly it is granite, brick, stone.
If the smoke collector of the structure protrudes from the wall, it can be decorated by installing a decorative casing. As a rule, it is made in the form of a trapezoid or rectangle, it can be additionally decorated with stucco or decorative inserts.
Pros and cons of built-in wood-burning fireplaces
Let's start with the advantages of the design in question:
- A clear economy of useful space, since the entire structure is placed in a wall niche.
- There is no need to build a foundation.
- The unit is adapted for heating two rooms. This also applies to single-sided models equipped with a convection system.
- A built-in fireplace saves room space, as it is located in the thickness of the wall.
Disadvantages and features of the considered heating devices also quite a few:
- An internal fireplace assumes its construction during the construction phase of the building.
- Arrangement of the chimney channel weakens the structural strength of the structure. This is especially true for corner models aggregated simultaneously with two adjacent walls.
- The thickness of the ceiling in which the fireplace is installed must be at least 600 mm.
- In case of incorrect determination of the dimensions of the chimney, there is a high probability of malfunction of the device. To avoid such a mistake, at the construction stage it is recommended to create not a chimney, but a shaft for it. After the end of the work, a pipe of the required diameter is simply inserted into it.
In conclusion
If you spend comparative characteristics between the built-in electric fireplace and its wood-fired counterpart, the first option wins in many respects, including safety and complexity of installation. If you don't want to put up with artificial flames and lack of characteristic aroma, the wood-burning model is for you. It is worth recalling that in apartments of multi-storey buildings on wood is a priori impossible in any design.
One of the main advantages of electric fireplaces, which is ease of installation, does not mean that installation does not have to be done at all. Competent installation of an electric fireplace is a difficult and very crucial stage. The master will have to solve a number of key organizational issues. They can be divided into two groups: questions regarding the installation site and the choice of a fireplace.
The simplest wall-mounted version of the system
Place of installation
Although it is believed that an electric fireplace can be mounted in any part of the room, due attention should be paid to this issue. When equipping a room, you try to ensure that every little thing takes its place. An electric fireplace cannot be called a trifle, therefore even its decorative function requires a thoughtful installation method, exterior decoration, management capabilities. There are a number of nuances to consider.
- By placing the fireplace in front of the window, you will certainly get sun glare on its glass, which will make the image dull and washed out, regardless of the type of flame simulation system.
- Hanging type fireplace should be fixed at a height of about one meter from the floor. This is not a technical requirement, but rather an aesthetic one. If you want to place the fireplace below, then there is no point in paying attention to the wall system.
- Corner location a fireplace in a large room will make it inconspicuous. It is recommended to install the structure with impressive volumes in the center or near the middle part of the wall. The corner is the most optimal place in small bedrooms, in the kitchen, in the hallway.
- There must be a socket in the immediate vicinity. If you have decided on a place, and the nearest outlet is far away, then you will have to make an effort to install it under the body of the fireplace in order to connect it imperceptibly to the eyes. Considering the fact that a heating element has a power of the order of several kilowatts, it is advisable to strengthen the supply wire and the outlet by protecting it with a corrugated channel.
Contrasting execution of the fireplace system in the living room
How to choose a fireplace
Wall system
Installation of electric fireplaces in this case is a trivial action. Depending on the width of the skirting board, it can also be trimmed. After assessing the gap, you will make a decision on this matter.
Portal in the form rectangular parallelepiped less stable than the corner one, so consider the possibility of attaching the portal body to the wall. Remember, when moving the fireplace to another location, a hole will remain on the wall, so think carefully about its location.
Suspended option
The fireplace on the wall looks original and modern. The installation has certain requirements that will provide an aesthetic and neat appearance.
Suspended large-format fireplace system in the living room
You need to mount such a fireplace on a mounting plate. But before you start installing it, draw a horizontal line with a level. If the horizon is even slightly disturbed, it will have a detrimental effect on aesthetics and will be striking.
Use a punch to punch 3-4 holes. They should be enough, since the mass of hanging fireplaces ranges from 10 to 20 kg. Using dowels 6x60 mm, fix the bar. When decorating the walls with plasterboard, you will have to worry about the future fireplace in advance, strengthening the attachment point wooden beams... Otherwise, you will have to use bolts with washers. large area and increase their number for one bar. Don't forget about the connection. It is best to run the wire under drywall sheets.
Built-in device
This type of installation involves the most voluminous work, since you need to prepare a body or a niche, so that you can then build a hearth. The result of the work performed depends on the fantasies of the master, but several universal tips must be taken into account.
Installing an electric fireplace in an apartment that has a niche in the wall leads to the need to design a frame. It is more convenient to perform it from drywall. The frame is pre-created from metal profile... In order not to adjust the external dimensions, the frame is mounted directly in the niche.
Wall-mounted real fire simulator
The supporting strips must be immediately attached to the wall using dowels and self-tapping screws. The place where the electric fireplace will be built is enhanced cross bars, but first you need to remove the dimensions from the electric hearth. An error can lead to a complete dismantling of the structure. The outer part of the case is sheathed with plasterboard using self-tapping screws. The joints and grooves from the caps are putty and processed with sandpaper. It remains to complete the finish and insert the hearth. The material for finishing is selected at will, since electric fireplaces do not have special requirements for fire safety.
Let's immediately consider the process of making a portal. It also involves the assembly of the body, sheathing and finishing. Depending on the dimensions of your electric fireplace, the dimensions of the portal will be. Its depth should correspond to the hearth, and this is a good 70 cm. The width is twice as large as that of the fireplace, the linear dimensions without a portal. Holes are made in the area of the hearth for air circulation. Without them, the device will constantly overheat from the accumulation of warm air.
Facing the portal is best decorative stone although there are good design solutions with wood, MDF, PVC, metal. The stones are sawn to size with a grinder and glued to liquid nails. For better adhesion, it is recommended to prime the drywall surface and allow to dry. Once you insert and secure the hearth, you can start enjoying the work done.
Since ancient times, a person has been attracted and soothed by the sight of a flame blazing in a hearth or stove. A real stone fireplace, heated by wood, in the apartment apartment building there is no possibility to build. Therefore, the built-in fireplace is very popular among the urban population. It does not require a lot of space, does not smoke, does not need firewood. Small size, various in style, such products easily fit into the interior of any apartment.
Advantages of electric fireplaces
Built-in electric fireplaces have whole line advantages over the usual wood-burning ones:
- The built-in fireplace does not require any special skills during installation; it is easy to dismantle it if necessary. Installing a wood burning option in your home is time consuming and expensive.
- An electric built-in fireplace can be installed in an apartment without using the services of a specialist, and an ordinary wood-burning fireplace can only be built by an oven master who has extensive experience in this matter.
- For electric models, there is no need to install ventilation system, you do not need to purchase firewood and coal, they are not as fire hazardous as wood burning. To install this decorative element you only need a free electrical outlet and a pre-prepared niche in the wall.
- Built-in fireplaces are easy to use, they do not require constant heating, the intensity of the "flame" in the hearth can be easily adjusted using the control panel.
- Electrical wall recessed models designed as heater, are not only an attractive decorative element - they are able to heat a room up to 20 square meters in the cold season.
An electric built-in fireplace will cost much less than all other options. To operate it, you do not need to obtain any special permits.
Types and types of devices
Electric fireplaces are divided into:
- built into the wall,
- installed tightly against the wall.
All electric fireplace devices consist of a hearth and a portal. The first component is the central part of the device. It has decorative elements that imitate firewood and a blazing fire. These components are of two types:
- classic - these are compatible with any standard portal;
- wide or ultra-wide - differ from the usual ones by the presence of decorative details in the form of doors and curtains made for forging.
The portal is a frame, a niche into which the hearth is installed. Made of wood, stone, artificial marble and other decorative finishing materials... It can be designed in any style, which allows the consumer to make a choice and purchase the portal that best suits stylistic decision premises.
Fireplaces built into the wall can be a decorative element of the interior without the function of heating the room. Such models usually have a small thickness and, apart from artificial firewood and illumination that simulates fire, there is nothing in them.
A built-in fireplace in the wall looks more realistic, from which heat emanates. Such models, except positive emotions, create a feeling of naturalness of a burning fire. The warmth emanating from the device warms the house, gives it coziness and peace.
How to install correctly
In the case when the built-in fireplace was designed in advance, even at the stage of interior design, a niche for it is left immediately, during construction work.
In order for the built-in fireplace to fit easily into the wall, it is necessary to determine in advance its dimensions, and for this you need to know what dimensions the hearth will have. Therefore, it is best to worry about choosing a device in advance. Depending on its model, the niche can have depth dimensions from 5.5 cm to 31 cm. More depth options look more profitable in terms of realism.
To make a niche for a heating device, you will have to use the help of a wizard. It is difficult to do the work independently, without experience, but it is possible. Installation of the portal (frame) can also be done independently or use the services of specialists. We recommend that you study the material on our website. Usually, stores specializing in the sale of such equipment have craftsmen on their staff who help customers install an electric built-in fireplace.
For installation, it is better to choose a wall that, if possible, is not combined with the neighboring apartment. It is better to opt for a wall located between the bedroom and living room, living room and kitchen. Do not choose for this purpose and the wall on which the window is located, suspended or stands a large TV. It is optimal that the window, TV and heater are located each against their own wall. We advise you to read the article about in addition to this article.
The best installation option is on a wall adjacent to the window, opposite the door, which will allow you to conveniently place the recreation area in front of the fireplace itself
A separate electrical outlet is required for installation and connection. You need to think about how to hide the outlet and cord so that they are not striking. Otherwise, the wire stretched across the room will spoil the illusion of naturalness.
If a niche is not provided and there is no way to make it, you will have to choose a decorative portal and hearth for your room.
Model selection
In order not to be mistaken with the choice and purchase an option that will easily fit into the interior of the house, you must:
- Decide on the size of the decorative element of the interior and buy not too large or small in relation to the room.
- Choose a fireplace set made in a similar style to the interior. You should not experiment and buy an ultra-modern option for a room with a classic design.
- It is worth deciding in advance what functions the device should have, whether this hearth will be just a decorative detail of the interior, or winter time he can heat the room.
All objects in the room should be proportional in size - you cannot choose too small or too large a product
Prices for realistic electric fireplaces, depending on the finishing materials used, range from 20,000 to 100,000 rubles. You can save money on purchases by turning your attention to the goods presented in specialized stores at the price of the current promotion.
By installing such a device in the living room, you will create in the room home comfort, calmness and provide the household with warmth. A living room design like this always wins.
If you are determined to acquire at the same time modern system heating and decor, then in our online store you will find a wide range of decorative electric fireplaces. The electric platform makes built-in electric fireplaces the most profitable appliances with a number of advantages.
Advantages of built-in electric fireplaces
- Attractiveness appearance such artificial fireplaces gives a unique opportunity put electric fireplaces in any room without disturbing the harmony of the interior.
- High-quality built-in electric fireplaces are completely safe and cannot lead to a fire hazard.
- Together with an electric fireplace, you can purchase an imitation of a real fire, which is unique for city apartments.
- The built-in electric fireplace can be installed very quickly, and there is no need to make a pipe for smoke outlet.
- No need to think about fuel, as built-in electric fireplaces do not need coal or wood.
If you want to do right choice, then you need to pay attention not only to specifications and prices for electric fireplaces for an apartment - there are other nuances.
Types of built-in electric fireplaces
Electric fireplaces necessarily have a firebox, a hearth (sometimes imitated), a protective grill. Instead of the last element, it is sometimes used safety glass... Such electrical systems are produced in three types.
- Heating fireplaces - they stand out less decorative design but heat the room well. Typically, these models are equipped with power mode switches.
- Decorative fireplaces - the main function of this model is to simulate a live fire. There is practically no heating of the room.
- Combined electric fireplaces - to varying degrees, combine the qualities of the two previous types of systems.
Each of these models may have some additional functions:
- air humidification;
- imitation of a haze from fire;
- special effects (sound and light);
- air ionization.
What else do you need to know when choosing an electric fireplace?
The ubiquitous sale of electric fireplaces and their extensive range can confuse the inexperienced buyer. It should be noted that these electrical appliances differ in the principle of operation. For an electric fireplace, it is better to have nearby electrical outlet, in this case, you do not have to pull additional cords that will not decorate the room, add work and, with insufficient professionalism of the electrician, reduce safety. But if there is no outlet in a convenient place, you can decorate the stretched cords.
Separately, you need to think about what design techniques will have to be applied so that the interior of the room, taking into account the space allocated for the electric fireplace, does not suffer. For this, fireplaces can be mounted directly into the wall. It is better to hang a wall-mounted electric fireplace on a wall that is not combined with neighboring rooms. The best option for installing a fireplace is a wall between the living room, kitchen or bedroom.
To visually hide the electrician, it is required to select special decorative elements. Particular attention should be paid to wide wall-mounted electric fireplaces. They require special tricks to hide the wires and are not suitable for small rooms, as they look somewhat aggressive in them, despite all their safety. In order to have an optimal distribution of the luminous flux, it is recommended to build fireplaces into the wall, which is perpendicular to the window opening. In the photographs you can see how the built-in various fireplaces with flat glass are combined with different design approaches.