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Do-it-yourself fireplace made of ordering bricks. Do-it-yourself brick fireplace, ordering and preparatory work. Requirements for mortar and brick

Overview of brick fireplace designs

Who doesn't dream of having a fireplace at home? After all, this heating "device" is not only a means for obtaining heat, but also an excellent decorative element that can decorate any interior. As before, the most simple in execution is a brick fireplace. The device of such a hearth is represented by a firebox, a chimney and a portal. But do not think that the simplicity of the structure implies the possibility of its independent creation. During construction, it is necessary to take into account many factors that in the future will affect not only the appearance, but also the functionality.

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Types of brick fireplaces

1. U-shaped - is a classic hearth that can be decorated with various architectural elements;
2. In the Art Nouveau style - they are characterized by an elongated rectangular or semicircular shape;
3. Country style - they have a massive wooden beam and a D-shape;
4. In the style of Hi-Tech - they are based on the latest materials that give an artsy look.
- according to the method of installation in the premises:
1. Corner - as the name implies, it is installed directly in the corner of the room. Due to this arrangement, it is able to heat several rooms at once;
2. Closed - this arrangement implies its installation at the stage of building construction. In this case, it is located directly in the wall. This arrangement occupies a minimum of space;
3. Open - designed for large houses. They are located in the middle of the room, thus providing more efficient heating. The chimney in this case is suspended using special chain fasteners.

Brick fireplace projects

Structurally, the fireplace consists of the following elements: Ceramic brick base Firebox - fireclay brick Gate valve Dimensions: 1.5x0.8x2.5 m
Brick fireplace 002 Project with a niche for firewood. Firebox - arched ceiling. Fireplace and side ledges. For high ceiling indoors.
Wall fireplace 003 Low firebox. Suitable for any room. Weight 2000 kg. For burning wood and briquettes. Beam overlapping of a fire chamber. Brick shelf with a ledge forward and on the sides.
Laid out of ceramic bricks. Reinforced foundation required. direct overlap of the firebox and firewood. Ledges of the shelf and pedestal.
Model with firewood under the cabinets. for solid fuels. Suitable for large halls of cottages. Overlapping of a fire chamber arched.
It consists of a firebox and two niches for firewood. Can be built from any ceramic brick. The design is strictly straight.
Project 007 Model with straight lines. Plenty of space to store and dry firewood. There is a fireplace mantel. Side saddles.
Project with side cabinets. Increased space for firewood. The location of the firebox is close to the floor
Project 009
Project 010

Choose a place

From the correct choice of the location of the hearth in the room will depend on its effectiveness as a heating agent. Moreover, it is important to remember that a brick fireplace will not be able to provide constant temperature maintenance at a certain level. This is due to its structure and features of the brick, which is distinguished by its thermal conductivity. It heats up very quickly and also cools down quickly. These factors must be taken into account, otherwise, the stronghold of heat will not cope with its function. As a rule, they are located near the end walls. This allows you to organically fit it into the interior and at the same time get the desired heating effect. In some cases, a brick fireplace can be placed in the corner. In this case, you can get the possibility of simultaneous heating of several rooms. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the fire safety technique, which is a priority. Therefore, it is better to transfer the choice of a place for its installation in each case to experienced specialists. As for the size of the room, they should be at least 11-12 m2. In addition, it must have an opening window. Only then can a supply of fresh air be guaranteed, which will ensure safe operation.

The correct location of the hearth

Size calculation

As with any and any heating device, size affects its thermal performance. Therefore, before designing it, it is necessary to determine its exact dimensions. For these purposes, use the proportion of 1:50 - 1:70. As a ratio, take the volume of the room itself and the furnace hole. As for the depth of the firebox, it should correspond to the height in a ratio of 1:2 - 2:3. It should be borne in mind that the back wall is made about 12 cm thick, and the side walls - 25 cm. By calculating these values, you can get the exact size of the future fireplace and optimally place it in the chosen place. Based on the size of the firebox, the chimney is also calculated, which should be 8-15 times smaller in diameter.

Calculation of the dimensions of a brick fireplace

Fireplace elements	S-12 m²	S-15 m²	S-20 m²	S-25 m²	S-30 m²	S-35 m²
Portal Width	50	60	70	80	90	100
portal height	42	49	56	63	70	77
Firebox depth	30	32	35	38	40	42
Height of the rear wall of the firebox	36	36	36	36	36	36
Width of the rear wall of the firebox	30	40	45	50	60	70
Smoke box height	57	60	63	66	70	80
Section of a brick chimney	14x27	14x27	27x27	27x27	27x40	27x40
Metal chimney section	200	200	230	250	300	300

Selection of materials

Oven bricks are used as the main building material for a classic fireplace. It is immediately worth noting that such a brick must comply with certain standards, which are determined by the master immediately before using it. This process is quite simple in appearance: a light tapping of a brick with a hammer gives a certain sound, by which the suitability of the building material is determined. If you build without taking into account this factor, there is a possibility of its incorrect functioning.

It is also important in construction and the solution, which consists of clay and sand. As for clay, almost any will do. But, as experienced craftsmen say, the best results can only be achieved using "red" clay. As for finishing materials, today the choice is wide. As a material for the portal, both natural materials can act: various stones, wood, and the “products” of progress - metal alloys and a number of other materials. In this case, it all depends on the required design.

Foundation - basis

In order for the brick hearth to serve you "faithfully" for many years, it is necessary to carefully approach not only its construction. This is especially true for building a foundation. It is on how correctly the foundation is laid out that the fireplace itself will be so stable. Rubble stone or special waterproof bricks are used as the main materials for the foundation. as a rule, the foundation is made 10-15 cm wider than the base. At the same time, it is performed separately from the foundation of the building. Thus, the impact of subsidence, both the building itself and the hearth, is prevented. It is recommended to use cement with an index of 400 or 500.

During the construction of the fireplace itself, the chimney must be located exactly in the middle of the foundation. This creates a symmetrical load on the base, which prevents distortions.

Foundation scheme:

1. Ground

2. Compacted sand base

3. Geotextile

4. Concrete preparation

5. Waterproofing

6. Monolithic concrete

7. Fittings

Care and firebox

To begin with, the constant use of the fireplace is the cause of the formation of a large amount of soot, which must be cleaned regularly. This applies not only to the firebox itself, but also to the chimney. Of course, you should not clean the chimney after each use, but once a year you still have to deal with it closely. For these purposes, it is desirable to provide for convenient access to its outer part even at the construction stage. As for the firebox itself, after each use it is subject to mandatory cleaning, since the resulting soot does not have a beneficial effect on the human body. By the way, its amount just depends on what to drown. Wood is the classic source of fire in a fireplace. At the same time, it is best to use birch, and abandon conifers. But, since wood is now quite expensive, and it requires additional storage space, more and more often the owners use coal and briquettes. Although this fuel gives more soot, it is still less “troublesome”, and more warm from it.
Despite the fact that brick fireplaces are simple in their design, they require only a professional approach. This is due to a number of features that must be taken into account when building them. In addition, it is a source of open flame. Improper execution may cause a fire. Therefore, remember that the construction of any fireplace, even the simplest OWN, is UNACCEPTABLE!
If you want to decorate your home with a modern masterpiece that will delight you with its warmth, then the specialists of our company are always ready to help you in its construction.

Photo stages of building a fireplace

1-3 row Fireplace pedestal

4-10 row Fireplace portal

11-14 row Fireplace shelf

Video:

The services of a master - a specialist in chimney masonry are not cheap. The price of building one structure from scratch starts from 350 USD. e. (20 thousand rubles), reaching 1500 c.u. e. depending on the complexity and scope of work. Imagine how much money you can save if you fold a brick fireplace with your own hands. But the task is not an easy one - you need to learn the basics of furnace business, choose the appropriate design for the hearth, build and melt it correctly. We will try to give as much information as possible on all of the above issues, we will provide drawings of fireplaces for self-production.

The device of a classic brick fireplace

Strictly speaking, open hearths are not suitable for heating private cottages due to their low efficiency, which is only 20-30%. While the fire is burning in the firebox, heat is distributed throughout the room by means of infrared radiation. After attenuation, the intensity of heating decreases and stops after 2-3 hours, when the brickwork has cooled down.

An important point. It is unrealistic to build even a small wood-burning stove in an apartment of a multi-storey building - there is nowhere to lead the chimney, and the ceiling is not designed for such a weight. Reference: the mass of the mini-fireplace, whose project is presented below, is more than 700 kg, size - 0.5 x 1 m (load area - 0.5 m²).

Despite the low heat output, fireplaces remain attractive to homeowners, as they create a unique atmosphere of home comfort. The device of a classic English hearth is shown in the diagram and includes the following elements:

• underground part - foundation;
• base of 2-3 rows of bricks;
• a hearth with a protruding pre-furnace platform;
• portal - brick frame of an open firebox;
• smoke collector - a channel narrowing upwards in the form of an umbrella above the combustion chamber;
• the chimney tooth at the beginning of the smoke collector serves for better heat removal from hot gases;
• chimney pipe leading to the roof;
• traction force is regulated by a valve.

Scheme of the device of a classic open hearth

If the construction budget allows, then the outside walls are tiled, as is done above in the photo. It is not necessary to decorate the walls of the structure - the correct brickwork looks quite neat.

The size and location of the hearth in the room

When choosing the design and drawings of the fireplace, pay attention to the dimensions of the portal, fuel chamber and chimney. The indicated dimensions are selected according to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heated room and are interconnected by the following ratios:

• cross-sectional area of ​​​​the chimney pipe - 1/9 of the quadrature of the portal;
• the depth of the firebox is 1.5-2 times less than the height of the portal opening;
• the area of ​​the open opening is 1/50 of the quadrature of the room.

If you make a large fireplace in a small room, the chimney draft will not have enough air flow. The hearth will smoke into the room or “suck out” air from neighboring rooms, and along with heat. It is allowed to build a small structure in a spacious room, but the heating will be minimal - the fireplace will serve as a decoration for the living room and play the role of a barbecue.

For the convenience of determining the size of the firebox and the chimney, depending on the quadrature of the room, there is a ready-made table:

According to the shape, fireplaces are divided into 2 types - wall and corner. In the publication, we provide a description of the first variety - it is relatively simple. To build home hearths of the angular type, you need to gain experience in the furnace business. Having decided on the dimensions of the heater, allocate a place for installation, taking into account our recommendations:

1. Place the fireplace in the center of the room divider. If a private house is in the process of redevelopment, repair or construction, the back wall can be brought to the next room by making an opening inside the partition.
2. It is not advisable to make a fireplace near the outer wall - part of the heat will go outside.
3. Think about convenience - do not place the structure near interior doors and do not place furniture back to back.
4. Carefully study the design of the ceilings and the truss system so that the chimney pipe does not fall into the supporting beam or onto the edge of the reinforced concrete floor slab. The minimum distance from the flue wall to the rafters is 10 cm (taking into account the fire-prevention furnace cutting).

When choosing a platform for a fireplace, do not forget about the foundation. In a residential area, you will have to dismantle the floors, dismantle the screed and dig a pit without affecting the existing foundation of the building. Remember if house engineering networks have been laid in the chosen place - sewerage, water supply or heated floors. The basement under the room is also a problem, not every floor can withstand the weight of the masonry.

Construction technology

The procedure for preparing and laying a fireplace with your own hands is proposed to be divided into stages:

1. Selection and purchase of building materials.
2. Preparing a set of tools.
3. Foundation device.
4. Brickwork of the furnace body and chimney.
5. Drying and primary kindling.

Let us consider in detail each item on the list, then we will present specific projects and orders available for execution by novice stove-makers.

An interesting version of the fireplace stove, where 2 fireboxes are combined - open and closed

Choosing a brick and mortar

Choose an oven brick taking into account the following requirements:

• for the main masonry, take a solid ceramic (red) brick of a standard size of 250 x 120 x 65 mm, hollow marks are not suitable;
• the walls of the firebox are laid out from fireclay (refractory) stones of the Sh, ShA or ShB grades;
• instead of refractory, it is allowed to use solid clay brick, carefully selected for quality - without cracks, chips and other defects;
• it is allowed to lay the body of the fireplace from used ceramic bricks, provided that the stones have retained their strength, have not been soaked with dampness and have not cracked;
• if the budget allows, buy a figured brick with rounded edges, shown in the photo.

Note. The brand of fireclay stones is precisely indicated in the design of the hearth. Specify the number and shape of hewn bricks in accordance with the schemes - orders.

The easiest way to make a quality masonry mortar is to buy a ready-made clay-sand mixture in the store, designed for stoves and fireplaces. A similar product is commercially available for refractory masonry - fireclay and mortar.

If you are on the path of total savings, make the solution yourself:

The solution is considered suitable for work if the “sausage” rolled from it with a diameter of 10-15 mm does not crack and does not crumble when wound on a wooden stick Ø4-5 cm.

Reference. Ready-made clay-sand mortar is stored indefinitely. If the composition has time to dry before use, it is enough to dilute it again with water.

Methods for checking the solution by squeezing, tearing and winding the bundles on a round handle

Pure clay mortar for laying the foundation and the chimney is not suitable - you need to add lime or cement. Therefore, to build a fireplace, prepare additional building materials:

• Portland cement M400;
• sand;
• roofing material for waterproofing;
• felt (can be used), roofing iron;
• broken stones of any origin;
• boards or boards for formwork;
• polyethylene film (used is allowed, but without holes);
• steel knitting wire;
• asbestos cord.

Advice. Instead of felt, basalt cardboard has been successfully used.

Ready-made masonry mixtures for stoves and fireplaces

Of course, the construction of a fireplace will require stove fittings - doors, valves, and so on. The exact number and dimensions are listed in the project. To form the arch of the portal, metal corners or fittings will also be required. In order not to plaster and decorate the finished hearth, purchase a special fire-resistant enamel.

We prepare the tools of the stove-maker

The complete set of tools used by kiln masters is shown in the picture. But since the average homeowner does not have all the fixtures depicted, we will give a list of tools that you cannot do without when building a fireplace:

• pick;
• hammer (preferably rubber);
• construction level, tape measure;
• square, cord and plumb;
• the brush is wide;
• Master OK;
• pliers;
• ruler and scriber - a pointed metal rod.

A beginner who is not trained in the techniques of hewing and splitting bricks will make a lot of marriage and ruin a lot of material until he gets used to the job. Hence the advice: cut stones with a grinder equipped with a circle on concrete. To reduce dust, go outside or to another room.

In addition to the listed devices, you will need a bucket and a thick cloth for wiping brick walls. A small spatula or a metal scoop with a broom is also useful.

Laying a solid foundation

How to make the base of the fireplace correctly is described in detail in another step-by-step. Briefly outline the stages of work:

1. Digging and excavation of soil from a pit, whose dimensions are 10 cm wider than the dimensions of the future hearth. The depth depends on the location of stable soil layers, but not less than 0.5 m.
2. Backfilling the pit with rubble stone, strengthening with liquid clay or lime mortar.
3. Laying 2 waterproofing layers of roofing material.
4. Installation of formwork, pouring a reinforced concrete slab with a thickness of 15-20 cm.
5. After 4 weeks (complete solidification of concrete) - laying felt soaked in liquid clay and erecting 2 continuous rows of ceramic bricks.

Note. Instead of a reinforced concrete slab, cement mortar brickwork can be used, ending at the level of the finished floor. In this case, the rubble foundation can be loaded much earlier - after 7-10 days.

The base of the fireplace to be laid is a completely independent structure, not connected with the foundation of a private house. The minimum distance between them is 50 mm, but it is better to keep 10 cm. Treat the accessible side surfaces of the foundation with bitumen for waterproofing.

A plastic film is laid over the backfill and formwork so that liquid concrete does not lose cement milk. The felt soaked with clay is placed on the finished slab, as shown in the diagram. The first two rows of stones are considered zero and are not reflected in the order of the fireplace, their task is to protect the felt pad from high temperature. For more information about the technology of laying a reinforced concrete foundation, see the video:

Instructions for chimney masonry

Before laying out the fireplace, select the best brick for the firebox, clean the used stones from soot, dirt and adhering old mortar. When ready, proceed to an important stage - laying the first row. Step by step technology looks like this:

1. Retreating 5 cm from the edge of the foundation, collect the first tier of bricks dry. First install the outer beautiful stones, then fill the middle.
2. Using a square and a wooden plank, align the bricks along the line at 90° angles.
3. Measure the length of the diagonals with a tape measure. The maximum allowable discrepancy is 5 mm.
4. Lay all the stones on the mortar, controlling the horizontal level.

The next rows are laid out in the same way - the formation of the model on a dry, fitting and trimming of stones, setting on the solution. The verticality and horizontality of the masonry is constantly monitored using a plumb line and building level.

Advice for newbies. There is a simple technique that allows you to ensure the verticality of the fireplace masonry. After forming the first two rows, project the corner points on the ceiling with a plumb line and drive nails or dowels there. Tie cords with weights to them, which will serve as markers for the dimensions of the fireplace. Instead of twine, you can use vertically installed iron corners, then it will become much easier to level the masonry.

When erecting the walls of the fireplace, be sure to observe the following rules:

1. Before laying, immerse the red brick in a bucket of water for 2-3 minutes - air bubbles will come out of the pores. Refractory stones do not need to be soaked, just rinsed from dust.
2. The maximum joint thickness is 5 mm. Press the brick against adjacent stones, while leveling and removing excess mortar on the sides with a trowel.
   
3. The walls of the gas channels must be smooth. Turn the bricks with a flat edge inside the flue, and every 3-4 rows wipe the masonry from the inside with a wet rag.
4. Before laying a smoke box with a chimney tooth and sloping walls, where you need to do a lot of trimming, lay out the element model dry. This will allow you to clearly fit the sawn bricks.
5. Fireclay and ceramic masonry, which have different coefficients of thermal expansion, do not connect with each other. Provide a gap of 3-5 mm where sheets of basalt cardboard are inserted.
   
6. Before installation, wrap fireplace doors with asbestos cord at the points of contact with the wall. Fix the elements with a knitting wire, aligning them vertically and horizontally.
7. Put the valve on the clay mortar - you need to open the valve and apply it to the frame.

The overlap is made of steel corners supported on the walls of the portal. The upper row of stones is laid on rolled metal without mortar, only the side seams are filled. Semicircular arched vaults are formed using special patterns of wood - circled, shown in the photo.

The circle can be made from plywood or wood of any quality, but the shape of the support must be clearly calibrated.

When installing a chimney, change the recipe for preparing the solution - add cement instead of clay. The ratio of the binder to sand is 1: 4, the density is medium. In the wooden floor of the house, cutting is performed, providing a fire indent of 38 cm from the smoke channel to combustible structures (see the diagram).

Above the roof surface, a thickening of the pipe is made - an otter that closes the joint of the roofing with brickwork. At the end, a closed-type head is formed, which prevents precipitation from entering the fireplace.

For stoves and fireplaces, fire rules are the same - the distance between the smoke channel and the wooden floor must be at least 380 mm (one and a half bricks)

Drying and first kindling

Sand-clay mortar does not harden, but dries. The drying process takes 10-14 days, during which monitoring is carried out. Small cracks that occur in the masonry of the fireplace are sealed with the same clay mortar. At the end of the specified period, make a trial kindling:

1. Having opened the valve, kindle a small armful of brushwood and wood chips on the hearth.
2. Gradually add small firewood, maintaining a small fire. This will allow the solution to dry completely.
3. If after 3-4 hours no cracks have formed in the body of the fireplace, you can increase the portion of firewood. Take your time and first make sure that the walls of the hearth have warmed up.

Advice. Due to the air lock in the chimney, there may initially be no draft. The pipe must be heated with a torch or a small fire kindled on a view.

Techniques for performing fireplace masonry, see the following video:

Project No. 1 - a compact mini-fireplace

This hearth is suitable for heating a room of 16-20 m² in a country house or a small country house. Another option for using the design is as an outdoor barbecue built in a garden gazebo. A feature of the fireplace is lateral convection channels that heat the air in the room. The size of the building is 102 x 51 cm.

To lay out a mini-fireplace, you will need the following materials:

• solid ceramic brick - 240 pcs. (chimney not included)
• revision door 24 x 14 cm - 1 pc.;
• cast-iron grates 18 x 14 cm;
• valve 25 x 14 cm;
• stainless steel sheet 1 mm thick, 500 x 1000 mm in size;
• a sheet of black or galvanized metal, laid in front of the firebox, dimensions - 70 x 50 cm.

Sectional drawing of a mini-fireplace. Outlets of convection channels are provided on the side walls

Note. The stainless steel sheet serves as the back screen of the firebox. It is allowed not to put it, but then it will be necessary to form an inclined wall of cut bricks.

The mini-fireplace shown in the drawing is laid out in this order:

The master will tell you in detail the algorithm for laying a mini-fireplace in his video:

Project No. 2 - a simple heating fireplace

The dimensions of this building are 112 x 65 cm, the height is 2020 mm. The internal size of the portal is 52 x 49 cm. Accelerated heating of the room is provided due to the convective air channel. The building kit looks like this:

• clay solid brick - 345 pcs.;
• valve used in the chimney - 250 x 130 mm;
• 2 steel equal-shelf corners 45 mm wide, 70 cm long;
• metal sheet 500 x 700 mm.

A feature of the laying of the fireplace shown in the diagram is the setting of a large number of bricks at the base on the edge. A narrow long channel is arranged above, where the heated air of the room moves. Let's move on to the construction algorithm:

The method of trial kindling the fireplace is demonstrated in the last video:

Conclusion

We warn you that making a fireplace with your own hands from brick is a difficult task for a beginner. Aspects of construction, understandable in theory, turn into a problem in practice. Hence the recommendation: practice on simpler objects - make an outdoor grill, barbecue or barbecue. Hold brick and mortar in your hands, feel the nuances of masonry. It would be useful to consult a master stove-setter.

A modern country house with a spacious living room is hard to imagine without a massive brick fireplace. It gives the room a cozy and beautiful look, and also gives you the opportunity to have a good time at friendly gatherings or a romantic date. An open fire creates an incredible atmosphere of warmth and comfort, where you can relax after a hard day and take a break from problems. When using detailed drawings and calculations, you can build a fireplace with your own hands from bricks.

However, such construction is a rather complicated and responsible matter, therefore it is necessary to take into account the rules of masonry, prepare the necessary materials and tools, and also find the optimal drawing or create it yourself.

DIY brick fireplace

When building a brick fireplace, it is extremely important to pay special attention to the calculation of its parameters. This is due to the fact that it performs not only a decorative function, but is also used to heat the room. First of all, it is necessary to accurately determine the required dimensions of the furnace hole. In this case, it takes into account:

1. The ratio between the clumsy portal and the size of the room should be approximately 1 to 50. Therefore, if space heating is required, an area of ​​​​20 square meters. m., then the size of the firebox should be approximately 0.4 sq. m.
2. The ratio of the height and width of the firebox should be in the ratio of 2:3. In this case, for a room of 20 square meters. m. The optimal size of the sides will be 51 by 77 cm.
3. An important indicator is the depth of the furnace. The traction force will depend on it. The depth of the firebox should be in relation to the height of 7:10. Therefore, for such a fireplace, this indicator should be about 34 cm. If the indicator is higher, heat loss will increase, and if it is lower, smoke can penetrate into the room.
4. The area of ​​the chimney should be approximately 10 times smaller than the area of ​​the portal.
5. A podium should be placed in front of the firebox opening, the width of which should be about 50 cm. The side podiums should have a width of no more than 30 cm.
6. The transfer sheet should extend beyond the furnace platform to a distance of up to 30 cm.

You can learn more about building a brick mini-fireplace with your own hands from the video

Types of brick fireplaces

There are various types of fireplaces that can be installed in a country house or in a small cottage. First of all, brick fireplaces are divided into wall and built-in.

Photo of a corner fireplace

Embedded

A feature of this design is that the fireplace is installed inside the load-bearing wall. A chimney is pre-mounted inside this wall. This option is quite complicated, so it is rarely chosen for self-construction. In addition, the creation of such a fireplace is possible only at the stage of designing a house.

wall

The most successful option for self-production. It can be easily done both in a country house and in a small country house, without having experience in building such structures. You can create a wall fireplace both at the design stage and at any time after the construction of the house. However, if you want to build a fireplace in an already finished house, you must first create a separate foundation.

Photo of a direct fireplace

Wall fireplaces can be either straight or angled. The latter option is the most compact, so it is great for a small room. In addition, its construction is much simpler than direct, and much less material is required.

Preparation for construction

The beginning of any construction is the preparation of a sketch and the carrying out of settlement work. First you need to draw a future fireplace by hand in relation to the room. You should also carefully draw the location of the firebox, the shape of the portal, chimney and other elements. The dimensions must first be specified in advance, and then calculated using the formulas.

Based on the approximate drawing, a detailed drawing should be made. It must indicate the dimensions of all parts, the side section of the building and other elements. Particular attention must be paid to the ordering scheme according to which the construction will be carried out. There are many such schemes. You can choose the best option or think of your own. You can also use one of the ready-made drawings of the fireplace, having previously adjusted it to the size and characteristics of the room.

Materials and tools

For the construction of a brick fireplace, solid bricks can be used, however, interior decoration must be done only with special refractory bricks. Such material is characterized by a high resistance to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and their differences, as well as to the effects of chemical components that arise as a result of combustion. In addition, refractory bricks heat up slowly and retain heat for a long time.

To prepare the solution, it is recommended to use a special refractory mixture, which can be bought at a hardware store or prepared independently. The simplest version of the mixture consists of clay with sand. The ratio between the components is calculated empirically. The finished mixture should have the consistency of thick sour cream. The use of cement for laying a fireplace is not recommended. It can be added in small proportions to a mixture of clay and sand only when building a foundation.

Any type of sand can be used to prepare the mortar for the base or side walls of the fireplace. For areas that will be constantly affected by high temperatures, gully or quarry sand should be used. River or sea sand is too smooth and will not adhere well to clay. Before preparing the solution, the sand must be sieved and washed.

Clay for the solution should be pre-soaked for a week, stirring daily and adding water if necessary. If there is no time for a long preparation of the solution according to all the rules, it is better to purchase ready-made refractory mixtures.

For the construction of a fireplace with a closed firebox, metal doors are additionally required. In order to see the fire through them, it is better to choose doors with fire-resistant glass. For an open hearth fireplace, doors are not required. You will need a purge and cleaning door, as well as a damper to adjust the draft. For the device of the chimney, it is best to use a round pipe. You can choose almost any metal, but stainless steel is the best solution.

For exterior decoration, you can use decorative plaster, refractory ceramic tiles, decorative stone. In some cases, you can leave the brick without a decorative finish if the fireplace fits into the decor of the room. For example, for a loft-style interior.

The construction of a brick fireplace is carried out using the following tools:

• Master OK;
• building level;
• shovel;
• roulette;
• container for mixing the solution;
• Sander;
• plumb.

After preparing the necessary tools and materials, as well as the necessary plans and drawings, you can proceed to the direct construction of the fireplace.

Foundation construction

Before the construction of any kind of fireplace requires the construction of a foundation under it. The size of the foundation should exceed the dimensions of the fireplace by about 25 cm on each side. The depth of the base depends on the weight of the fireplace and its size. For a medium-sized product, a base depth of 50-60 cm is sufficient.

The first step in building a foundation is digging a hole. After that, the bottom must be tamped, and then covered with a mixture of gravel and sand. The next step is to install the formwork. For additional reinforcement inside the formwork, a metal grate should be installed. The foundation is poured with a solution, for the preparation of which sand, cement and gravel are used. The optimal solution is such a proportion of components 3:1:4.

The foundation completely freezes in a month. After that, it can be covered with a cement-sand mixture, as well as a layer of waterproofing. The construction of the fireplace can only be started after the base has completely hardened.

Fireplace masonry

Particular attention should be paid to laying the first row. As a rule, it fits without mortar. The brick must be soaked in water immediately before laying, so that it does not absorb moisture from the solution.

Brick laying scheme

The first row of bricks should be brought to the floor level. The part of the fireplace above the floor must be at least 30 cm from the firebox. After that, an ash pan and blower doors are installed. The ash pan can be made in the form of a door or a drawer.

After that, the laying of the fireplace is carried out according to a pre-selected scheme. Flow doors are best made of metal with fire-resistant glass.

Basic principles of building a fireplace

For masonry, you can use different orders, but any option has general principles:

corner fireplace

• the first row of bricks should be installed on the edge, and the next rows - flat;
• the first two rows are the base;
• brick should be used without breaks, cracks, chips and other damage;
• if red brick is used for construction, it must first be soaked in water so that it does not absorb moisture from the solution;
• refractory bricks do not need to be soaked before construction, it is enough to clean them of dirt and wipe them with a damp cloth;
• the thickness of the seam during construction should not be higher than 5 mm;
• if excess mixture appears between the seams, it must be removed before solidification;
• it is necessary to apply a moderate amount of the mixture so that it guarantees reliable adhesion, and does not go beyond the boundaries of the brick;
• during construction, a homogeneous solution without lumps should be used;
• the solution cannot be used to coat the fireplace inside;
• the optimal time for construction is summer or another warm period;
• masonry should start from the corners so that it turns out to be even and neat;
• The bottom of the firebox must be at least three bricks from the floor.

For construction, it is necessary to choose the optimal scheme, purchase high-quality materials and prepare a refractory mortar. It is worth paying attention to the external finish of the product. After all, the fireplace will become a place around which all family members will gather.

A fireplace is one of the oldest heating units that has not lost its popularity to this day. The constant development of the market has led to the emergence of more modern decorative models. They not only decorate the room, but also are able to warm it. Fireplaces can run on various types of fuel: from classic wood to natural gas.

Photos with examples of brick fireplaces in the interior (click to enlarge)

However, lovers of the classics prefer versions built from ancient times from natural stone and brick. For an inexperienced person who first encounters such a construction process as masonry, the work may seem very difficult. However, anyone can build a brick fireplace with their own hands, with patience and finding enough time.

Starting preparations for laborious work, many pay more attention to the appearance of the structure, not paying due attention to one of the most important elements - the firebox. For many, it appears as a metal box or brick niche, intended only for laying firewood. But apparent simplicity can only mislead.

Fireplace device

Structurally, the firebox consists of the following elements:

• Base
• Walls
• smoke box
• Grate
• Door
• Gate valve
• Ash pan

Base

The base of the firebox is usually made of stone or brick, but for metal models it is usually cast iron. Unlike steel, these materials do not deform under the influence of gravity and high temperature.

The walls can be made of steel, cast iron, fireclay bricks or absent altogether (for example, in open models). Each of the materials has its own pros and cons, a decision must be made based on preferences or after the advice of a specialist.

In a brick firebox, the back wall must be tilted, the side walls must be expanded. Sometimes they give a more complex rounded shape to surfaces in order to increase heat transfer.

We have already described many aspects of masonry in an article about how to go and find out more

smoke box

Designed to remove carbon monoxide and fumes outside. It can be a separate element or be a direct part of the firebox. The material is similar to hers. In this case, the vault must be located above the furnace window.

Grate

Through it, the hall enters the ash pan, oxygen for combustion is supplied to coal or firewood. In gas or oil fired fireplaces, a grate separates the firebox and burner. It is made of refractory ceramic or cast iron and must withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees.

The door can be one of two types: open or closed. The greatest preference is given to glass models that allow you to visually observe the combustion process.

Gate valve

The damper closes the chimney. By reducing the draft, the firewood slowly smolders inside the firebox, continuing to release heat.

The ash pan is designed to collect combustion products and in traditional models it acts as a blower. Sometimes it is made in the form of a drawer, which is freely taken out and shaken off. The hole for the blower must be equipped with a damper for draft control.

Calculation of the dimensions of the fireplace and the necessary materials

When building a brick fireplace with your own hands, you need to correctly calculate all its parameters so that it performs not only a decorative, but also a practical function, heating the room. First of all, determine the dimensions of the furnace hole or portal:

1. The ratio of its area should be approximately 1:50 to a similar characteristic of the room. If the room is 20 square meters, then the firebox is 0.4 square meters
2. The height and width should be in a ratio of 2:3. By compiling a simple equation, you can get the following aspect ratio - 51x77 cm
3. An equally important indicator is the depth of the portal, on which traction will depend. It should be 70% of the height, in this case 34 cm. An increase will lead to an unreasonable loss of heat, a decrease will lead to the appearance of smoke inside the room
4. The chimney area is made 10-15 times smaller than the similar characteristic of the portal
5. In front of the furnace hole, it is necessary to place a podium 45-50 cm wide
6. Podiums from the sides of the portal - up to 30 cm
7. The transfer sheet extends beyond the furnace platform at a distance of up to 30 cm

If we talk about the required amount of bricks and various consumables that will be required for work, it is not possible to name certain numbers. In each specific case, the values ​​obtained will be different and directly depend on the size of the fireplace being built.

Everyone can make approximate calculations by choosing the most appropriate ordering option.

Other order options

Step by step video laying guide:

Ordering a corner fireplace with a semicircular arch:

Ordering the fireplace with an arch in the form of a rectangle:

Fireplaces with a podium:

Some Tips

When choosing the location of the fireplace in any particular room, you need to take into account the presence and path of drafts. The optimal solution is to place the structure away from window openings and doors, as well as from the places where air flows intersect between them.

Refractory mortar is used for laying fireclay bricks, ceramic bricks are placed on a conventional sand-clay mixture. It is prepared according to the instructions on the package. Preparation of the solution is a long process. It is necessary to use clean and well-softened clay, soaked in water for up to 2-3 days.

If the adhesive solution is not prepared correctly, soon, under the influence of high temperatures, the brickwork will begin to collapse and crack. Whether external surface finishing is necessary or not - everyone decides for himself. Many prefer to leave everything as it is, carefully processing the seams.

Video instruction

Summing up

If you approach work with all responsibility and thoroughly prepare, everyone can lay out a brick fireplace with their own hands. But even small mistakes can negatively affect the final result. As a result, you can get a short-lived design that does not live up to expectations.

If you doubt your abilities, you need to contact a specialist. Having visually assessed the situation, he will help with the most difficult stages and give some valuable tips.

In order for the fire in a simple heating device to be at the right height, 4 rows must be laid out from the floor to the hearth. The three lower levels are covered with crushed stone with sand or pebbles. On the fourth, L-shaped pins for the fireplace grate are laid.

For good traction and, accordingly, heating the room, it is necessary to install a valve. When lighting a fire, it must be fully opened. When the firewood has flared up, this device closes so that the gas formation is at an optimal level. If you add the middle rows, the fireplace will be higher. This type of device has a simple gas-gathering overlap with a direct exit of gases. Shelves on the sides are optional.

If necessary, the upper part of the fireplace, starting from the 30th row, can be completed differently by making a horizontal flue that will serve as a spark arrester.

Necessary materials

You will need the following items to work:

• red brick - 370 pieces (the exact amount depends on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room);
• valve size 24x13 cm;
• reinforced concrete tiles for shelves and portals; this material can be replaced with a product made of marble or natural stone.

Download order and drawing

You can download the order of a simple fireplace in PDF format at.

Option 2

There is another scheme for erecting an open hearth - with a heater that increases the efficiency of the heater.

This simple fireplace can heat a 28 m² room. In winter, the unit retains heat for 8-10 hours at outdoor temperatures down to -12 °C. Heat transfer can be increased by making the masonry higher. If the height is too low, this may cause the heater to malfunction and cause smoke to enter the room.

Download project. 3D ordering

Questions and answers

Question: Will the unit function normally if a door is added to it? Or will it change the traction a lot?
Answer: Everything needs to be tried. It is impossible to give a definite answer.

IN: I wanted to build a fireplace according to the project. He invited several stove-makers who unanimously say that he will not work. Experts say that there is no slope in the back wall of the firebox, and therefore it will smoke. Since the device for burning fuel is not made from the fireplace, it may crack. How to be?
ABOUT: The design of A. I. Ryazankin, a stove-maker with almost 40 years of experience, was taken as the basis for this heating device. I think his work can be trusted. The fireplace will smoke if the height of the fuel chamber is reduced, while the height of the structure itself can be increased if necessary.
Here we are talking about the absence of a chimney tooth. Make a horizontal channel to the left 3 levels higher than row 27, put a door to clean it on the left side. Shut off the unit with three more levels, and move the valve to 32. This design will act as a chimney tooth with a pipe located on the left. If the channel needs to be placed on the right, from the 24th row and above, make a mirror masonry.
From levels 2 to 11, make the inside of the furnace from fireclay bricks. This will improve the reliability of the design.

IN: Can you please add an oven?
ABOUT: Probably yes, but we haven't tried it.

IN: Will it be possible to build a hot-water box (heat exchanger) into this fireplace, but in such a way that this device is heated by flue gases? Is it possible in principle to implement such a thing?

ABOUT: In practice, such devices have never been found in fireplaces. There is a possibility that you can lose traction. We recommend purchasing a heater with a water circuit or ordering a device according to an individual project. If you are new to the furnace business, we do not recommend taking on this job on your own.

IN: Is it possible to connect an additional back wall to the fireplace, which will pass through the aerated concrete structure into the corridor, and make another channel in it to remove smoke for the firebox in the winter season?
ABOUT: The main heating of the room occurs due to the firebox. There are big doubts that with the help of the back wall it will be possible to warm up the neighboring room.