Decorative fireplace made of polyurethane, how to do it yourself

In the modern world, fireplaces are installed not only for the purpose of heating, but also to give home comfort and sophistication. Technologies of the 21st century make it possible to install a fireplace even in an apartment, for this they use a ready-made decorative polyurethane fireplace portal. The presence of this element in the interior has always signified the status and economic viability of the owners. Nowadays, polyurethane fireplaces are gradually replacing standard installations with a wood-burning stove.

Benefits of polyurethane

The material is good enough, there are a number of indicators for this:

• a wide range of temperature conditions - withstands operation both at low temperatures and at very high, on average, the period of temperature fluctuations is from -40 to + 80 degrees Celsius;
• environmentally friendly resource, there is no release of harmful substances and allergic reactions;
• high strength - a polyurethane fireplace is quite strong and shock-resistant, does not paint or crack;
• no tendency to ignite - in the event of a safety violation, polyurethane products melt, slowly smolder;
• versatility - due to this property, many models are presented in various styles, coating with a paint and varnish base is possible;
• ease of installation and assembly, parts and structural elements are held together by gluing or fasteners;
• aesthetics - fit into various interiors and design projects;
• economic benefit - a polyurethane model will cost several times cheaper than a classic fireplace;
• duration of operation - retains its appearance throughout the entire service life, does not turn yellow and does not crumble like gypsum;
• does not make it difficult to care for - the material does not absorb moisture, wet cleaning with the addition of household chemicals is enough and the fireplace will have a clean and tidy appearance;
• an inexpensive product, saving not only on the purchase of a fireplace, but also on labor, anyone can afford such an element of the interior.

Basic information

Polyurethane is a durable, heat-resistant material. It is very easy to finish and paint.

Different elements are made from it. These are such as:

• stucco molding;
• moldings;
• pilasters;
• arches;
• fireplace portals.

Attached to the surface with special glue or self-tapping screws.

Benefits

There are a lot of polyurethane fireplace portals. These include:

1. Stability. The material is not afraid of mechanical damage. If we compare a portal made of polyurethane for a fireplace with a gypsum one, then the first one will never crumble and it will not have chips.
2. Heat resistance. It tolerates both high temperatures and drops. Due to this property, this material is used not only for the manufacture of decorative elements, but also as portals for a fireplace, regardless of the type of firebox.
3. Variety of models. The material allows you to design a fireplace in any style from antique to modern. The dimensions of the portals are always standards, so you don't have to adjust something, you don't have to cut it.
4. Easy to install. It is very easy to attach and assemble the polyurethane fireplace portals. You just need to install it in the intended place and attach it to glue or self-tapping screws.
5. Creation of any design. The material differs in that it can be painted or coated with artificial gold or patina. You can always add forged elements to it. The plus is that finishing with natural materials (stone, tiles) is allowed.
6. Affordable cost of installation work.Even if the price of the material seems rather high, you need to take into account that working with polyurethane is very simple, you do not need to hire craftsmen. Therefore, the cost of a polyurethane fireplace portal will be inexpensive.

If it is decided to install a fireplace in the apartment, then there is no better material. No special skills required. Enough advice from professionals and good instruction.

Advice! If there is a desire to install the fireplace portal ourselves, but there are no special skills, then it is better to make it from polyurethane. No special skills are required to work with this material.

disadvantages

But every material always has its drawbacks. So polyurethane has them. They are as follows:

1. High susceptibility to fire. The material is highly flammable, so a polyurethane fireplace portal cannot be used in open-type appliances that run on gas and fuel.
2. High price. The material itself is not cheap.

If you use this material for decorative models and closed-type fireplaces and do everything taking into account the fire safety rules, then the device will last a long time and will delight you with an excellent appearance.

Such a plus as ease of installation will help to compensate for the second drawback. Installation does not require the purchase of additional materials and special expensive tools, so the total cost of the finished fireplace will be low. Some ready-made polyurethane fireplace portals are cheaper than those made from other materials.

Important! If it is decided that the portal for the fireplace will be made of polyurethane, then it must be taken into account that the structure should be of a closed or decorative type. The material is not resistant to high temperatures.

Styles of polyurethane fireplaces

According to the design of an apartment or house, you can choose a polyurethane fireplace in the desired style. There are four design approaches:

1. Classic version - an ideal choice for retro renovation, models of these products are usually decorated with stucco and patterns imitating old motives, columns in the style of the 19th century, etc.
2. High tech - super modern style. Keeping pace with the times, a simple and laconic arrangement of the 21st century, nothing more, simplicity of form and design.
3. Universal stylistic way - modern, combines the design features of classics and hi-tech, combining technological progress and a tribute to the retro style.
4. Constructive style - a harmonious solution that merges with the geometric shapes of the room, its color scheme and dimensions.

Style selection

Polyurethane fireplace portals are made in various styles, the varieties of models surprise with their variety. Among them, the most popular are distinguished:

Classic. The constructions add rigor and solidity to the room. Any person can build such a fireplace made of polyurethane with his own hands, all that is needed is desire and creative inspiration.

Constructive style. Reflects the functionality of all details in the interior solution. The design is only gaining its popularity, the combination of practicality and beauty can convey models from polyurethane.

Hi-tech style. The design is carried out in any shape and color scheme. In this case, the main element is fire, which conveys the idea of ​​life and movement.

Modern style, combines a mixture of traditional and modern solutions. Fireplaces bring a sense of antiquity to the modern design of the space.

A variety of solutions for polyurethane fireplaces convey comfort and elegance. When choosing a portal design, focus on the style of the room in order to organically fit the structure into your home.

Design selection and drawing creation

After the choice of the design has been made and the measurements have been made, it is necessary to proceed to the design and creation of the drawing.

Basic drawing recommendations:

• the lower pedestal should be 15-20 cm high and fit into the overall appearance of the fireplace;
• the height of the structure support should be 10 cm more than its upper shelf;
• a polyurethane fireplace portal will look bulky and rough if its height is more than 150 cm;
• fireplace elements - side panels must adhere to dimensions from 60 to 80 cm in height;
• the general view of the fireplace portal as a result is a rectangle, but the vertical dimensions will be less than the horizontal ones by only 10-15 cm, not more;
• it is recommended to install another pedestal on top, about 20-25 cm high;
• the upper shelf of the structure cannot exceed a height of 10 cm, preferably less.

Content

• Benefits of polyurethane
• Styles of polyurethane fireplaces
• Instructions for creating a polyurethane fireplace
• Polyurethane fireplace finishes

Fireplaces are becoming more and more popular every year. They are a special highlight of the interior. But, unfortunately, the installation of a real wood-burning fireplace is not possible in all rooms. This is especially true for apartment buildings. But modern technologies do not stand still. Now, an excellent solution is to install a false fireplace, which can be purchased or made with your own hands from polyurethane. Its installation and fixing will not be difficult and does not require specialized skills and training.

Classic design polyurethane fireplace. A good option for decorating a room

Let's take a look at how to create a polyurethane fireplace with your own hands. The advantages of this material should be noted initially.

Materials and tools

To build a false polyurethane fireplace, you will need the following tools and materials:

• for high-quality sawing of the constituent parts, you will need a miter box, a hacksaw for metal and a saw with a small number of teeth;
• construction tape for precise measuring operations;
• assembly and joint glue;
• building putty tool;
• for subsequent cleaning of the surface from excess glue, a fine-grained skin is used;
• drill or hammer drill;
• a set of self-tapping screws;
• polyurethane panels.

Installation of polyurethane

Polyurethane fireplace to begin with, you need to fully imagine and display the drawing on paper.

Before starting work, craftsmen are advised to hold the material in the room where the fastening will be carried out during the day. Elements must adapt to temperature conditions.

Preparing the plane

For high-quality fasteners, the portal plane must be prepared:

• the surface must be dry and clean;
• the plane for fasteners must be flat;
• painting and surface coating should be carried out after the installation of polyurethane elements;
• create a drawing on paper and lay it out on the floor before starting installation.

Preparing the tool

In order not to be distracted during the work, you should prepare the necessary tool in advance:

• a miter box is required for sawing the elements;
• a saw with a small tooth or a hacksaw for metal;
• roulette;
• to connect the elements together, you will need a docking glue;
• mounting glue is required to fasten the elements to the plane;
• you need a spatula to apply glue;
• to remove dried glue, you need a fine-grained skin;
• drill.

Fixing elements

1. Transfer the picture shown to the surface of the fireplace. Check the consistency of the placement of parts.
2. When making fasteners to a solid surface, you need to make a hole for a self-tapping screw. To accommodate small elements, it will be enough to make 2 holes.
3. It is immediately required to correctly align the corner elements.
4. With the help of a miter box, all the necessary sections are made. Before starting the fasteners, you should apply the elements and look at the correctness of the cut angle.
5. Apply the assembly adhesive evenly to the back of the element.We carry out uniform placement with a spatula.
6. We apply the product to the surface and press down slightly. We fix it with self-tapping screws, which we screw in completely and ensure full contact of the surfaces. If you do not think to unscrew the screws after drying, then when screwing them in, they should be slightly drowned in the surface of the material.
7. After complete drying (about 24 hours), the holes are putty and the dried adhesive is removed with a sandpaper.
8. The surface is primed and painted.

The polyurethane fireplace is made correctly and will serve you for many years, retaining its original appearance. If necessary, you can repaint the elements, this will allow you to update the environment without disassembling the main structure. Best of all, polyurethane fireplace portals fit into classic interiors.

Step-by-step instructions for creating a polyurethane fireplace

You can build a polyurethane fireplace with your own hands, knowing all the stages of work and the sequence of actions:

1. Creation of a plan and preparation of a drawing with the established dimensions of the future imitation of a fireplace, then there is the selection and purchase of the necessary materials.
2. Preparation of the area where the polyurethane portal for the fireplace will be located: here it is necessary to prepare the floor according to the level and align the wall panels. This stage is very important and should not be neglected, since the subsequent installation and installation depend on the quality of work on leveling the site.
3. After preparing the necessary tools (the list was indicated above), we proceed to the preparation of the component parts by sawing according to the dimensions calculated in the drawing. The accuracy of the elements affects the subsequent assembly and the overall appearance of the product.
4. A polyurethane fireplace frame can be made by analogy with a plasterboard fireplace. Self-tapping screws and glue fasten all structural elements together, previously degreased and cleaned. You can achieve an even frame by clearly observing the level and setting the corners, otherwise an oblique product may turn out.
5. To bring the portals for fireplaces made of polyurethane to an ideal state, it is required to putty and finish the existing base, then the frame is decorated with special stucco molding from the same material. Press down the glued decorative elements until completely glued, pressing evenly over the entire area. The application of paints and varnishes is not a prerequisite, but it is better to paint the fireplace anyway - this hides all the irregularities, joints and traces of assembly. Two coats of acrylic paint are sufficient.
6. Interior decoration, assembly and installation of equipment (these can be electric fireplaces, candles, etc.).

If all stages of the installation work are carried out with high quality, there should be no difficulties in the process. Labor and diligence will reward what they deserve: as a result, you will get a cozy and warm home.

Features and performance of polyurethane

A polyurethane fireplace always remains very durable and reliable, this allows, if necessary, to make from it not only moldings, stucco moldings and other small decorative patterns, but also large, solid elements.

A polyurethane fireplace has the following performance characteristics, features:

Advice:
fireplace surround made of polyurethanecan carry both a decorative function and be intended for the installation of a purchased heating hearth. In the first case, the size of the frame and combustion chamber can be any, and the materials used for decoration can be both refractory and the most inexpensive, medium-melting. When installing an electric purchased hearth, first of all, you need to buy it and, based on the dimensions, design the framing. As a decor, both polyurethane and other finishing coatings with mandatory fire resistance can be used.

Important: using
fireplace polyurethane, it is very important to take care of the final appearance of both small and rather large decorative elements. To do this, you need to grout the patterns, prime, putty, paint them with special paint or cover with decorative plaster. To make the product even more well-groomed, expensive and sophisticated, at the last stage, the surface is covered with a varnish composition.

A polyurethane foam fireplace will have a higher performance and quality due to a pre-prepared, leveled surface on which this cladding is fixed.

Polyurethane fireplace finishes

Modern and stylish portals for a fireplace made of polyurethane will decorate any house and apartment, if you are creative in decorating. The stucco pattern must first be laid out on the floor, thought over several decoration options, and only then proceed with the fasteners and stucco decoration.

Finishing is carried out in two ways:

• by gluing - the technology of using adhesives is simple and understandable to any person, you can use a cement base solution or special glue, pre-degreasing the surface; the solution is applied evenly, without excess, then you should press on the surfaces to be glued, after complete drying, the elements are completely attached;
• mechanical fastening with nails or screws - framing the fireplace in this way is more durable, but it will not be difficult, as in the first case, the main thing is to symmetrically lay out all the elements, mark the location and fasten or nail firmly.

Decorating the fireplace from the inside

Inside, you can decorate a polyurethane fireplace in a variety of ways. LED flickering strip from steam generators is just one option. A good sense of the hearth is created by candles, placed randomly or in a certain order in the fireplace portal.

Sometimes a false fireplace is equipped with several shelves, where decorative figurines, souvenirs, books, or even plants, artificial and live, are kept. Such a seemingly non-standard approach, nevertheless, looks fresh and quite harmonious.

If you need an English-style interior, a mantelpiece is hung above the portal. It can accommodate figurines, boxes, photographs, candles, or even a large number of various little things. Alternatively, you can hang a TV or mirror over the false fireplace.

It is worth noting that false fireplaces have long been perceived by people as a worthy replacement for standard stove units.This is not only beautiful, but also brings coziness, warmth to the interior, and also does not create dirt during operation.

If you do not want to deal with the arrangement of an artificial fireplace yourself, contact the professionals.

Source: teplospec.com