Fireplace stucco can be increasingly found in modern homes. It serves as a good addition to the interior of a house or apartment. To figure out how to make a decoration using it, and what material to choose for this, you need to know what stucco is, how its parts are made, as well as its use for decorating fireplaces in various styles.
French stucco
Stucco molding and what it is
The concept of “stucco molding” includes parts or figures made with relief patterns. Such fragments can be produced in several ways, one of which involves pressing, and the second method involves casting. In one case or another, the resulting decorative details can be used both for external facades and for interior spaces.
It is produced both on an industrial scale and at home. The second option is more expensive, since you will have to additionally pay for the development of the sketch and production of the mold. On a production scale, standard parts are produced, so the price is quite affordable.
Choice of stucco
Element of stucco decoration made of polystyrene foam
The choice of decorative stucco molding for a fireplace is made based on the type of fuel that is used for it. Regarding this, there are two types of hearth design:
- Natural fireplace.
- Electric fireplace.
If the finishing material option is incorrectly determined, soot, carbon deposits or other traces of equipment use will appear on the finish. The main task when using decorative fragments is to harmoniously complement the main structure with the interior where it is located.
Based on the production technologies of gypsum portals, there are three main types:
- Profile. When the portal is decorated with various details of finishing material: pilasters, friezes, moldings.
- Sculptural. When the main role is played by the central part of the portal, decorated with various figures, atlases, frescoes, bas-reliefs or caryatids.
Kinds
Options for decorative elements made of stucco Stucco can be made from various materials, natural or synthetic.
In addition, if desired, you can make parts in a shape reminiscent of natural stone. To better match the interior, the manufactured fragments can be painted in a suitable color. The main materials for the manufacture of decorative elements are:
- Gypsum,
- Fiber concrete,
- Polyurethane.
Each type has advantages and disadvantages, so when choosing parts, you need to study all its properties.
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“Stucco molding” in the apartment – “Independent work”
Gypsum
Gypsum has the following advantages:
- No shrinkage.
- Fireproof properties.
- The structure is quite flexible for pouring into any shape.
- When making decorative details with your own hands, the blanks used are very pliable, do not crumble or chip.
- Long service life.
- Moisture absorption.
Directions for using gypsum binders
Among the disadvantages are:
- The gypsum structure is heavy.
- The finished product is quite fragile.
- In the absence of a polymer coating, gypsum parts can only be cleaned dry.
- Quite a high price.
- Making a portal from plaster yourself is almost impossible.
Fiber concrete
Fiber-reinforced concrete is a type of concrete based on reinforcement.
Among the advantages of the material are:
- Manufacturing of any parts.
- It has excellent contact with colors, resulting in elements similar to natural stone.
- Durability of the finished product.
- Durability.
- Not exposed to moisture.
Polyurethane
Types of thermoplastic polyurethane
Polyurethane is a material of synthetic origin. Despite the fact that manufacturers claim that it is harmless to humans, many prefer to avoid it.
Advantages of the material:
- Light weight structure.
- Easy to care for.
- Resistance to mechanical stress.
- The properties of the material allow us to produce any elements.
- The surface is perfectly painted.
- It has a smooth surface without pores, which prevents contamination.
- Resistant to moisture.
- Strength.
- Durability.
- Safety for humans.
Types of structures
French balconies with wrought iron elements
The classic option is a window or doorway with a decorative metal parapet. Often the load-bearing slab does not exceed the length of a foot, but sometimes it reaches a maximum of half a meter. This design does not imply prolonged recreation in the fresh air.
Sometimes finished metal products are coated with gold leaf or their surface is patinated (aging effect)
The use of these methods turns the fence into an original detail that primarily attracts attention
The small base area does not allow organizing storage space. A French balcony adorns the facade of the house and the room that is hidden behind it. A lot of light enters a window or doorway.
Forged fencing in a private house. The chocolate shade of the forged metal and metal-plastic profile goes well with the color of the brick wall.
The classic version is not functional, it only serves a decorative role.
The doors can open partially or completely, outward or inward, or be blind. These details directly depend on your desires.
Artistic forging complements the exterior in an original way. In the workshop, designers can develop a unique pattern to order.
Radial forged fencing in a private house.
To create a unified ensemble, you can install forged grilles on the windows. They must be made in the same style as the fence.
French balcony in Khrushchev
View from inside an apartment in Khrushchev.
Metal-plastic profiles have significant weight. On the eve of installation in the Khrushchev building, you should check the condition of the concrete slab. If defects are found during inspection, the base must be carefully repaired.
Flower pots are mounted on a metal fence.
Fencing with plant pattern.
In new buildings you can find French glazing without fences.
Other options
Interior decoration of a room with an area of 6 sq. m. For interior decoration we chose natural colors and natural materials.
Recommendations for installing stucco elements
Decorating a fireplace with stucco
Using these tips, you can diversify and harmoniously fit certain figures into the main structure, as well as complement and transform the style of the room.
- If the style of the room is made in a medieval direction, then the fireplace portal must be decorated with “stone stucco”. This will give massiveness and fundamentality to the main product.
- For an antique style interior, material in a classic style is suitable. It can also be used for a medieval style; the interior will only benefit in this case.
- To create home comfort, you can use a version of the material with elements of aging.
- And to give the fireplace a touch of individuality or exclusivity, you can use a combined design method, using elements from various materials.
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Construction method
For craftsmen with “straight” hands and a lot of free time, the idea of building a false fireplace from wood will be interesting. There are no particular difficulties in constructing such a building, the main thing is patience and a pedantic approach.
For people who do not have such an opportunity, but want to install a beautiful artificial fireplace in their home, in the decoration of which they would take a direct part, an excellent option would be to purchase a portal blank. It can be made of polyurethane or gypsum. All that remains is to install it in the right place and decorate it with your own hands at your own discretion.
Sculptural and profile gypsum portals for fireplaces are sold in construction stores. Choose a structure that suits the overall interior concept. In this case, your home will harmoniously fit into the design of the room and will definitely become a spectacular highlight of the whole house.
Sculptural portal with an electric fireplace inside
After you have purchased a portal for a false fireplace made of plaster, it should be securely attached to the wall and floor. The corresponding fasteners are included with the product.
Please note that a plaster false fireplace will weigh little, so you should not worry about the strength of the ceilings and floor. To install such a structure in an apartment, no permits are required.
After installation, you can proceed to decorating yourself. There are countless options here, what can you do:
- If you feel like your decorative plaster fireplace isn't embellished enough, you can always take advantage of the added value of plaster molding. By attaching additional moldings, friezes, and pilasters using special glue, you will get a structure of the required type. Stucco molding includes not only figures and patterns, but also other, very different decorative elements of the external facade of the fireplace.
- Painting the building in the desired color is not difficult. Water-based or acrylic paints should be used. In addition, plaster darkens or turns yellow over time, which means it is advisable to carry out such work. For classic options, white or antique colors are always appropriate. An interesting look for a fireplace is obtained by painting it like marble, as well as painting its individual elements with gold or silver paint.
Marble decorated plaster portal
- In the firebox of the portal, it will not be difficult to simulate a live fire using an LCD monitor or in another way. An excellent solution would be to place candles, decorative or real firewood, branches, and pine cones. In order for a false stucco fireplace to emit light, it is permissible to place an LED strip in the improvised firebox. A mirror wall will help enhance the glow. If you want to create a purely decorative structure, you can decorate the interior of the firebox with brickwork or ceramic tiles.
- Decorating the space around the false fireplace will help complete the picture. To do this, you can place in some proximity the accessories necessary for the operation of the classic analogue (pokers, ash scoops, etc.), and put firewood.
Good to know: How to make a fireplace from plasterboard with your own hands, step-by-step instructions
Fantasy will help you create an individual, exclusive design from standard elements.
