A metal fireplace becomes an excellent solution when making a long-standing dream come true for a homeowner who is not suited to bulky structures. Some types of fireplaces are quite significant designs in weight and dimensions. For example, an ordinary brick fireplace cannot be installed in apartments. Indeed, because of the high mass, a strong and reliable foundation is required. Here, the metal case helps to avoid all these problems and nuances. They can be placed in any order and configuration, and serve as a reliable and no less sound source of heat. In addition, it also creates its own unique decorative background.
Design Features
The iron fireplace in terms of its configuration has some significant differences in design. The principle is that the entire metal assembly is placed as if on “legs”, a special support, or rather a stand, on top of which the firebox is already located. For such a configuration, there is not even the need to create a “pillow”. But, despite this, the species is not of such a low mass, some basis will still be needed.
Further, the chamber, or rather, the firebox, is connected to the chimney, which in turn is designed to remove all exhaust gases. To give the whole metal structure a design idea and a pleasant look, they use cladding, for fireplaces the choice of materials is wide, but you need to remember the fire safety requirements.
Varieties of aggregates
A metal fireplace has the same spectrum of possible types and types as classic ones, in this respect, in principle, there can be no significant difference. Therefore, it should be divided, such types:
- The fireplace is metal wood wall.
- Metal corner stoves fireplaces.
- Hinged electric fireplaces.
- Central.
- Recessed.
As you can see, the varieties are due to the different nature of the installation and installation. In addition, aggregates also differ in shape and size, for example, round, square and others. There are differences in the shape of the firebox itself, here variations are possible with round chambers, cylindrical, conical or completely different geometry.
Advantages and disadvantages
With regard to this issue, then, of course, as in any design, steel fireplaces have some disadvantages and advantages. So, iron fireplaces for the home, have such a list of positive aspects:
- A huge percentage of efficiency, despite this configuration.
- Extremely light weight, naturally in comparison with more impressive aggregates.
- Typical maintenance is not required, as for brick.
- Easy to install and connect all systems.
- Extremely fast heating of even a large room is possible.
- The ability to install anywhere, there is no such serious attachment as a brick.
But, there are, of course, some negative aspects:
- The first drawback is the possibility of getting a burn, because metal, like no other, perfectly transfers all the heat.
- The second minus is based on the fact that such fireplace inserts cool down very quickly, and even warming up the room is not bad, there is no uniformity. Often, the space under the ceiling initially warms up and only then, the thermal energy reaches the floor.
What fuel to use?
In principle, there is no such variety, although many households still prefer the classic heating facility - this is firewood. And, here already comes some specifics, the type of use of any particular material. For example, it is best to use dry logs and it is best that the breed is aspen. It gives less soot and burning, unlike the same pine. Yes, and there is a special table according to which the heat efficiency of a particular wood species is calculated. You can easily find such a table on the Internet.
In addition, you can use special ashes, this is a more advanced method of heating. They are immersed in the chambers in the right amount, and the power and heat transfer in this case can be regulated by automation. But, it is safer to use gas, but, in this case, it is almost impossible to make a metal fireplace with your own hands. As you can see, the choice of materials is huge enough.
Many will wonder, what about coal, because it also has no less advantages than firewood. However, here you need to take into account the features of fireplaces, after all, these are not full-fledged boilers for solid fuel. When heating with coal, the temperature may very likely rise to 1,200 degrees, which is unacceptable for ordinary fireplaces. Therefore, choosing a fireplace made of heat-resistant iron at the very beginning, think carefully about what type of fuel you plan to use in the future.
As for firewood, gas, ashes, then you can make a furnace for them yourself. To do this, you need to have only special skills and have the slightest idea about the device. This will help the scheme and drawings. But, remember about fire safety. The requirements attached to it are quite high, and they must always be adhered to. Yes, and the features of the chimneys, in this case, play an equally crucial role, so do not forget to pay attention to this moment.
Necessary materials for a home-made fireplace
What you need to build a fireplace made of metal with your own hands, you need to determine the first thing. Based on this, some moments in the design scheme will change. But, in general, you should understand that a home-made fireplace made of steel, which is not so simple in its configuration, will require some skills. So, the materials:
- Sheets were thrown somewhere from 5 mm thick for the construction of a furnace.
- Sheet with the same size for the manufacture of ash parts.
- Knee for chimney flue.
- Stainless steel to create the output channel.
- Grate of grates.
- The door for the camera, it is better to use solid cast iron.
- Various parts for mounting and mounting.
- The base for the fireplace, you will need corners, tires, profiles and rails.
After all the necessary set of materials has been prepared, you can safely begin to create a plan. It is best to additionally make drawings of how to connect the individual parts and mechanisms of the system.
The main stages of making a fireplace with your own hands
It’s not easy to assemble a metal fireplace with your own hands, but our detailed plan will facilitate the task. So:
- First of all, we connect the side walls, the front part and the back are further welded to them. In the front, do not forget what you need to place and cut out a place for laying firewood. The same hole will be needed for the ash box.
- Next, we weld the bottom, here it is better to use metal, as thick as possible. We fix the legs to the bottom, 12 cm is considered the optimal height, but the thickness is 7 cm.
- Determine the number and layout of the legs based on the weight of the structure and its shape.
- Next, we fix the partitions in the ash part. It is better to do two-layer, for better reliability.
- Between the furnace and the ash pan, on the previously installed partitions, the grate is attached.
- The next step involves installing the hinges, weld them to the base.
- Next, we weld the top cover, do not forget that you need to cut a hole in advance for the chimney pipe.
- As you know, the installation of the channel is the last thing.
Chimney device for fireplaces
What constitutes a chimney, what requirements are imposed on it, probably need not be said. The chimney is a long pipe, at least 5 meters, otherwise there will be problems with traction. The channel is displayed outside through the roof, in some cases it is allowed to withdraw in a horizontal position through the side walls. The main thing to remember is that it is better to do no more than three zigzags and turns, otherwise you will be guaranteed problems with traction.
Installation of the pipe takes place in a specially cut hole in the lid, where it is fastened with a special fixing system. Weld tightly is not recommended. Do not forget that joints, as well as all joints, must be treated with heat-resistant sealant. By the way, the transition in the roof does not hurt to separate the insulation. The tip is displayed at a distance of 50 cm from the roof and it is recommended to install a flame arrester and a deflector on it.
Features
A metal fireplace is an excellent device that can heat a room and save you from the cold. The heat transfer of such a furnace depends on the level of preheating and the amount of firewood inside. Due to its special qualities, a metal fireplace will not let you freeze even in the winter cold. Another advantage of this stove is the ability to make it an elegant addition to your interior. Thanks to its diverse design, it will fit into the premises of any stylistic direction.
A metal fireplace is considered the invention of the Land of the Rising Sun. The Japanese have always been considered very practical, wise people with a high sense of style and the ability to competently decorate their homes.
This heating product is the full embodiment of all the qualities of its authors, it has a small weight, especially in comparison with its stone counterpart, it is easy to carry it from room to room, as well as to dismantle it. Due to the ease of construction, a metal fireplace does not need an additional foundation, which will allow you to save a considerable amount.
Such an aggregate is very easy to operate, even a person who had no previous business with a fireplace can cope with it, but at the same time it also has a high coefficient of efficiency. He gives a lot of heat and can warm the room at the right level, even if there is very little firewood inside. It heats up very quickly, so it is considered economical not only in terms of fuel consumption, but also time.
A huge plus of the metal fireplace, which will please the housewives of the house, is the ease of maintenance. They are easy to clean, and with regular care they will not lose their original appearance at all. During cleaning it will be enough to clean all the soot inside and out, wipe with a damp cloth and lightly polish to give extra shine. As a rule, for the above actions do not require any special means, you can clean everything with improvised means that are in every house: soda, vinegar or citric acid. If desired, special household chemicals are purchased for cleaning fireplaces, which are presented in household stores.
However, in addition to a large number of pluses, metal stoves for the home have a number of features that must be taken into account before buying. Perhaps the most important drawback of such a fireplace is the increased fire hazard - in case of improper use, the fire can spread to other objects.
Another minus is the very fast cooling of the unit after burning all the firewood, unlike a fireplace stove, which continues to give heat even after the combustion of fuel. The fireplace body heats up very much and if carelessly touched, it can cause a severe burn, therefore it is strongly recommended to wear special thickened gloves while working with it.
One of the features of this unit is the uneven distribution of heat, that is, it can be very hot near the firebox itself, while on the opposite side of the room it is cooler.
There is a classification of metal fireplaces by material and installation method. Let's consider each separately.
According to the material of the furnace, they are divided into those made entirely of metal and combined from two types. One of these is a fireplace with a brick body and a metal firebox. Despite the lack of popularity of this type, it is very practical and combines all the advantages of both types. The classic appearance of a wood-burning unit will look great in any interior, and with careful installation you can save on its decoration, since brickwork is very fashionable now.
The metal furnace, in turn, increases the efficiency of the unit due to the heating of the material, which turns into an independent heat source. In addition to all the other pluses, the principle of slow burning should be noted, which allows saving on fuel, since firewood will burn out more slowly and give off more heat.
The second type is an all-metal furnace.which can be used without preliminary work. This option with a firewood is considered the best option for a Russian country house or a country house, since it does not need a foundation and can be easily moved. The chimney is easily masked by means of cladding. You can use any material for it. However, when finishing the body itself, exclusively heat-resistant materials should be used.
Metal fireplaces with woodcutters have another classification.
The first type is wall, which implies installation near a straight wall. As a rule, it is located in the middle of the room for even distribution of heat. If earlier such fireplaces had to be faced in a special way to correctly fit into the interior, today shops offer a wide range, among which you can find a stove for any room.
The second type is angular. It is considered more practical for small rooms, as it saves space due to installation in the corner.
Another interesting option is a hanging fireplace. He will give the room a zest and a more interesting look. This unit is installed in a special way. Pay attention to the location of the firebox, which for safety reasons should not lie against the wall.
Design
The appearance of the fireplace, as well as its location, are very important for rooms in a country house, since this unit will set the tone for the entire interior. You should immediately determine the place where they will put it, and only then think about the rest of the items. The metal fireplace is a unique unit, as it can be placed anywhere and it will look organic. Some people install a round-shaped oven in the middle of the room, however this is a fire hazard, therefore this installation is not recommended for families with small children.
The best option would be a fireplace built into the wall, it will not only save space, but also allow you to arrange space around to the taste of the owner. In this case, there will be no difficulty with the conclusion of the chimney, as it will fit against the wall. It is recommended to use refractory materials for wall cladding behind the fireplace and next to it, so that they do not become smoky and do not lose their attractive appearance.
Significant fireplaces come with a special partition that can be made to order with a special pattern for your interior. In addition to beauty, this partition also performs fire functions.
Modern design solutions include the location of the stove in the corner of the room, which is considered one of the most optimal options, since the angular arrangement not only saves space, but also visually increases it.
It is not recommended to install a metal stove near windows or doors, as they can reduce its effectiveness and fire safety.
How to do it yourself?
Before proceeding with the manufacture of the furnace, you need to develop a drawing or layout, on which dimensions and components will be indicated. Draw step-by-step instructions starting from the pedestal and ending with the chimney. Be sure to consider the layout of your home and the location of the supporting floors. If you correctly compile the instructions and competently follow each item, you will get a quality fireplace, whose assembly will not be difficult.
The heating of the metal fireplace is very strong, so before installing it, prepare the floor and walls. If laying occurs on a wooden floor, then it is necessary to provide thermal insulation, which will help basalt wool. After that, a pedestal is made of sheets of chipboard, and a layer of ceramic tile or any other refractory base is laid on top of it. This is necessary to ensure safety, especially if the walls are glued with wallpaper.
When the preparatory work is completed, you can proceed to the next step - the assembly of the furnace. First of all, you need to weld the side walls of the unit, and then weld back and front walls to them. Before attaching the front part, a hole is cut out in the middle to equip the fireplace with firewood and below to clean it from ash. A more dense metal piece of the sheet should be welded to the finished part, which will become the bottom of the barbecue. Previously, legs should be attached to it, whose height should be 9.5-13 centimeters, and thickness - at least 6-7 centimeters. The parameters of the legs vary depending on the total weight of the furnace body to give it stability.
The next step in the manufacture of a home-made fireplace will be the installation of a ceiling for the combustion chamber and ash. The first is recommended to be made two-layer in order to separate it from the walls of the fireplace. Further, in the gap between the casing and the ash chamber, a special grate is installed. The next step is to install the doors and weld the corners 11-12 centimeters below the doors of the fireplace insert, as they will become the basis for the grate.
At the end, a lid with a hole for the chimney is installed from above. After the hull is built, you need to check the entire unit with a building level for any irregularities, if any are found, the fireplace will need to be assembled first.
The second step will be the installation of the chimneythat will go outside through the roof to remove smoke. He can go outside either directly, consisting of one pipe, or in a zigzag, including two or three knees. The chimney is inserted into the hole previously cut on the upper part of the body, then it is carried out along the wall until it reaches the open part of the roof. If the pipe consists of several parts, their joints will need to be treated with sealant.
After the roof is placed on top of the chimney, barrels or a fungus are placed that will protect it from precipitation. Upon completion of all installation steps, you can proceed to the decor of the furnace. It can be decorated with gilding, a wrought-iron screen with patterns, or furnished with statuettes.
It is not recommended to paint the fireplace, as the paint may crumble or melt.
Beautiful examples in the interior
In this case, a wall fireplace is built into the portal of artificial stone imitating the brickwork of the house. A wooden shelf has been installed on top of the entire structure for a small number of decorative elements, such as photographs, candles and figurines. Near the fireplace are parts for cleaning it, made in a similar stylistic direction.
The corner fireplace fits perfectly into the interior of the room. Made in a simple design, the black fireplace looks great on a silver pedestal. An excellent solution was the space for storing firewood directly under the stove.
A semicircular metal fireplace is set against a partition in the middle of the room. The contrast of colors gives originality to the interior. In this case, the optimal solution was to embed the chimney inside the partition, so the pipe is masked under the finish and does not distract the eye from the main subject.
Laconic metal fireplace in dark cherry color perfectly complements the overall design of the room. Transparent glass doors add sophistication to the unit. It fits perfectly into the classic room interior. The pedestal imitating artificial stone also looks appropriate in the room, despite the classic design. The wrought iron stand for the statuette complements the overall look and makes it attractive.
In the next video you will find an example of installing a metal fireplace.
Cast iron
Cast iron fireplaces look impressive and rich. They are able to retain heat for a long time even after it runs out of fuel. Their manufacture is a long and painstaking work, because such fireplaces are assembled from individual parts obtained by casting. But getting an exclusive product in this case is guaranteed,
Benefits
Japan is considered to be the birthplace of metal fireplaces, although in a simplified version it strongly resembles the domestic "potbelly stove". Here we are talking about the fact that from the Land of the Rising Sun the original outlines of metal fireplaces came to us, especially with regard to island variants. From the above it follows that one of the advantages of fireplaces of this type is the arbitrariness of the style to decorate any room.
The lack of requirements for the foundation allows us to think about the arrangement of metal structures after the construction of the house. The product can be installed anywhere in the finished and finished premises. Mobility allows re-installation with a change in the location of the outbreak.
A very strong loss of wood fireplaces is that a significant part of the amount of heat leaves the room through a chimney. An increase in efficiency is possible only due to the rapid removal of heat from the furnace.
Any metal has excellent thermal conductivity, so it will heat up soon after igniting firewood. Energy is transmitted to the air in the room at a much faster rate than in the case of a brick fireplace. However, this plus easily turns into a minus with the complete combustion of firewood. The fireplace cools very quickly and does not accumulate heat.
Manufacture
It so happens that even with any degree of availability of different models of fireplaces in the store, we are interested in the question of how to make a fireplace of metal with your own hands. Moreover, this interest is prompted not only by the desire to save. Here you can realize all your ideas about the location, shape and decoration of the living hearth. After all the work done with him, plunge into a soft chair and a feeling of satisfaction to listen to the crackling firewood in the furnace.
Before you start designing a metal fireplace with your own hands, you need to familiarize yourself with a number of aspects that will not only help increase its efficiency, but are also necessary to ensure the required level of fire safety.
- The walls of the fireplace body during burning of wood are very hot. By the way, this fact should be considered when choosing a room for installation. In no case should this be done in children's bedrooms. On all sides, closely spaced surfaces must be insulated, this applies to walls and floors.
- The chimney, providing the removal of combustion products, it must be taken out through the roof to the street, therefore, despite the mobility of the fireplace, you should carefully consider the place of its deployment.
A home-made fireplace can be made of any material: copper, iron, steel, cast iron. As a rule, iron fireplaces are cheaper at cost, but inferior in performance to copper or cast iron. The metal for the main firebox should have a thickness of 3-5 mm in its thickness. Having prepared the required number of sheets, as well as corners for the manufacture of the frame, you can proceed to action.
To make it easier to start constructing a fireplace from metal with your own hands, you need to prepare the necessary drawings, according to which sheet cutting and assembly will be carried out. There are ready-made projects for different types of fireplaces, but you can independently apply your artistic abilities. Moreover, there are no special requirements for the design, so modeling and drawings are made taking into account the desired geometric shapes and sizes.
It is necessary to begin assembly with a support for a fireplace. It has a dual function, on the one hand, the stand isolates the firebox from the floor with a decent distance, and on the other hand it provides access to cold air, which is necessary for combustion and is a coolant. The stand will be a rectangular frame that needs to be welded from the corners and legs, providing a 15-20 cm elevation above the floor. The resulting frame is sewn up with a sheet of iron.
The body of the fireplace will frame the furnace, and not be it (as in the stove "stove"). Double walls will allow more efficient heating of the room. The air will pass in the space between the furnace and the body and, when heated, get into the room.
The body is made of metal sheets in the shape of a parallelepiped. In the upper part there is a hole for the chimney. Hinges are welded to the wall from the front side, and a door is installed. All these manipulations require skills with a welding machine. If the initial appearance does not have aesthetics, then you should not forget about the surface finish, with which you can veil all the flaws.
The furnace should be divided into two parts, but not a blank wall, but a valve capable of regulating the gap between sections is used as a partition.
- One part will serve for the direct combustion of firewood.
- The second is used as a chimney before it enters the chimney.
Such a furnace device will allow for some time to retain heat in order to remove it through the walls of the housing. In the lower part of the combustion chamber, a grate is installed and an ash pan is made. It must be of sufficient size so that ash can accumulate in it for at least one cycle of the fireplace.
Chimney
Having made a metal fireplace with your own hands, you can proceed to an equally important stage - preparing the chimney. It is not necessary for him to carry out welding work. It is recommended to use a finished steel pipe.
Docking of pipes is carried out using the provided bell. This is a special extension that allows you to insert one end of the pipe into the other. If there is no such a bell, then the pipe edge should be cut with metal scissors, and treated with a heat-resistant sealant at the pipe joint.
The direct-flow channel is not a mandatory requirement for a chimney for metal fireplaces. Various elbows can be used to direct the smoke along the desired path.
When passing through the floors, you will definitely have to take care of safety by performing the insulation of the chimney. For this, asbestos material or mineral wool is suitable. This procedure is expected when the pipe leaves the roof.
The pipe is covered with a visor from above. It will not allow precipitation to get inside the pipe and protect it from excess debris, and still will not let sparks fly out.
Finish
In absolutely all cases, the resulting fireplace will have to be made out. It can simply be coated with a layer of glossy or matte paint. Here you need to remember the elementary laws from the course of physics. Dark bodies emit more energy, and since our task is to remove energy, black colors will be a priority.
Fireplace decoration can be done with special refractory materials. These include tiles made of ceramics, artificial and natural stone. When gluing tiles, one should remember about the thermal expansion of the metal, so the joint gap should be slightly increased.
With the possibility of making a fireplace yourself, a lot of possibilities open up for you to realize your old dream in the form in which it interprets itself. Desire and work in a certain sequence will serve to ensure an excellent result.
