Combining beauty, practicality and durability is a challenge when it comes to interior design, especially in the case of fireplaces. As centrepiece of the space in which it is set, a fireplace requires a particularly careful material choice.

Let us now illustrate some Ideal Work solutions to renovate and customise your fireplace, all of which provide a unique, original result that will impress your guests.

 

How many types of fireplace are there?

 

Ideal Work creates versatile surfaces that can be applied directly over existing fireplaces without removal of existing finishes. Regardless of the type of fireplace, Ideal Work professionals will renovate it quickly and with great attention to detail.

There are different kinds of fireplace which depend on structural and positional features; Ideal Work provides beautiful, high quality surfaces for all types, internal and external. The main distinction involves the fireplace’s chamber; in an open chamber fireplace, the opening faces the space to heat, whereas in closed chamber fireplaces the brazier is closed and therefore not in contact with the surrounding environment.

There are other types of fireplace, which mainly belong to the following categories:

– Frontal fireplace: partially or totally inserted in a wall, with the opening facing the space to heat

– Built-in fireplace: completely inserted in the wall, except for the opening and its frame

– Double-sided or three-sided fireplace: partially built in the wall, from which two (double-sided) or three (three-sided) sides of the structure emerge

– Protruding fireplace: in addition to the opening and its frame, this fireplace protrudes in the space to heat

– Corner fireplace: partially or totally built into the corner of a room

– Heating fireplace: a type of fireplace designed to heat both a central heating system and make hot water.

Based on the type of fireplace you have, Ideal Work will create a custom surface; textures, colours and finishes will be perfected ad hoc according to your taste and needs.

 

How many types of surfaces are there?

 

When it comes to renovating your fireplace, there are several options from which you can choose. Do you prefer a roughly textured, rustic fireplace or a modern and elegant style? Would you select delicate, natural shades or more vibrant and dynamic colours?

Each Ideal Work surface is versatile and perfectly suitable for any project. Options can include:

 

– Microtopping®: an ultra-thin microcement solution which can be used over a new fireplace or to refurbish an existing one in just 2-3 millimetres thickness. Available in modern or more rustic finishes, Microtopping® will make your fireplace innovative and high performance without having the existing surface removed.

In addition, you can opt for Microtopping Wall Texture, an Ideal Work solution that provides custom decorative elements and unique textures.

 

 

– Stamped Wall: recreates the appearance of materials such as brick, wood, rock, ceramic etc. Concrete is applied in a totally natural way to carry out the desired effect. This solution offers over 500 colour combinations as well as the possibility to add rosettes, sundials and other geometric shapes to decorate your surface and make it unique.

 

– Artificial Rocks: with Ideal Tix®, your fireplace can have the appearance of natural rocks. With a thickness of up to 6-7 mm, this solution is particularly suitable for external application as it allows the creation of a classic, bonfire atmosphere.

It is versatile, beautiful, quick-to-apply and can be completely customised.

 

– Acid-Stain: this solution is made of special acids derived from metallic salt compounds, which permanently alter concrete’s natural colour. You can choose from a wide range of shades: from neutral and delicate – like grey, beige and black – to bolder, vibrant colours such as brick red, jade green, yellow ochre, and many more.

This solution is particularly suitable for those who seek a modern, captivating design for their fireplace.

 

All the solutions referred to so far exceed the highest quality standards through their resistance to heat and adverse weather conditions (in the case of external application), their long-lasting beauty and minimal maintenance.

In addition, they all comply with regulation UNI EN 13501.

 

What is certification UNI EN 13501?

 

Ideal Work products and techniques comply with the parameters established by Italian and European regulations. In particular, regulation UNI EN 13501 concerns the classification of the product’s reaction to fire and all the essential elements of a fireplace.

 

Some of the parameters that need to be complied with concern:

– Flammability of fuel

– Propagation time of the flames

– Production of melt product’s drops

– Production of smoke and other toxic substances

– Amount of heat created in a certain time span

– Presence of incandescent spots even after the flame is extinguished

 

According to these features, the materials used in the creation of a fireplace are classified based on Euroclasses (A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F) on a scale that starts from non-flammable materials (A1) and progresses towards more and more flammability. Additional classifications concern smoke (smoke: s1, s2, s3) and dripping (drops: d0, d1, d2) indicating a material’s reaction to combustion.

Ideal Work professionals will give you advice on the best material for you and your project. All ideal Work solutions ensure high quality standards, excellent performance and durability over time.

 

Original ideas for a custom fireplace

 

After this overview you might be asking yourselves a few questions. What is the best solution for your fireplace? Which material is more suitable? Which colour and texture?

Here are some ideas to create your dream fireplace.

If you want to create a warm and cosy environment, Ideal Tix is an excellent option for your external fireplace. The result, rustic yet perfect in every detail, is reminiscent of mountain bonfires.

If you want to create or renovate an existing fireplace, a wide range of solutions is available.

In minimalist environments with modern furniture and neutral or natural colours, Microtopping® is the perfect choice: with its elegance and seamlessness, it immediately impresses whoever enters the space.

 

 

If you prefer a more captivating appearance, characterised by dynamic, vibrant colours, acid-stained concrete is the best solution to customise your fireplace and bring it together with furniture and décor.

Ideal Work also offers a wide range of textures and decorative elements such as Stamped Wall, for an ad hoc outcome. Whether you seek a smooth, minimalist concrete wall or rougher textures like those of artificial rocks, Ideal Work has the best option for you.

Contact Ideal Work experts to acquire your custom surface. After a quick and non-invasive application, your dream fireplace will enhance the internal or external space of your property.