Fireplaces are the central characteristic of many dwelling rooms.
Whether or not the fireside is in use or saved for ornamental functions, it may be adorned in quite a few methods so as to add type to the room. Brick slips are an excellent possibility because it provides an on pattern rustic and heat really feel to a house.
What are brick slips?
Brick Slips is the brick trade identify for tiles which might be both reduce from full bricks, or made to duplicate reduce full bricks.
The genuine model is constituted of clay fired bricks, that are then reduce all the way down to round 22mm thick, simply thick sufficient to minimise breakages in chopping, transport and set up. This implies you get the whole lot that individuals love about brickwork- the pure variations, texture and color with no compromise.
There are different variations that may imitate this-
Pre-moulded brick slips are constituted of the identical materials in the identical means, however simply usually lack the identical character and texture {that a} moulded full brick can achieve- these are usually thinner because the chopping wastage isn’t a problem
Concrete brick slips are additionally accessible as imitations, the fabric means it’s normally cheaper, nevertheless it additionally makes it heavier and the dye required fades in daylight over time. In addition they have the problem of replicating the feel that pure clay creates in any mould, not only a full brick.
There are additionally then ceramic tile, polystyrene, foam and wallpaper duplicate merchandise to attempt to mimic the look on a low finances.
Are they appropriate for a fireside?
Sure, clay brick is a really warmth resistant materials, having been fired at over 1000 levels Celsius.
If in case you have a log burner, fuel or electrical range then there is no such thing as a downside, you’ll want to be certain nonetheless that you just’re utilizing an applicable adhesive for the temperature, and a cement primarily based mortar, slightly than a lime primarily based one.
The one scenario the place brick slips aren’t advisable is with an open hearth, that is primarily as a result of they’ll collect soot and retain it as time goes on.
Brick is a traditional fire look as many chimney breasts had been left with the unique brickwork both as the entire chimney breast, or just the inner hearth chamber, and that has lasted into fashionable interiors.
Totally different design choices
Inside Chamber Solely
That is the only of all of the choices so as to add brick slips to your fire, merely tile the inner 3 sides of your chimney breast.
It’s suggested to do that earlier than a log burner is in place so set up isn’t awkward. The one actual consideration aside from the look of the brick and the mortar, is easy methods to end on the entrance. You don’t need to expose the sides of the brick slips, as it’s going to reduce the brick look.
Subsequently you possibly can create a lip with plasterboard to ensure the brick appears recessed in, or alternatively cowl the sides with timber or one other materials that can make it look pure.
Inside Chamber and Duplicate Pillars
This selection works greatest the place a beam or mantel goes in, or already in place, the pillars both aspect will then seem like supporting it.
As a way to obtain this look, you have to to make use of nook tiles to maintain the real brick look going round from the chamber, after which the aspect of the chimney breast. These are merely the face and fringe of the brick, an L form reduce out that means as soon as put in no-one will be capable of inform that it isn’t a full brick.
Full Chimney Breast
The ultimate possibility is to easily tile the total chimney breast- this implies utilizing nook tiles to return round from the chamber, and across the corners of the chimney breast. The principle consideration right here is the way you negotiate the width, as it could not add up completely to full brick dimension, that means you might have to chop some bricks down.
The most effective factor to do is calculate beforehand to make your choice, growing or reducing mortar joints by as much as 2mm is an effective way to assist make them match higher with out noticeable adjustments (so long as the joints are all the identical width).
Brick slips are an effective way to carry genuine character, color and texture to your fire and make it a focus for the room, with out it being overbearing. The Brick Tile Firm have loads of examples from how their clients have created brick fireplaces to present you some inspiration on the colors and textures that be just right for you.