You should also attach the backer board to the subfloor with backer board screws. Now I'll show you how to build a fireplace hearth to replace the one I demolished. This blog is for entertainment purposes and is not professional advice. Welcome back to part two of my fireplace makeover! I bought several Superior wood burning fireplaces for our house build, and after 10-15 burnings have noticed cracks in the interior panels. Finish it in your style by trimming it out differently. Adding a fireplace that complimented my craftsman style window trim helped my house look coordinated and decorated. If images or content are not original to me or H2OBungalow, then credit will be given where credit is due. I used the scoring tool again to finish off the cut. Thanx. Each and every board was perfectly finished and uniform, which helps my project look it’s best. Mine wasn’t in the frame area enough and I had to chip out part of my frame to fit the fireplace electrical plug into the outlet. Do you know someone who needs a DIY fireplace for their home too? Can you give the finished measurements. I’d say the entire project was about $400-maybe $450. I am one who hates the feeling of a furnace on and forced are blowing through the vents, I am a big fan of radiant heat and that is what you get with a real fireplace Sadly, having a real fireplace is often hard to come by, and it can be very expensive to install a real one in a home. I found 2 ¼" ones in the same aisle as the backer board, which are long enough to go through both layers and into the floor. Be sure to check all the features before choosing one. I have a solution to cover up the edge of the hardwood floor, which I'll reveal later. I hope that helps! Before cutting the fireplace mantel length, lay the 1/2″ plywood on top and mark the cut line on each side. I used the scraper on the end of my wire brush to get rid of any bumps on the surface. It will be flush with the top of the mantel to cover the plywood raw edge. I’m considering doing fireplace project. If your plywood has a front and back side, mark that as well so you always use the best side out. Yes friends, I’m sharing how to make a fake fireplace with a DIY mantel using an electric fireplace insert that works with or without heat. I assembled this with 3″ screws. From dreams and design, our experts will help you determine the best fireplace for your space. Next, use 3″ screws to attach the frame to studs in the wall. Add the sides first and the front next. My base was 63″ x 17″  with center supports about every 18 inches. Next, you can see the cabinets starting to take shape here, and the back of the wall that would run up from the mantle. Thanks for supporting the brands that help to maintain H2OBungalow! One corner was a good ¼" higher than the other, and there were a few dips in the center as well. It will be flush to the mantel top and be layered over the first 1″ x 4″ trim. The front piece will cover the cut edges of the left and right sides. This is the fireplace hearth now that the ugly pinkish marble tile has been cleared away. How distracting, ugh! My fireplace surround has a small footprint and is versatile enough to fit beautifully with lots of decor styles. We won't send you spam. Do you love this project? Thank you so much! But first, I need to build a raised fireplace hearth that will be able to withstand the weight of my new tile. Align it with the corner trim from the other side (it makes a corner). 3' x 5' cement backer board in the ½" size. The information in this section will guide you through the steps required to build high-quality concrete slabs on grade and help you avoid mistakes that can lead to poor performance, or even worse, slab failure. If you would like to keep up to date with my latest posts about woodworking, home improvement and more, you can follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. Since I wanted a contemporary fireplace and one that complimented my craftsman window casings, the rest of my trim is the same as my windows, Finished Elegance. Nothing in a house built 70 years ago is! how loud is it when you run it? I run it with and without the heater. You can buy electric fireplaces, but on this website you will see reviews of “inserts”. Add another 1″ x 4″ piece of trim to the outer edge of the fireplace front. Good [email protected]. I know what you’re thinking… How good could a  faux fireplace really look? Using a backer board scoring tool, I cut two pieces to fit into the void in the hearth. I’ve listed my 2″ x 4″ cut sizes below on the photo. Trim as needed and attach it using a brad nailer and 1 1/2″ brad nails. Then I moved the backer board until the line I cut was just past the edge of my worktable, clamped the other end, and bent it down. I made a comment and forgot to add the following: Also important is that aesthetically, you’ll want to select a location where your fireplace can be a focal point in your room. It’s hassle to go back to the store when you’ve grabbed and cut the  wrong piece! Woodgrain products can be found at Home Depot in the wood trim department. That’s a good question. Thank you! This layer was mortared to the first with thin-set. So glad you like my fireplace build project! Hi Gladys, Think we are going to remove this fireplace for sure. You’ll add a small piece of trim to cover the cut edge of the base top later. Cover the fireplace base with plywood. Easy peasy! I still love it as much as the day I finished it. There was an error submitting your subscription. My base was 63" x 17"  with center supports about every 18 inches. Read my full Terms of Use and Disclosures here. Thanks! I had an electrician add an extra plug on the wall where I was building my DIY fireplace, which you ‘ll see below. I’ve love Woodgrain trims and have used their products in several other projects. Here is a photo of a new masonry firebox in my own home. In short, if you want to know how to build a fireplace, a fireplace kit includes all necessary parts to construct a cast cement or stone outdoor fireplace. You’ll also find advice on concrete mix design and calculating the water-cement ratio. One of my goals = learn to use power tools! I fell in love with one model of electric fireplace insert and just before I ordered it, I read that it projected the heat and flame settings on the fireplace glass when it was turned on 100% of the time. To me,  a fireplace adds a welcome home coziness factor like nothing else. Now the floor is level and ready for the next step. Attach a 1″ x 2″ trim around the top and sides of the fireplace surround. I was so excited when it all fit into place! I could have just inlaid the tile into the floor and called it a day. Thanks so much for your note and visit! I hope this helps! Total 1/2” ply wood for this project including your base. Use painter’s caulk along all the trim edges, nail holes and gaps. Sure would make it easier instead a bunch of deciphering before the start of the project. Another earlier project I’d tackled was adding our own DIY baseboards. This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. At the Woodstove Fireplace & Patio Shop, we carry an extensive line of hearth products including wood and gas fireplaces, fireplace inserts, as well as wood stoves, pellet stoves and gas stoves. It's going to look great, isn't that self leveling stuff wonderful? The rear wall of the firebox rises vertically from the floor of the fireplace and then begins to slant towards the fireplace opening just at the top of the gas logs. Next, attach the sides of the surround frame. Thank you for sharing with us at the To Grandma's house we go link party! This project was one of my top diy projects for 2018. Assemble the front of the fireplace surround on a flat surface first. Electric fireplace inserts only need a plain household electrical outlet to work. Most mid-range electric fireplace inserts are LED lit, remote controlled and offer a flame only and flame and heat setting. It uses all flat cuts, plus, there are no tricky double angle cuts like you’d have with crown moulding. Well, take a peek below at my DIY fireplace plans and finished project and you be the judge. Wondering, does something like this require a builder’s permit since its attached t the wall? Size of your fireplace insert? You don’t need to attach the fireplace surround. It’s been a few years since I made it. Attach the sides of the surround frame. They're also a different color from the rest of the floor from the last time the hardwoods were refinished. Finish it in your style by trimming it out differently. Hi Angel, I just clamped a straight 2 x 4 to the backer board at the line I wanted to cut, then ran the scoring tool along the edge until it was about halfway through. You can read my full disclosure policy here. Thank you so much! Filed Under: DIY Living Room Projects, Home Decor Woodworking, Indoor Home Improvement Projects Tagged With: build, home improvement, I just need the measurement of the plywood cause you never mention the cuts for that. Last week, I smashed the old fireplace to smithereens. Add the sides first and the front next. I love how cozy my Florida living area is now. Imagine how excited I was when Woodgrain offered to sponsor this project! I loved it! Once dry, follow with a final coat of paint. Subscribe to get project ideas, home improvement tips, woodworking plans and more delivered straight to your inbox! The fireplace is fantastic! The top will be flush to all of the edges. The front piece will cover the cut edges of the left and right sides. Nothing in a … You’ll also need to cut a section of your baseboard out so your DIY Fireplace will mount flush to the wall. Use wood filer and fill in seams and nail holes that will not be covered with trim. Allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours before sliding in the electric fireplace insert. Be sure to see the new DIY Faux Stone Fireplace Chimney I added! Hope this helps! You will need an electrical plug located inside your DIY fireplace frame. This is the fireplace hearth now that the ugly pinkish marble tile has been cleared away. If you’d like to build a traditional fireplace, follow how to build this fireplace through covering the surround with plywood. Thanks so much for your visit! I hope you get top make one too! I’m so glad you like my DIY fireplace! Excerpts and links may be used with one photo only, provided that full and clear credit is given to me and H2OBungalow with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Interested in doing one but I can’t find info anywhere. Next, use 3" screws to attach the frame to studs in the wall. I pinned this! I also made a video of my how to build a faux fireplace with an electric insert to make this project even easier to follow. Looking at the frame design I’d say it was 2 sheets of 1/2″. Use pocket holes and screws or 3″ nails to attach the DIY fireplace surround frame to the base attaching at center supports where available. This is going to look absolutely beautiful! Hi, it just sits there? This looks awesome! Thank you. We enjoyed it very much and yes, it adds a lot to a plain room! If you own an older home with a wood burning fireplace and you want to convert it to something else that is when these inserts come into play. Please try again. This looks great! Good luck! The biggest cost was the electric fireplace insert. I added a second layer of backer board, cut ½" shorter on three sides, on top. Add the front of the base piece next and the top last. I tried sanding them down, but it didn't change much. How to build a faux fireplace surround and add an electric insert for instant cozy ambiance! Here's a sneak peek of what it will look like. If you’re adding an outlet, make sure it’s located toward the center and away from the edge of your frame. Do you have a place in your home that could use the coziness a fireplace would add? You’re welcome! Cut and attach the left and right sides first. Supplies needed to build a fake fireplace surround that looks real. The firebox design is critical. It simply slides in and sits in the opening. I am looking for ideas in how to make my living room look less boring, and I saw your project, and I just love it! It will be flush with the front of the fireplace so the next piece of trim will lay over it. I used the flat side of the tile trowel to smooth it out. This means they are broken down into individual blocks or sections that fit together in a specific order. Hi, great project! Like I mentioned in my video, assembling the fireplace frame while it was standing up was not the best choice. Our experienced team will safely install it, giving you peace of mind and we can service any … The old thin-set was in great shape for its age, so I decided to leave it in place. Use a builders square to check for squareness. Purchases made through these links may earn me a small commission, which helps keep this site up and running! That was it. It set up pretty quickly, and worked perfectly! It’s a super option if you want a fireplace where there isn’t one. Best of all, this craftsman style fireplace is easy to build and a great project for an intermediate woodworker or home improvement junkie like myself. Littleton, Acton, Weston, Carlisle, Harvard, Boxborough, Ayer, Devens, Groton, Lincoln, Lunenburg, MA I’m working on the plans for the fireplace this week. They’l list out everything you need to buy and the quantities of everything. However, it wasn't exactly level. I know this next part is hard, but…Allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours before sliding in the electric fireplace insert! You can read about how I prepped the brick for tile, or how the tile turned out here. There were other less expensive ones, but after researching I liked the way the one I used looked the best and I liked the reviews too. Let me help you avoid a mistake on your faux fireplace. You’d love having this fireplace in your home! The old thin-set was in great shape for its age, so I decided to leave it in place. It looks great either way. I added a beautiful rope style Woodgrain trim to the base of the fireplace to cover the cut edges. I used the factory cut edges and corners for the outside edge, and left about ¼" of space at the wall. Attach the surround frame to the plywood covered base and wall using 3" nails. Will look very classy when done come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com. The first layer of backer board brought the hearth level with the hardwood floors. I’m excited to create my own in my living room. What was the total cost? After making sure the surface was free of dust, I mixed up a batch and poured it on the low side of the hearth. Add a 4″ x 4″ cut block to the top and bottom. Thanks so much for your visit! I used both 3″ screws and pocket holes to assemble the frame. I do have one question, do you not have to put any screws or anything from the fireplace insert to secure it to the surround? It’s like adding shelves. What you will need to do is have your electrical outlet located inside your faux fireplace frame. Add a back support at the top and bottom where the frame will rest against the wall. I know some people may think I’m a little off my rocker wanting a fireplace in FL but like you mentioned, it’s a beautiful focal point in the room . I had to shim the lower left side of the front of my frame so both sides lined up evenly around the opening for the fireplace insert.