Umair Gaines
Creating a DIY electric fireplace surround is a rewarding experience that can transform your living space. It is a substantial project that requires careful planning and execution, but the sense of accomplishment in crafting a unique piece for your home far outweighs any difficulties encountered. With the right tools and materials, you can easily build a custom electric fireplace surround that adds warmth and style to your home without breaking the bank. Whether you opt for a traditional or modern look, there are many surface options to choose from, such as brick, stone, tile, metal, concrete, or wood. You can even get creative with the fireplace insert, using books, logs, candles, or plants to create a cozy atmosphere. So, if you're looking for a fun and functional DIY project, building an electric fireplace surround is a perfect choice!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Under $350 |
| Materials | Wood, brick, stone, tile, metal, concrete, marble tile, Roman Clay, Portola Paints, paper-composite materials, etc. |
| Tools | Putty knife, trowel, paint, primer, wood filler, sandpaper, screws, shims, liquid nails, etc. |
| Design | Modern, traditional, intricate, etc. |
| Size | 69" wide and 15" deep, 33" wide, 49" wide, etc. |
| Features | Remote control, timer, flame display control, heater settings, etc. |
| Difficulty | Time-consuming, challenging for beginners |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and measuring
Planning:
Before you begin constructing your electric fireplace surround, it is essential to have a clear plan in place. Start by deciding on the overall size and placement of your fireplace. Consider the dimensions that will suit your space, keeping in mind factors such as the depth of the surround to ensure it doesn't protrude too much into the room. Additionally, think about the height you want the fireplace insert to be off the ground and plan accordingly.
Measuring:
Careful measurements are critical to ensuring a perfect fit for your electric fireplace insert. Measure the dimensions of your insert and plan your surround's framing accordingly. Mark the wall with tape to indicate the desired size and placement of your fireplace surround. If you don't have an outlet near your desired location, consider hiring an electrician to install one inside your fireplace framework.
Materials and Design:
There are various materials you can use for the surround, such as brick, stone, tile, metal, concrete, or wood. Consider the overall design and style you want to achieve. You can opt for a traditional look with logs and red-orange flames or go for a more modern aesthetic. Choose materials that align with your vision and are strong enough to support the weight of the fireplace insert.
Framing:
The framing process can be as simple or intricate as you like. You can use 2x4s for the outside framing and add thinner pieces for more delicate sections. Ensure that your plans account for the weight of the fireplace insert, as it can be heavy. Build a platform at the desired height for the insert to sit on, following the measurements and plans you've made.
Finishing Touches:
Once your framing is complete, fill in any gaps with wood filler and sand the surface to create a seamless look. Apply caulk around the frame, and your fireplace surround will be ready for painting. You can also add trim to hide any exposed edges and give it a polished appearance.
Remember, planning and measuring are fundamental steps to ensure a successful DIY electric fireplace surround project. Take your time with these initial stages, and you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and functional addition to your home.
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Framing and structure
Framing and structuring your DIY electric fireplace surround is a substantial project, so careful planning is key. First, you need to determine the overall size and placement of your fireplace. If you don't have an outlet where you want to build your fireplace, consider hiring an electrician to install one inside your fireplace framework.
For the frame, you can use 2x4s for the outside framing and 2x6s where you need the frame to bear the most weight. Make sure you use wood that is strong enough to hold a fireplace insert, as they can be quite heavy. You can cover the frame with drywall and paint it for a finished look.
When building the platform for your insert to sit on, cut eight pieces of 2x4 to 7 inches long. Cut three more pieces of 2x4 to the same length as your bottom front plate. Screw four of the 7-inch pieces into your front plate, spread out across its length. Then, lay one of the longer pieces on top of the four shorter pieces and screw it down. Repeat these steps to create the back support, with one longer piece on the floor and four 7-inch pieces screwed into that, followed by another longer piece on top. These two sections should not touch; one will support the front of the insert, and the other will support the back.
Finally, fill all the screw holes with joint compound using a putty knife to smooth them out and minimise sanding later. You will likely need to do a second coat once the first one dries, as the joint compound can shrink. Cover the corner bead with joint compound, spreading it out with a trowel or putty knife to ensure all the metal is covered.
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Materials and surfaces
The materials and surfaces you choose for your DIY electric fireplace surround will depend on the desired look and functionality. Here are some options to consider:
Wood
Wood is a versatile and commonly used material for fireplace surrounds. It can be stained, painted, or sealed to achieve the desired colour and finish. For a seamless look, fill in any gaps with wood filler, sand it smooth, and add caulk around the frame. You can also use wood trim to cover any exposed edges or gaps, securing it with liquid nails and finish nails.
Brick
Brick is a traditional and classic option for fireplace surrounds. You can use real bricks or opt for faux brick panels, which are textured to look like the real thing and can be painted for a more convincing appearance. Brick panels are an easy and inexpensive way to achieve the brick look without the hassle of laying individual bricks.
Stone or Tile
Stone or tile fireplace surrounds offer a wide range of options in terms of colour, texture, and style. You can choose from natural stones like marble or slate, or opt for manufactured tiles in various materials and designs. Tile is a great option if you want to add a unique pattern or design to your fireplace surround.
Metal or Concrete
For a more industrial or modern look, you can consider using metal or concrete for your fireplace surround. These materials can provide a sleek and contemporary feel to your space.
Slate-ish
Slate-ish is a unique product made from scrap paper-composite materials. It is an American-made solid core laminate formed from layers of paper and resin, heated, and pressed. Slate-ish comes in 20 different colours and can be purchased as peel-and-stick or loose pieces, allowing for customisation and a DIY-friendly installation. However, keep in mind that its brittle nature and sharp edges may make it challenging to work with, especially for beginner DIYers.
When selecting your materials and surfaces, it is important to consider the weight of the fireplace insert and ensure that your surround is strong enough to support it. Planning is key, and you should measure and mark the placement of your fireplace surround, ensuring it aligns with the studs in your wall for secure attachment. Additionally, determine the height of the fireplace insert and build a platform accordingly.
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Finishing touches and painting
Once you've built out your frame, fill in any gaps with wood filler and sand it down to give your fireplace a seamless look. You can then add caulk around your frame. Now it's time to prime the wood with a sealer to seal in the wood.
If you're using Roman Clay, use a colour-matched paint underneath as a base. You can then paint the surround the same colour as your wall, or use a contrasting colour to make the fireplace stand out. You could also use a peel-and-stick tile or wood trim to finish the edges.
If you're using a product like Slate-ish, you can dismantle the pre-made electric fireplace to strip it down to the insert and then build your surround around it. Slate-ish comes in 20 different colours and can be purchased as loose pieces or in peel-and-stick sheets.
If you're using a brick or stone surround, you can add plaster for a German smear effect.
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Installation and power supply
Planning and Preparation:
Before you begin, it's essential to plan and prepare. Measure the space you want your fireplace to occupy and ensure the frame structure aligns with the studs in your wall for easier securing. Determine the height of the fireplace insert from the ground and build a platform for it to sit on. Mark the wall with tape to indicate the desired size. Consider the weight of the fireplace insert and use wood strong enough to bear the load, such as 2x4s and 2x6s.
Building the Frame:
Build the frame according to your design, using star-head screws to avoid stripping. For delicate framing, use thinner pieces of wood. If you're creating a mantel, ensure the wood is sturdy enough to support the weight of the TV or any other items.
Power Supply:
Establish a power supply for your electric fireplace. If there's an outlet nearby, you can plug your fireplace into it. If not, consider hiring an electrician to install an outlet inside your fireplace framework. Alternatively, you can run a cable into the fireplace and then plug it into a wall outlet.
Finishing Touches:
Once your frame is built and powered, it's time for the finishing touches. You can use various materials for the surround, such as brick, stone, tile, metal, concrete, or wood. Paint or seal the wood to enhance its appearance and protect it. Fill screw holes with joint compound and smooth them with a putty knife to minimise sanding.
Installation:
Finally, it's time to install your electric fireplace insert. Slide it into place and plug it in. Ensure the fireplace is secure and stable. Add any final trim pieces to hide the bottom of the fireplace and give it a built-in look.
Remember, this is a general guide, and your specific project may require additional steps or modifications. Always prioritise safety and, if needed, consult professionals like electricians for specialised tasks.
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Frequently asked questions
A DIY electric fireplace surround can be a rewarding experience that transforms your living space, adding warmth and style to your home without breaking the bank. It is also a safe option if you want to build a frame around your fireplace.
The materials you need for a DIY electric fireplace surround include wood, screws, paint, and a range of tools such as a putty knife and a trowel. You can also use materials such as brick, stone, tile, metal, concrete, or marble for the surround itself.
First, determine the overall size and placement of your fireplace surround. Then, build a platform for your fireplace insert to sit on, and screw the pieces together. Finally, fill in the screw holes with joint compound and cover the corner bead.
