Wiktor Wise
Building an electric fireplace mantel is a great way to upgrade the look and feel of your living room. It allows you to personalize your fireplace, making it more appealing and decorative. Before building a mantel, it is important to plan and measure the space to ensure the mantel and electric insert will fit properly. You can either buy a new mantel or build your own, and there are various styles to choose from, such as faux brick or plaster. When constructing the mantel, you will need to create a frame for it to attach to and ensure that it is secure. Once the mantel is in place, you can slide in the electric fireplace insert and complete the look.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Plan the build to accommodate the depth and size of the electric insert, mantel, ceiling height, and scale of the room. |
| Materials | Electric fireplace insert, mantel (new or secondhand), faux brick sheet or decorative panel, wood, MDF or pine boards, nails, paint, primer, spackle, etc. |
| Framing | Create a frame for the mantel to attach to, ensuring it's secure and accounting for the desired projection and weight distribution. |
| Installation | Install the electric insert and mantel, following safety precautions. Ensure power accessibility and consider the surrounding decor for a cohesive look. |
| Customization | Choose from different background options and log sets to personalize the fireplace. Adjust flame colors, brightness, and speed for a customized ambiance. |
| Finishing Touches | Paint or decorate the mantel to match the desired aesthetic. Add accessories like garland or stockings for a cozy and inviting space. |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and measuring
Planning
Before beginning construction, it's important to plan carefully. Ensure that your design accommodates the depth and size of the electric insert, as well as the mantel's dimensions, ceiling height, and the scale of the room. Consider the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve and whether you want to incorporate any additional features, such as a TV mount or storage drawers.
Measuring
Accurate measurements are essential for a successful build. Measure the area of the brick surface that will be covered by the mantel. Determine the dimensions of the mantel itself and identify areas that will be heavier to ensure structural stability. If you're using tiles, measure and mark the locations for nails or screws. Take into account the thickness of the materials used for the frame and mantel to ensure a precise fit.
If you're working with a pre-existing mantel, as in the case of a renovation project, measure the mantel's depth and width to determine the appropriate size for your electric insert. Consider whether you want a uniform gap around the insert for tiling or other decorative elements. If your mantel is particularly deep, as is common with gas fireplaces, you may need to reduce its depth by dismantling and cutting down individual pieces before reassembling them.
Remember to follow safety precautions and wear protective gear, especially when using power tools or pneumatic tools for cutting and drilling.
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Building a frame
Planning and Preparation:
Before you begin construction, it's essential to plan and prepare. Measure the space where you intend to install the electric fireplace, including the width, height, and depth available. Consider the size of the electric insert you plan to use and the dimensions of the mantel itself. Ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools, such as wood, screws, a drill, a saw, and a stud finder.
Creating the Base Frame:
Start by cutting the MDF boards to size for the base of the frame. The dimensions will depend on the size of your fireplace and mantel. Screw these base boards into the studs of the fireplace to create a sturdy foundation. Cut the vertical side pieces and the top horizontal board according to the measurements you've taken, accounting for the thickness of the mantel and any additional trim. Secure these pieces together, forming the basic frame structure.
Adding Projection:
To provide a secure attachment for the front boards of the mantel, add projection to the frame. Use 2x4 boards and screw them into the base frame and the studs of the fireplace. Cut these projection boards to match the dimensions of the base frame for a seamless fit.
Attaching the Mantel:
Now, you can attach the mantel to the frame. Use a Kreg pocket hole jig to create pocket holes in the support pieces of the mantel, ensuring a strong connection. Secure the mantel to the frame using screws or nails, following the pocket holes you've created. Take your time with this step to ensure the mantel is level and securely attached.
Finishing Touches:
Before sliding in your electric fireplace insert, consider adding any desired finishing touches to the frame. You can paint or stain the frame to match the mantel and the surrounding décor. Ensure that any paint or finish is dry before proceeding. If you plan to add trim or additional decorative elements to the frame, do so now, creating a cohesive look.
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Adding projection to the frame
First, determine the required projection length. Measure the depth of your mantel and decide how far you want it to project from the wall. This measurement will guide the size of the boards you'll need to add.
Next, select the appropriate lumber for the job. For this purpose, 2x4 boards are commonly used, as they provide ample strength and stability. Cut these boards to the desired length, ensuring they match the width of your existing frame.
Now, it's time to attach the 2x4 boards to the existing frame. Using screws, securely fasten the 2x4s to the 1x6 boards that form the base of your frame. Ensure the new boards are firmly attached to the studs of the fireplace for a sturdy result.
With the 2x4 boards in place, you've successfully added projection to your frame. This projection will provide the necessary support and attachment points for the front boards of your electric fireplace mantel.
Before moving on to the next steps of mantel construction, take the time to double-check all your measurements and ensure the frame is level and secure. This attention to detail will ensure a solid foundation for the rest of your project.
By following these steps, you've created a robust frame that can accommodate the weight and dimensions of your electric fireplace mantel. Now, you can proceed with the rest of your mantel construction, knowing that your frame is sturdy and capable of supporting the final structure.
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Painting and decorating
Before painting, it is advisable to prime the mantel to ensure the paint adheres well and has a smooth finish. You can use a low-odour primer like Kilz, which will provide an even base for your paint. If you want to create a textured look, consider using a mineral wash paint, which can be applied in a "cross-stitch" pattern to achieve a unique finish.
For a sleek, modern look, you may want to consider using slate tiles for your mantel. To install slate tiles, first accurately measure the area of brick that will be covered by the mantel. Get the dimensions of the mantel and decide which areas will be heavier to plan the tile layout. Apply a matte finish masonry sealer to one end of your tiles, making it easier to remove unwanted grout and mortar during installation.
If you're using a prefabricated mantel, you can simply paint it to match your desired aesthetic. You may also want to add decorative elements like trim, which can be painted the same colour as the mantel for a cohesive look.
Don't forget to consider the surrounding area of your electric fireplace as well. You can decorate the space above the mantel with items like a TV, garlands, or artwork to create a focal point in the room. Additionally, you can add side cabinets or built-in shelves to enhance the overall décor and provide extra storage for items like remotes and books.
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Installing the insert
Firstly, you will need to ensure you have power. Locate the nearest outlet and decide where you want the plug to go. You may want to consider drilling a hole in the side of the mantel for the plug to slide through. This is a simpler option than relocating the outlet behind the mantel, which would require removing the mantel, cutting open the wall, rewiring, and patching, sanding, and painting the wall.
Next, you can slide the insert into place. If you have painted your mantel, you can easily pull out the fireplace box if you want to repaint it in the future. Once the insert is in place, you can plug it into the wall.
Some inserts can be hardwired into the wall, and you can control them from a remote, an app, the controls on the unit, or any smart device. You can even adjust the flame colour, brightness, and speed to get the look of a real fireplace.
If you are using slate tiles for your mantel, you will need to accurately measure the area of brick that needs to be covered. Cover one end of your tiles with a matte finish masonry sealer to make it easier to get rid of unwanted grout and mortar.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to plan the build to ensure that the mantel will accommodate the depth and size of the electric insert, as well as the mantel itself, the ceiling height, and the scale of the room.
The materials required include a fireplace mantel, an electric fireplace insert, a decorative panel, and wood.
You can cut 1x6 MDF boards for the base of the frame and screw them into the studs of the fireplace. You will also need to add projection to the frame structure to give the front boards of the mantel something to attach to.
Measure the area of brick that needs to be covered by the mantel. Get the dimensions of the mantel and decide which areas will be heavier. Cover one end of your tiles with a matte finish masonry sealer to make it easier to get rid of unwanted grout and mortar.
You can paint the mantel the same colour as the fireplace, or choose a different colour like black or tan. Use a foam roller for a smooth finish.
