Today’s project, how to build a DIY electric fireplace is such a great way to add warmth and coziness to a room. Yes friends, I’m sharing how to make a fireplace with a DIY mantel using an electric fireplace insert that works with or without heat. I know what you’re thinking… How good could a faux fireplace really look? When an opportunity arose to work with UPHA, I knew they would be a great fit in helping achieve my room dream goals… cozy and comfortable!
UPHA really went above and beyond to make sure we were getting exactly what we needed for our space. With a ton of choices to choose from, such as, Electric, Water Vapor, Ethanol, Ventless Gas Fireplaces I wasn’t sure what would be best. Since this was going in our interior space, the electric fireplace was our best option. Once we determined what type, it was time to determine size, shape, functions, mounting capabilities, who knew there was so many decisions. UPHA, really helped narrowing down my search, and helped me choose our best option. We ended up with the 40" ULTRA-THIN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE which I couldn’t be happier with, it was a perfect choice for our space!
Tools and Supplies Needed for DIY Electric Fireplace
Supplies:
1/4x4x8 sheets of plywood
1×6 common board
2×4’s
1 part Weathered oak
2 parts Golden Oak.
Tools That I Used:
Brad Nailer
measuring tape
level
Circular Saw
oil paint
screws
Let’s Build the Wall Out
Fireplace picked out, and arrived, we were officially ready to get down to business! Since we chose a recessed fireplace we needed to build the wall out. Up first, measuring exactly where we wanted this fireplace to go, and making sure it wasn’t too close to the floor, or to the mantel. We also needed to figure out the width and depth of the build out, and where we wanted the mantel height to be.
Building the wall out… the fun part! Using 2×4’s we created the frame, and a 1×6 to attach the mantel to. Once the wall frame was built, we attached the fireplace and moved the electric up, hardwiring the electric fireplace (Since we our putting a tv above the mantel)
When we measured out the frame, we made sure we were building on the studs. Especially, because we knew we would be putting a tv above our mantel. The electric box was moved to a 2X4 above where the mantel would be. Measuring where the tv frame would sit we added another 2×4, so we would have support, for the tv frame. After that we placed a piece of plywood above the top half of the build out.
Shiplap Time!
Wall build out, done. Fireplace recessed. Electric moved. What’s the most budget friendly way to transform a room? Shiplap of course, so why not shiplap our new fireplace?! We bought 1/4x4x8 sheets of plywood and stripped them down into 4 inch pieces. I am so glad we did 4 inches, because I think it gives it more of a modern look, and makes the basement ceilings look taller. Using a nail gun we nailed them into the frame. Time to paint, and did two coats.
Hello There Mantel
So close to being done that I can almost feel the cozy nights in the interior space. For the mantel we used 1×6 common board, nailed together on three sides, to make a sleeve. We had built 2×4’s to come out, and the 1×6 common board slid onto the 2×4’s and were secured with screws.
Staining the mantel, was a bit tricky, I was going for a light honey, golden look with some grey undertones. Mixing a few different combinations of stain before getting it just right. I ended up using 1 part Weathered oak, and 2 parts Golden Oak. Once the 1×6 sleeve of the mantel was stained and dry we secured it to the 2×4’s and it was love! Total head over heels love!
All My Cozy Dreams
After the build ins were in, and the trim was up, it was officially time to decorate and add those last minute’s touches! Now time to sit back and enjoy… or dream up another project!! Wanted to say a big Thanks to UPHA for gifting us the fireplace to make all these dreams come to life!!
