How To Build Wood Fireplace – Learn how easy it is to build a simple MDF fireplace surround and hearth to enhance an existing brick fireplace.
In part one of my fireplace makeover guide, I shared how to install a brick fireplace. Today I’m sharing with you how we built our existing frame and built a new fireplace myself. If you haven’t already, you can also check out my fireplace restoration plans.
How To Build Wood Fireplace
But now we are here. The fireplace (shelf) was removed and tiles were installed. Now it’s time to build it and make it look like a real fireplace!
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When we removed the old mantelpiece, we were left with a surface almost flush with the wall (one of the main reasons for the renovation).
Before we installed the fireplace, we faced the brick with ¼ inch MDF. We attached it directly to the brick using liquid nails and our nail gun at the corner where the MDF meets. We didn’t bother to bevel the edges, we just hit them because we knew they would be covered by the edges later.
We used the same sheet of MDF to cover the sides and top of the frame. We scaled it to match what was already there, since the built-in element on the side prevented us from going any further. We used a nail gun to attach the MDF to the existing pile of wood.
Next I started adding some grates in front of the fireplace. First we box (up, down, then left and right). Finally, we cut two small vertical pieces that will make up the inner box.
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The lattice sections are mostly held in place with liquid nails, but there are a few nails in the corners just to make sure they stay in place. The grate is also repeated on one side of the fireplace.
At this point we decided to build our fireplace first and then decide how much we wanted to build around it. It’s one of those things that we just have to see in real life, not just on paper.
The mantle itself is a very simple box. We purchased pre-coated 1 x 4’s and began attaching the backsplash to the existing wall using our nail gun.
The 45 degree angle is no longer needed because we know the exposed part will be covered by the crown when finished.
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NOTE: In retrospect, it makes more sense to assemble the box first, then assemble it. If you have a kreg jig, the pocket holes are great for attaching the sides. But our approach worked in the end.
Once we were happy with the box, we attached the pre-coated 1 x 8 boards that lay on top to form the actual mantel.
Once the fireplace is built, it’s easy to figure out how much we need to build around it.
We just wrapped it again, this time using 1/2″ MDF. We attached the side panels first, then nailed the front panel.
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For reference: Our posts/posts are 7 inches wide and 6.5 inches deep. You may need to go bigger or smaller, but this might help you figure out what you need.
We then added 1 x 4 blocks to the bottom of the vertical sides to create depth. these works
BTW, we found MDF to be very messy to work with (we’re still cleaning sawdust a month later). I’m not sure our circular saw is up to the task – a table saw would make a cleaner cut – and the pieces are large so cutting them with our miter saw is not possible.
So we just sanded the edges and thought a bit of chipping and sanding would help hide the fuzzy raw edges of the MDF (
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Then we use the 1×2 to complete the shadow box. We only used a thin grate for the fireplace and it looked too flimsy around the main one, so we used a 1×2 to get a bigger size.
We always put the rim in the box first, and then fill in the smaller parts. This speeds up cutting. This is where the whole design really starts to come together.
In order to place the electric fireplace around the existing fireplace, it is necessary to make a box for it.
The special electrical inserts we bought only attached to the sides, so we decided to make only 3 sides of our box – left, right and bottom.
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The bottom should be raised high enough off the ground so that the top of the insert is flush with the top of the opening and covers the imperfections around the edge of the tile.
We did the math and figured it all out and then used some mason screws and liquid nails to hammer the wood into the brick.
I forgot to take a picture before we fixed the wood panel, but you get the idea, right?
At that moment, the electrician finally came and installed a socket in the fireplace so I could continue tiling.
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P.S. Did you notice the little red hammer? My kids love to help and they have a kids version of all our tools!
We attached the crown to the front using various YouTube tutorials to help us cut the curved edges.
The first crown we bought was 4.5 cm too big. Although it fit in the front under the top of the mantle, we couldn’t fit the sides so we had to cut it down to 3.5″.
I covered all the fuzzy edges of the MDF with a thin layer of paint, let it dry and sanded it with fine sandpaper. All nail holes will be filled with scraps and sanded after drying.
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Finally, all joints are filled with putty. I made sure the wood was flawless and perfectly smooth before applying 2 coats with my favorite primer and sealer. This material completely seals the wood so you don’t have to worry about leaks.
I lightly sanded between each coat of primer to make sure I had as smooth a finish as possible. I let the primer dry for 24 hours and then applied 2 coats of Sherwin Williams Extra White Satin.
Then finally, after what seemed like an eternity and many late nights, we installed an electric fireplace.
I was so excited to get this done that I backed up all my Christmas decorations before painting. beautiful isn’t it?
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In the end, we built the entire mantle and environment almost from scratch. But I have to say it’s worth it.
Our living room has been completely transformed! Our new fireplace is well proportioned, compact and fits our space. It’s not the hardest DIY project, but it’s frustrating at times (I’m looking at your crown!) and has more than a few dirty words.
We are so happy with the results, so glad we did it all ourselves and saved a lot of $$!
How much wood will vary depending on the size of the fireplace you choose and the environment. We are limited by what already exists, so we build according to those dimensions. Our ceiling is also a little over 7 feet, so the height has to be commensurate with that.
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Jenna is a self-taught decorator and interior design enthusiast, and has helped thousands of people create homes they love. There are many benefits to using a wood burning fireplace, including savings on heating bills. We have some tips for keeping your fireplace in good condition so you can enjoy it for years to come.
When the harsh winter wind blows outside, nothing beats the warm crackle and glow of a hearth in the fireplace. Regular maintenance of your fireplace will ensure that it operates in the safest and most efficient manner.
Mid-century modern chairs and ottomans are the perfect place to relax in front of this fireplace. The neutral decor of the room complements the colors surrounding the tiled fireplace.
Wood burning fireplaces are a potential source of home fires if not properly installed, used or maintained. An ember from an unprotected fire or a chimney fire from creosote buildup are just two dangers that can be avoided with proper use and care. Wood-burning fireplaces can also negatively affect the air quality in the room. According to Burn Wise, an EPA program, “smoke may smell good, but it’s not good for you.” Any smoke coming out of the firebox and into the room means that the fireplace is not working properly. Also, because a fire consumes a lot of air while burning, it can create negative pressure inside the house due to the air outside.
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