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DIY Electric FirePlace- Part I

Erin| on the blog

This DIY has been one of my most impactful DIYs to date. When we were building our house, I was determined to have a two story living room and open staircase. I always loved how this elevated the look of a home. On the downside, this meant one very large, empty wall. Our builder gave us options for fireplaces, but they were your traditional fireplaces and I wanted something to be the focal point of this large, open space. I decided to DIY it myself! Here’s how it started. One large, blank, empty wall! I actually used the iPhones photo app to do this drawing. Did you know that you could ask it to draw straight lines for you? So fun!

So let’s get started! After I had my general layout, I purchased 2x4s from Home Depot (all products linked below). I purchased the 10 foot length because my fireplace was going to be 5 feet long and this would save me from waste and extra cuts. Fun fact: I placed my order online at Home Depot and when I was emailed that it was ready, I called and asked them to cut down all of the 10 foot boards into 5 foot pieces, both so that I could fit them in my car and also so I didn’t have to do it myself! It was a HUGE help! I started by framing out the bottom half. The very first thing I did was take pieces across the wall screwing them into the wall studs. All other pieces got attached to these, ensuring that everything was anchored to a stud. You can see in this image, the horizontal 2x4s across the back of the wall are all anchored into studs. 

I used a Kreg pocket hole jig and wood glue to create the bottom portion of my fireplace framing. Once I made the outer portion, I then framed out the spot where my fireplace insert was going to go using the same method. Essentially, I created a big box 5 feet wide and two feet deep. *Don’t forget to account for the width of your material when making cuts. For example, 2x4s are 1.5 inches deep, so if you want a total depth of 2 feet, you’ll need to subtract 1.5 + 1.5 from your depth. Here you’ll see how I am test fitting my fireplace insert and I am very pleased to say I got it right on the first try! Woohoo! 

Then it was time to work my way up! I put vertical pieces not only for stability but also to have a stud to attach the drywall to. I knew we were going to mount our frame TV, so I created a small platform and opening for the box that goes with it. We had our builder install an outlet knowing this was our plan. I built a lot of the pieces on the ground, specifically the side pieces that created the depth, and then just attached them to the already existing studs. I also kept in mind how far the TV mounts needed to be from one another. Then, I finished placing the vertical pieces in the top portion.

Once I got all of the framing done, it was time for drywall! In the planning for the fireplace, I had considered the length of drywall. Sheets are typically 4×8. Since my width was going to be 5 feet (because this was easiest with the 10 foot 2x4s), I made my depth 1.5 feet. So, 5+1.5+1.5=8. This assured that I could use one full piece without a bunch of leftover. Since the wall was about 15 feet high, I divided 15/4= 4 total pieces. Drywall isn’t as scary as you may think! After measuring, just use a razor blade and straight edge to score your drywall (make a few repeated cuts) and then snap the piece on the line. Voila! Attach to the studs using drywall screws (remember- all materials linked below). I used a drywall knife to cut along the framing for the opening of the fireplace insert.

Once everything was drywalled, I used drywall tape and mud to close the gaps and screw holes. I will be honest, I am NO drywall mudding expert. It is definitely something that takes some practice. I planned to use a Roman Clay on the fireplace, so I didn’t need it perfectly smooth. However, with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Essentially, you’ll mud, tape, mud, sand. Then, continue mudding and sanding until you get the level of smoothness you are looking for. If you feel it with your hand and it’s not smooth, it won’t be smooth when you paint. The Roman Clay is a textured finish, so I didn’t have to worry tooooo much! ;-). 

For Roman Clay Post, Click Here!

For Fluted Mantel/Surround, Click Here!

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