How I Added a DIY Fireplace to My Home

how i added a diy fireplace to my home, The sides of my frame did not hit the wall studs so I made sure my horizontal supports did Then screwed the sides frame into those supports with pocket holes to make sure everything was secure

The sides of my frame did not hit the wall studs so I made sure my horizontal supports did. Then screwed the sides frame into those supports with pocket holes to make sure everything was secure.

Make sure to consider the opening size for your electric fireplace insert

DIY Fireplace Drywalling

Because of the post-pandemic cost of wood, I opted to cover my frame in drywall. This was inexpensive and allowed me to make the fireplace look built in to my existing walls. It only took me 1 sheet of gypsum to cover the frame by piecing it together and screwing it into my frame. I’m no professional drywaller but I learned a little bit by watching contractors replace our bedroom sheet rock after the pipe burst. One thing to note is that last minute I decided to bump out a 6 inch area around the front to make the inside recessed. Also, I had an electrician come add an outlet behind my frame so that I would be able to plug in my fireplace insert.

Next, I taped the seams, added corner bead, and used joint compound to mud over the entire thing. This part was the most tedious of the entire project. I now know why drywall is considered specialty work- its hard to get everything smooth! I used a dustless drywall sponge to wet sand and because I didn’t want to add texture, I tried my best to get it smooth. Its not perfect but I can live with it for now.

Wet sanding

Make sure to use drywall primer before painting

The Faux Brick

I wanted to add some character to my fireplace so I opted for my favorite faux brick method. If you have never seen this, it will blow your mind! Its so simple, cheap, and looks very real!

First, use this thin tape to tape off a brick pattern. Then simply smear on joint compound and remove the tape to reveal 3-dimensional texture. The thicker you apply your joint compound the more dimension it will have! Next, paint the “brick” your desired color. Ive done reds, browns, and this time we used gray. Finally, I like to whitewash or German smear the bricks to create a softer look.

The Mantle

I used a pine 1×12 as my mantle, cut it to the correct length, and stacked some 2x4s underneath so that I could add a facial board without covering up too much drywall. Then to finish it off I used my favorite stain method.

The DIY Fireplace Budget

The main cost of an electric fireplace is, of course, the electric fireplace insert. I didn’t include this in my build cost because this will depend on the size, shape, and brand, you choose. The build itself was actually very cheap! Heres the breakdown:

(10) 2x4s: $50
(1) Sheet of Drywall: $10
Joint Compound: $10
Joint Tape: $5
Corner Bead: $5
1×12 Pine Board (mantle): $30
(2) 1×4 Pine Board (mantle): $15
Misc. Supplies (Screws/Tape/Paint)
1×4 Primed Pine (Baseboards): $30

Estimated Build Cost: Around $150

Touchstone Home Products sponsored my electric fireplace insert and I highly recommend it!

Forte 80006 40″ Recessed Electric Fireplace