Is your electric fireplace plenty warm and romantic but lacks a certain something that could take it up a notch in the aesthetics arena.
Building a mantle around an electric fireplace.
The easiest way to do this is to first lag a piece of plywood measuring about 12 high and the length of the mantel to the backside of.
If replacing the grate remove that now too.
You ll need just a few supplies and tools to get the job done.
We nailed 2x4s inside the back of the frame.
These diy mantels will add character and dimension to a room as well as give you a beautiful place to decorate and hang a christmas stocking.
Electric fireplace mantles are a easy way to take your electric fireplace from just a clever h.
If you install the mantel before the brick or stone face is put on the fireplace the mantel can often be mounted to the stud wall first and the brick or stone can then be put on around the mantel.
The electric plugin fireplace i ordered is a 50 inch insert.
Add anchors to the mantel.
In order for the electric fireplace to sit into the existing fireplace surround we needed to build a box for it to sit in.
Use a cleat system to secure the mantle to the wall.
Building a fireplace mantel is a great beginner building project that anyone can handle.
The particular electric insert that we purchased screwed in on the sides only so we decided to only do 3 sides to our box left right and bottom.
Store the firewood for your fireplace in one of these diy firewood racks.
Just add an electric fireplace or not.
Most mid range electric fireplace inserts are led lit remote controlled and offer a flame only and flame and heat setting.
The distance between the edge of the mantel top and the 2 4 anchor is 2 plywood widths to allow us to match the molding of the mantel see step 13 below.
Measure both the mantel and the wall cleat to verify it will attach and hang at the proper height.
To make the cleat cut two long strips of plywood at least three inches wide.
It s super important that if you purchase a fireplace insert you be sure that the heater is in the front of the insert and not on the top bottom or side of the insert.
Remove the fasteners and lift the old fireplace door unit out.
I chose this 30 fireplace.
How to build a fireplace mantel with reclaimed timbers.
This is also a budget project that you can do for just 50 and in a few hours time.
Find electric fireplace mantels surrounds.
Place a drop cloth on the floor around the hearth to catch falling soot and debris.
Locate and loosen the brackets that secure the old fireplace doors.
Pick a size that will scale well in your room and fit the diy fireplace surround you re building.
Fitting the electric fireplace.
This built in fireplace has a deep hearth and great mantel for decorating and the storage around it was built in to match.
Cut a 45 degree angle lengthwise on one edge of each piece.
Make sure both pieces interlock at the angle.