Having an indoor fireplace is a charm to the home. Some houses have wooden fireplaces. While others have electric fireplaces. Yet, it’s exciting to build a fireplace.
Traditional fireplaces come with chimneys. Also, you can build a gas-burning fireplace. But there are a lot of requirements. So, make sure you have them all. You don’t need venting. Especially, if you own fireplace environmentally friendly.
It is more safe and easy. Also, you don’t need a false fireplace wall. This style is becoming more popular. You can build it with veneer brick. Also, you can build with masonry. It looks more than a real fireplace.
Yet, an electric fireplace insert is the best way. It looks more beautiful than a gas fireplace ever. Also, it’s better than plastic faux strips of flame. Many electric fireplace surrounds and inserts have random flame illusions. It is behind the protective glass.
It has reflective materials. The flame shines behind the glass. They have embedded materials. Some fireplaces have flame-shaped stencils. The fire reflection dances on the glass. Also, it moves upward.
It looks just like a real flame. Broken chunks and faux logs are the insert base. Also, crystals and rocks form the base insert. Electric fireplaces are well-mounted. They are like a flat TV screen.
They have a greater depth. In addition, they look more realistic. Don’t worry about flames. Why is that? Because the insert fireplace has no flames.
These are painted wood and shiplap. Also, you can build a fireplace with hearts. They give a realistic feel. That’s because they heat the room. They offer a complete heat illusion. So, you must know safety considerations. 
Image by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi from Pixabay
1. Tips To Build A Fireplace
A masonry fireplace is difficult. It might seem easy in the beginning. But you face issues as you start. That’s why building steps are not enough you need additional tips.
Also, you need safety considerations to proceed. Here are some additional tips. You can execute and install the new wall construction easily. Let’s look at the tips!
1.01 Local Regulation
You can’t start building a fireplace. You need to understand the local regulations. Also, there are building codes. Some buildings don’t allow DIY projects. That’s why a popper research is necessary.
You might face problems if you start without research. Also, there are regulations for chimneys. That’s why understanding local codes and regulations is important. It ensures complete compliance. Also, it ensures easy access to the finished product. This is the first thing to arrange.
1.02 Planning And Designing
Don’t rush into planning a design. You might like a design in the beginning. But, it might not come out that good. That’s why designing and planning is essential. Give this phase enough time.
There are many factors. These are the design and type of fireplace. Also, you can consult with professionals. A professional opinion is always better. You can also create digital places.
That’s by designing software. So, this is the most important phase. The fireplace is in contrast with the wall colors. You should also consider curtains and interior decor.
1.03 Professional Advice
You might not have experience in construction. Also, you can’t know masonry. That’s why consulting with professionals is ideal. They offer advanced ideas. These ideas can make fireplace building plans better.
There are types of professionals. These are masons and architects. Also, you can consult with fireplace installers.
1.04 Safety And Materials
Safety is necessary in everything. So, build the fireplace while being safe. You should be careful with the fireplace installment. You should use many safety measures. These are firescreens and spark arresters.
You can also use carbon monoxide detectors. You can use these materials for maximum safety. Now, here are the other tips. Materials of fireplace building matter. You can’t decide on a material in one go.
The materials should be high quality. Also, they should be fire-resistant. These examples are firebrick and refractory motors. Also, the concrete should be heat resistant.
They avoid accidental fires. Also, they avoid accidents. These materials also ensure longevity. The fireplace also stays safe.
1.05 Support And Foundation
Don’t focus fully on the looks. Also, keep an eye on the foundations. The foundation of the fireplace should be strong.
If not, it might fall off. Have a stable fireplace base. It’s necessary for the whole structure. Also, it supports the fireplace’s integrity.
1.06 Ventilation
This is one of the most critical aspects of the fireplace. Have proper ventilation in the fireplace rooms. It avoids the building up of smoke. Also, it ensures there are no harmful gases.
Build the chimney with proper steps. Look at the guidelines. Also, follow the proper steps for the flue and smoke chamber.
Image by Ferenc Keresi from Pixabay
1.07 Firebox Design
The safety of the fireplace depends on the firebox design. It also affects the fireplace’s efficiency. Also, take a look at the firebox dimensions. They affect the construction process.
Also, research throat and fireback design. Damper design is yet another factor to consider. So, these factors determine the fireplace specifically.
1.08 Tools And Mortar Mixing
You should also use the right type of tools. Cheap tools are not ideal for building fireplaces. There are many types of masonry tools. Some of these are saws and trowels. Levels are also other construction tools.
You can construct a fireplace precisely. So, get them in high quality. Building fireplace has a construction manual. Read it properly. It also has guidelines on mortar mixing. Follow the steps one by one. Also, get the mortar mixing for your specific fireplace.
1.09 Clearances And Regular Maintenance
It’s important to maintain a proper clearance of fireplaces. Have clearance from combustible materials. These materials are insulation and drywall. Wood is also one of them. Also, regular maintenance of fireplaces is necessary.
They need regular cleaning and maintenance. So, clean them regularly. It helps in fireplace work efficiently. Also, they remain more safe. You can also schedule annual inspections for fireplaces. In addition, schedule shimmeny sweeps annually.
1.10 Electric Fireplaces And Safety Gear
If you don’t have experience then call a professional. So, install an electric fireplace by calling a professional. This is true for building gas fireplaces. It’s important to contact the licensed builder.
This happens when you don’t install them properly. Have safety gear with you. These are gloves and safety glasses. Also, wear dust masks while constructing. That’s because some materials are hazardous.
Photo by Nanisimova on Unlim
1.11 Budget And Testing
Keep your budget in mind. Plan the budget for the fireplace building carefully. Unexpected delay results in more cost. Once you finish a stage, go for an inspection.
It ensures that a particular fireplace building stage is correct. It also ensures compliance. Also, it ensures safety standards. Now, the final step is testing. Conduct a fireplace test before using it regularly. Look for safety hazards and smoke.
Hence, fireplace construction is a difficult job. It’s not done in one day. Also, you can’t plan it in one day. So, be safe and cautious. Call professionals if you don’t have skills.
2. Types Of Equipment And Materials
Here are the main materials and pieces of equipment to build a fireplace.
- Electric mitre saw
- 3-inch screw
- Tape measure
- 1-¼ inch cement board screws
- Hand saw
- Wet tile saw
- Speed square
- Stud finder
- Prybar
- 5-gallon bucket
- Trowel
- Electric fireplace insert
- 10 two by sixes
- Veneer stone mortar
- ½ inch thickness cement boards
- Cement board tape
- 92 square inch manufactured veneer stone
3. Building A Fireplace: The Steps
Here are the instructions for a DIY fireplace. Follow them properly.
3.01 Fireplace Location
Locate the right fireplace frame near the outlet. You can also locate it above the outlet. This is an outlet of 120 volts. Don’t place it in direct sunlight. Why is that? The fireplace mantel will come out of the light.
You can place the fireplace under the TV. That’s when it comes with a heater. Now it’s time to remove the baseboard. You’ll remove it from the wall.
3.02 Sizing
Now you need a two-by-six build frame. You need to put a fireplace insert in the wall. The frame inside dimensions should be the same as the insert’s opening dimensions. It can have a small difference.
You can see the opening dimensions on the fireplace insert list. Place mounting frame on top and bottom. The insert width should be the same as the horizontal piece length.
3.03 Building Fireplace Insert
Use 3-inch screws with a drill. Now, build the fireplace. Insert the mounting frame. Make sure that the frame is square.
Be careful and precise. You can also test this stage. Put the fireplace insert within the frame. It’s just a rough measure.
3.04 Fireplace Wall Height
Build the fireplace insert on the ground. Then, you’ll tilt it up. But, that’s not an easy concern. It is not at the same as the room’s ceiling.
So, reduce the height of the fireplace wall. You can reduce it up to 2 inches. Now, it will be easy to tilt it up.
Image by José Cláudio Guimarães JCGuimaraes from Pixabay
3.05 Building Fireplace Wall
Now, it is time to construct a fireplace wall. It works like any ordinary wall system. Place two by sizes between two by sizes.
The space between every stud should be 16 inches. Also, add two screws in every attachment point.
3.06 Mounting Frame And Fireplace Wall
Keep the mounting frame on the fireplace wall. Now, choose a specific height as needed. Also, it should be close to the plug. Now, take care of the studs that require cutting. Continue the speed square to mark the downside.
Also, restrict the mounting frame. Cut the lines by using a hand saw. Add the mounting frame. Also, screw the mounting frame by using studs.
Add- 14-½ Inches two by sixes between the studs. You need them to attach the fireplace to the wall. Leave two blocks above and below the fireplace insert. Use studs to screw them.
3.07 Attaching the Fireplace Wall With The Room Wall
Well, this is the second last step. Hold the fireplace vertically. It should be against the wall. Don’t cover the fireplace with any suds. Instead, place it within two studs.
Use the stud finder. Locate house wall studs behind the blocks of studs. Now, use the screws. This helps in attaching the fireplace wall.
3.08 Cement Board
Now, this is the last step. Screw the studs with the cement board. Sink the screw heads properly. The stud should have vertical edges. Use cement board tape for taping the seams.
Also, you can have mixing of small mortars. Use a trowel for covering mortar tape.
4. Precautions While Building A Fireplace
Fireplace building is a complex process. So, it’s necessary to take precautionary measures. Hire a professional if you don’t know. This is not a small DIY project. So, research well before starting.
Understand the building codes before proceeding. Also, research for inspections and permits. Use safety gear in every phase. Safety gears are gloves and eyeglasses. The room should have enough ventilation.
Smoke and gasses in the rooms are not healthy. Also, there can be accidental fires. So, take precautions accordingly. Also, have a fire extinguisher nearby. Use the right equipment during construction.
Also, use ideal tools and materials. Have high-quality materials. Maintain clearances regularly. Store all the types of equipment and materials in storage. Also, keep them away from the fireplace. Have a first aid kit nearby. Now, you are all done!
5. Key Note
That’s how you build a gas fireplace. Look for every precaution and tip. It is not an easy process. But, a well-researched and professional guide can make it easy. Also, maintain safety and manufacturer’s instructions.
Last Updated on by kalidaspandian
