How to build a faux fireplace

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a faux fireplace. If you want to learn more about building a faux fireplace, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article and to check out the related projects. There are many storage projects featured on our site, so don’t be afraid to browse through the rest of the woodworking plans.

Before starting the actual construction project, we recommend you to plan everything, as to save money and to keep the costs under control. Adjust the size and the design of the wooden fireplace to suit your needs. In addition, we recommend you to invest in high-quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar, as they have a nice finish and are highly durable, especially in a humid environment.

It is essential to invest in high quality materials, that are also water-resistant, such as pressure-treated lumber. Cut the components at the right size by using a circular saw and smooth the cut edges with a sand block. Don’t forget to ask a skilled friend to assist you during the project, especially if you don’t have a large expertise in the field. You need someone to hold the components into place, while you drive the screws in. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a faux fireplace

Materials

A – 2 piece of 1×10 lumber – 47 3/4″ long LEGS
B – 4 piece of 1×4 lumber – 47 3/4″ long SUPPORTS
C – 1 piece of 1×12 lumber – 37 1/2″ long FRAME
D – 2 piece of 2×6 lumber – 47 3/4″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 41 1/4″ long FACE
E – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 37 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 7 3/4″ long BRACES
F – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 5 3/4″ x60″ long, 1 piece of 2×8 lumber – 64″ long TOP
G – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 7″ long, 4 pieces – 2 1/3″ long TRIMS

1 piece of 1×10 lumber – 8 ft
4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1×12 lumber – 4 ft
1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 2×8 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 1’x6′
1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 2 ft
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses, Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts
Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws

Time

One Week

Faux fireplace plans

Building a faux fireplace

Building the frame of the fireplace

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the face of the faux fireplace. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to use 1×10 lumber for the vertical components and 1×12 lumber for the horizontal component. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal slat and secure it to the vertical supports by using 1 1/4″ screws. Leave no gaps between the components and make sure the corners are right-angled.

Fitting the sides

Next, you have to fit the perpendicular legs to the face of the fireplace. Build the components out of 1×4 lumber and drill pocket holes along the vertical edges of the slats, as described in the diagram. Insert 1 1/4″ screws into the front face and add glue to the joints. Make sure the edges are flush, otherwise the end result won’t raise up to your expectations.

Fitting the supports

Next, fit the horizontal supports to the frame of the faux fireplace, as described in the diagram. Drill pocket holes along the edges and secure them to the back of the structure using 1 1/4″ screws and glue. Leave no gaps between the components and make sure the edges are flush.

Building the front face

In order to enhance the look of the wooden fireplace, we recommend you to attach 2×6 slats to the vertical components and 2×4 slats to the horizontal components. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal slats and secure them to the vertical slats using 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and leave no gaps between the components. Center the structure to the face of the fireplace and secure it into place by inserting screws from the interior. Add glue to enhance the bond of the components.

Fitting the bottom trims

Attach 1×6 trims to the bottom of the legs, as described in the diagram. Cut the ends at 45 degrees, in order to get a professional result. Secure the trims to the structure by using finishing nails and glue.

Fitting the middle trims

In addition, fit molding to the front of the fireplace, as to add character. Cut the ends at 45 degrees and secure the pieces of molding to the structure by using finishing nails and glue. Leave no gaps between the components and remove the excess with a damp cloth.

Instralling the top support

Build the top component out of 3/4″ plywood. Mark the cut lines on the plywood sheet and secure it into place using finishing nails and glue.

Fitting the top component

Build the top component out of 2×8 lumber. Smooth the edges and secure it into place by driving screws through the underneath component. In addition, we recommend you to add glue to the joint. Make sure the back edges of the components are perfectly flush one with another.

How to build a faux fireplace

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours.

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