How To Make A False Fireplace With Your Own Hands From Different Materials: Step By Step Instructions, Photos, Etc

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

False fireplace in your home: do it yourself

The desire for comfort and coziness is inherent in each of us. The warmth of the hearth are not empty words. What could be better than spending your evenings by the fireplace watching the flames? Owners of private houses can afford a real fireplace, but for residents of city apartments, unfortunately, this is an unaffordable luxury. But for true masters, nothing is impossible, and today we will tell you how to make a false fireplace in an apartment.

Content

• 1 What is a false fireplace and why is it needed

• 2 Manufacturing options

  • 2.1 Fireplace made of polyurethane
  • 2.2 Plywood construction
  • 2.3 New life of old furniture
  • 2.4 Imitation of a plasterboard fireplace
• 3 Finishing
• 4 Photo gallery of artificial fireplaces
• 5 Video: how to make a false plasterboard fireplace with your own hands

What is a false fireplace and why is it needed

In a city apartment, conditions will not allow you to install an ordinary fireplace. The absence of chimneys, ceilings that are not designed for such loads are the main obstacles in order to obtain permission to build such a structure. False fireplaces come to the rescue, which you can easily assemble on your own without having special skills in construction work.

Of course, you can buy an electric fireplace - such devices are now common, and their installation will not take much time and effort. But creating a fireplace with your own hands is a very exciting experience, it gives free rein to imagination, allows you to make an exclusive thing. In addition, an open fire in an apartment is not necessary (and it is unlikely that you will be allowed to do that), and a false fireplace will serve you as a multifunctional decoration.

The false fireplace looks like a real one

Artificial fireplaces have the following advantages:

• cheapness - you only need money for materials;
• the availability of materials required for the manufacture of the structure;
• the ability to change the decor at any time according to your mood;
• the use of inexpensive, but original and beautiful materials in decoration.

False fireplaces are divided into 3 groups:

1. Authentic artificial fireplaces completely imitate the real ones, respecting both the dimensions and the design principles. Inside the firebox, you can install a bio fireplace burner, which will provide an almost exact effect of a burning hearth. Quite an expensive option, but it looks the most believable.
2. Conditional false fireplaces have a portal protruding from the wall. They can be decorated according to your taste and desire. The furnace hole is usually filled with wood or candles are placed there.
3. Symbolic can be performed from any material. Their peculiarity is that they are not at all like an ordinary fireplace. It can even be a drawing on the wall with some decorative elements.

Manufacturing options

For the manufacture of artificial fireplaces, the simplest materials are used, which can always be found not only in the store, but also at home:

• drywall;
• plywood;
• Styrofoam;
• cardboard;
• chipboard;
• wood;
• brick;
• polyurethane.

You can make such a structure even from old furniture that has already served its purpose, but it's a pity to throw it away.

Polyurethane fireplace

This is the easiest and fastest way. You only need to buy a polyurethane fireplace portal. The hardest part of this task will be choosing the style and size that is suitable for the room, and everything else will take you a minimum of time and effort.

If you want to insert an electric fireplace, take into account its installation and overall dimensions, the method of connecting to the mains and the quality of ventilation.

The lightweight body of the polyurethane raised fireplace will save you a lot of installation hassle

You will need:

• polyurethane portal for the fireplace;
• contact adhesive;
• putty;
• materials for finishing the firebox (for example, decorative bricks).

And now we will tell you step by step how to install such a fireplace.

1. The best place to install such a fireplace is one of the side walls of the room. The structure should not clutter up the room and interfere with the passage.
2. If you decide to place an electric fireplace or decorative electric lighting inside the portal, first take care of the wiring and the outlet.
3. Make the firebox frame from a profile or wooden bars, and the walls from plywood or drywall.
4. Install the portal, carefully fix it with contact adhesive. Carefully fill the gaps between the portal and the firebox with a finishing putty.
5. Decorate the firebox in the style of your choice, or install an electric fireplace. If desired, you can install a mantel made of artificial stone or wood.

Such portals are made not only from polyurethane, but also from wood. They are much more expensive, but among them you can find real masterpieces, additionally equipped, for example, with a built-in bar.

Plywood construction

This idea comes in handy if you need to hide a flaw in the room, such as an old radiator that can be expensive to replace. A false fireplace will come in handy here.

The need to cover up an old heating radiator is a great opportunity to install a false fireplace

Perform calculations and make a drawing of the future structure. This will help you not to waste extra money and time.

Standard fireplace drawing

First of all, install the frame directly in place. Wooden blocks are suitable for him.

Frame made of bars for a raised fireplace

Next, sheathe the frame with plywood. The design of the fireplace and its appearance can be adjusted during operation. For example, you can add a podium to the portal. A heating battery is located inside the structure, so it is better to assemble the frame with screws: nails in high temperature conditions do not guarantee a tight fit of plywood to the bars in the future.

Plasterboard frame

On the back wall, attach a firebox to the bar, which simulates a fireplace. Cover all surfaces visible from the outside with self-adhesive tape.

Install the firebox and cover it with foil

Close the corners of the portal with a wooden layout, cover it with a film of the same color too.

The corners of the portal must be closed and also pasted over with foil

This design is easily removable (it is not attached to the wall at this stage), and you can easily access the radiator. The fireplace insert needs to be decorated with something, so a metal mesh tray can be put on the battery.

Metal mesh tray that will become the bottom of the firebox

You will fill it with pebbles, wood or other decorative elements.

Pour pebbles or other filler into the metal mesh

You can order a fireplace grate or make it yourself. For this you need a copper profile. If not, aluminum wire inserted into a PVC tube and painted with gold paint will do. Such a grill is attached to the fireplace body with copper wire in 4 places.

Metal grill diagram

Pipes that go to the battery can be closed by extending the podium.

Close the heating pipes with a podium

So that useful space does not go to waste, make a bar under the mantel.

Using extra space

As a result, you will get such a fireplace, almost indistinguishable from the real one.

Finished false fireplace

New life of old furniture

This is the most budgetary option. You probably have an old wardrobe or sideboard. Take your time to throw away this piece of furniture: on its basis, you can easily make a wonderful imitation of a fireplace with lighting.

you will need:

• plywood sheets;
• sander for wood;
• jigsaw;
• screwdriver;
• acrylic paint;
• putty;
• LED Strip Light;
• stucco molding, decorative elements, gypsum finishing stone;
• surface.

1. Remove the doors from the old sideboard, remove the lower cabinet. The top section will remain, place it on its side.

   

   Preparing the old sideboard for work

2. Screw in two beams at the front.

   

   Screw on 2 beams

3. Fasten two sheets of plywood onto the blocks from above and below. This gives the fireplace the required thickness.

   

   Secure the plywood sheets

4. Saw out in the door of the side cabinet (which is now at the bottom) a hole for the "blower". Here you can store firewood like in a real fireplace.

   

   Cut a hole for the "blower"

5. Your raised fireplace will need a plinth and a mantel. In their capacity, two backs from the old bed can act. Do not forget to unscrew their legs.

   

   The headboards will serve as a pedestal and a mantelpiece

6. The structure is ready, now you need to start finishing work. Grind polished surfaces to roughen them. Prime the walls; after they dry, putty and level the surface. Dry the putty, sand the unevenness. Paint the body with acrylic paint, finish the corners with bricks or artificial stone. Stick on decorative elements, install a mantel.

   

   Decorating a false fireplace from old furniture

7. Decorate the firebox. Glue the LED strip around the perimeter. Red or yellow will do - they perfectly imitate a smoldering fire. Pour shells, pebbles or sand at the bottom.

   

   Decorate the firebox: glue the LED strip, pour pebbles, shells or sand on the bottom

The end result is a gorgeous vintage style fireplace like this.

Ready-made false fireplace from an old sideboard

Imitation of a plasterboard fireplace

This time we will consider the option of a corner false fireplace made of plasterboard. This task will be more difficult than the previous ones. Why a corner fireplace? Because in a small apartment, the corner is the most free place, which is ideal for installing such a structure.

Corner false plasterboard fireplace

So, you will need the following materials:

• metal profile - 13 pcs;
• moisture resistant drywall 9.5 mm - 3 sheets;
• tiles - 5 m;
• self-tapping screws - 200 pcs;
• tile grout;
• LED Strip Light;
• decorative lattice.

1. Calculate the dimensions. At the same time, please note: if you need to close the battery, you need to do it so that it can be easily reached for it. For possible emergencies, it is better to run the battery through the lower opening.

   

   Approximate diagram of a corner fireplace

2. After the calculations are done, and the fireplace diagram is drawn up, begin to mount the frame. A ceiling profile will fit for him, besides, it is cheaper.

   

   Frame of a corner false fireplace

3. Make the backlight wiring immediately. As you can see in the first photo, in our case there are three output points: two on the facade and one above the shelf. An LED strip is used as a backlight.

4. The furnace hole can be made with double walls. A non-combustible insulation will be laid between them.

   

   Insulation inside the furnace hole

5. The frame is ready. Proceed with plastering it with plasterboard.

   

   Plasterboard frame

6. In the photo you can see the holes. They are necessary in order to circulate warm air from the battery.

   

   Warm air circulation holes

7. Now start tiling. It must be placed on heat-resistant tile adhesive. Use façade ceramic tiles for all work surfaces.

   

   Decorating a false fireplace with decorative tiles

8. For decorative finishes, you can use stone effect tiles. It is made of plaster and therefore not suitable for work surfaces.

This fireplace covers approximately 1.6 square meters. A small electric fireplace or a small alcohol burner can be placed inside the firebox.

Finishing

It is very important that the fireplace fits harmoniously into the interior of the room. The style and color should be carefully chosen. But in addition, decorative trim should please the eye and create comfort.

How to achieve imitation of fire in the fireplace? Above, we have suggested options with LED strip, which provides a backlight with a burning effect. But progress does not stand still, and an electronic photo frame can serve you well. It is a liquid crystal display that is adapted to show pictures. You need a model that can play animated files such as GIFs. Upload a picture of a burning fire to your photo frame and enjoy!

A burning fire electronic photo frame will help you bring your fake fireplace to life

• Many owners of false fireplaces are very fond of decorating niches with placed candles of different heights. It looks beautiful, stylish, and gives a real live fire.
• An excellent choice would be to install a mirror deep in the furnace niche, on the wall. The mirror will multiply the reflections from candles or electric lights and add mystery to the fireplace.
• Artificial stone will help you to provide the effect of expensive finishing. It is presented in a variety of color and texture options. Tiles, bas-reliefs and decorative tiles add expressive personality to the building. But do not overdo it: excessive pomp may be out of place in your interior.
• Doors for false fireplaces, perhaps, will be superfluous, but if you decide to install them, make them from plexiglass. They can be transparent or tinted, but light and glare of the "fire" are simply required to pass.
• It is better to arrange the fireplace imitation firebox with a forged metal grate. It can be bought or ordered from a workshop.

Photo gallery of artificial fireplaces

Decorative fireplace with candles

Imitation fireplace in modern style

Classic massive false fireplace

An original and laconic version - a simple niche with candles

Candles in a false fireplace

Corner false fireplace

Video: how to make a false plasterboard fireplace with your own hands

As you can see, building a fireplace in your own home is not at all difficult at all, and also cheap, especially if it is only an imitation. Accuracy, attention, the desire to do something original and creative imagination - that's all you need to enjoy the comfort, like the heroes of classic films. Share with us your experience in implementing such ideas, or ask any questions about this topic. We wish you easy work and comfort in your home!