Many houses (and especially apartments) don't necessarily come with in-built fireplaces and at times, it can be an unfortunate thing. People who love its romantic settings and/or simply appreciate the beauty of a hearth with dancing flames during fall and rainy days, don't get a chance to enjoy them. However, there are options to go around this hindrance and get yourself a fireplace. So before winter hits, why not invest or build yourself a beautiful fireplace. Even though it doesn't give the effect of a real fireplace, faux fireplace can definitely find a cozy place into your home.
Make a False Fireplace
Sometimes, having a real fireplace isn't possible for everyone. The reasons may be many, like certain living conditions, but everyone always looks for a "touch of hominess". If you are one of those who, despite the constraints of your living situation, wish to have a fireplace anyway, we have instructions on how to make this fireplace.
Materials Needed Plywood Table saw Nails Paint Jigsaw Wood filler Sandpaper Molding Poplar lumber Wood glue Large mending plates Luan (type of plywood) Medium-defined fiberboard (MDF) Step #1: First of all, find the place where you want the fireplace to be placed. Measure that area to make sure your fireplace won't seem too big there.
Step #2: Depending on the area's measurements, you will measure 1 piece of plywood. Cut it accordingly, to use it as the back panel of the fireplace, going up against the wall. Now you will decide how deep your fireplace will be and cut 2 pieces of plywood. Both the pieces have to be of the same height as your back panel. Use mending plates to attach both the side panels to the back panel.
Step #3: For the front of your fireplace, cut a piece of MDF of the same height and width as your back panel. Take the jigsaw to cut the opening of the fireplace (where your firebox would be). Attach the front piece of the fireplace to both side panels with nails.
Step #4: Now make a small box to be kept inside of the fireplace with luan or MDF. Make sure it isn't bigger than your fireplace's opening. Place it inside the opening and use nails and wood glue to secure it in place. After all your panels are secured, you will sand all the rough edges properly.
Step #5: Cut ? inch strips of poplar lumber that will trim the cover the edges, or you could purchase decorative trim instead. Use wood glue and nails to attach the strips in place. Next comes the fireplace mantel. Take 1 piece of poplar lumber of 1 X 8 foot and cut it according to the appropriate length of your fireplace. Attach decorative trim on the edges as well.
Step #6: To finish your fireplace, you'll have to paint the opening with black paint. Use the wood filler to fill any nail holes, sand the fireplace again, apply prime and then your choice of paint color on top.
Fireplace Ideas and Designs
The fireplace designs and styles have changed over time. Considered as more than just an addition to indoor designing, a fireplace brings out the warmth and comfort of your home. Here are some fireplace design ideas, something different from plain plywood cuttings, that you can consider adding into your home and/or office. Himalayan Salt Rock Lamps Large ceramic or glass bowl River rocks, beach glass, or seashells Antique wood stove Wood twigs or pine tags Make sure you're wearing protective goggles and gloves while working on your fireplace. Keep the windows and doors open throughout for better ventilation. Another thing, if you haven't ever done any home improvement projects or any kind of woodworking projects, ask for help from someone who has knowledge about it. I hope your fireplace is everything you imagined in the end. All the best!
