For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted a home with a fireplace! So far we’ve owned 2 homes and still no fireplace. Well, I had to fix that. I created this diy faux fireplace made completely of wood just in time for the holidays!
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I’d been thinking about how to go about this project in a cost effective way for a while. The inspiration for the way I made this faux fireplace came from an instagram friend (@jacquelynlopez.lifestyle) who also created a faux mantle for decoration! I added a few extra details to make the project fit my home style.
Here’s everything I used to create this fireplace!
Shopping list:
(1) 2x4x8
(1)2x6x8
(1) 1x8x8
(1) 1x4x6
(1) 1/4 inch x 2x4 plywood (I already had this on hand)
(2) wood corbels 5x7
pocket hole screws - 1 1/4 inch and 2 1/2 inch lengths
wood screws - 2 1/2 inch
Cut list:
(2) 2x4s @ 36 inches
(3) 2x4s @ 7 inches
(1) 2x6 @ 40 inches
(2) 1x8s @45 inches
(1) 1/4 inch plywood @ 10 inches x 36 inches
(1) 1x4 @ 21 3/8 inches
Assembly:
Create the fireplace base by attaching the 7 inch 2x4s to the 36 inch pieces using pocket hole screws for the front and regular wood screws in the back. FYI : I tried to use pocket hole screw for both sides, but the space between the 2x4s was too narrow for the drill!
Add the 1/4 inch plywood to the top of the 2x4 base using nails. I used my Ryobi nail gun, but this can be done with a hammer and finishing nails or screws. I just wanted the finishing part to be easier.
2. Create the “mantle surround” (I’m not sure if that’s the technical term, but that’s what I’m going with!) by attaching the 1x4 to each 1x8 piece using 1 1/4 inch pocket hole screws. The long edge of the 1x4 will be flush with the short edge of the 1x8s.
3. Customize the finish to match your decor! I decided to paint my base black using a furniture paint that I had on hand. I also used this paint for my diy console table and my diy shoe rack! I stained the mantle surround, including the corbels and mantle shelf using a water based stain which I mixed with gray acrylic paint to give it a muted rustic brown color.
4. To attach the surround to the base I used three 2 1/2 inch pocket hole screws at the base of each 1x8 into the 2x4 base. I added the wood corbels using the regular wood screws through the back of the 1x8, and added the 2x6 shelf on top of the corbels.
I can’t wait to decorate my mantle for Christmas! I’ll be sharing some thrifty mantle decor ideas next week. How are you prepping for the holidays?
Don’t forget to save this Diy Faux Fireplace to your Pinterest page and follow me there for more diy inspiration!
Check out a few of my fall diy craft projects!
