Fireplace makeover-Phase two: An easy to follow, DIY tutorial on how to build a raised fireplace hearth.
****Please Note: This hearth is intended for an electric fireplace. Not recommended for a wood burning or gas fireplace. I am not a professional and recommend that you seek professional advice before building around a gas or wood burning fireplace. Be sure to check local building codes before starting a project around a gas or wood burning fireplace.
A raised fireplace hearth adds a lot to a room: aesthetic appeal, a space where you can add more decor, or a bench seat for when you need more seating options.
Phase one of my fireplace makeover is finished (check out the faux-beam mantel here). We’re ready to move onto phase two…the raised fireplace hearth. Remember how dated my fireplace was….
Yes, definitely in need of an update. And an update she received….
Isn’t that amazing!? All with 3 simple phases! So let’s move into phase two….
HOW TO BUILD A RAISED ELECTRIC FIREPLACE HEARTH
****Please Note: This hearth is intended for an electric fireplace. Not recommended for a wood burning or gas fireplace. I am not a professional and recommend that you seek professional advice before building around a gas or wood burning fireplace. Be sure to check local building codes before starting a project around a gas or wood burning fireplace.
Note: Here are the dimensions I used for my space…
Length: 80 1/4″
Width: 25 3/4″
Height: 9 3/4″
Materials Needed:
Hammer
Flathead screw driver
Crowbar
Box cutter
Kreg Jig (Affiliate link)
Drill
Caulk
Nail Filler
2×4’s (quantity is dependent upon project)
3/4″ plywood (quantity is dependent upon project)
1.5″ nails
2.5″ pocket hole screws
2.5″ screws (these are my favorite for most all projects) (Affiliate link)
Step One: Clear your space
The first step is to get rid of any trim work along the floor in the space where you will be building your fireplace hearth. As you can see in the picture below, I had quarter-round trim outlining my fireplace…
This is a very simple step. Using a box cutter knife, cut the top of the quarter-round (the part where it meets the fireplace). Then, take a flathead screwdriver and hammer it behind the quarter-round (between the wall and the quarter-round). Gently pull the quarter-round away from the wall, until you have removed all of it….
Step Two: Build support base outline
Once the quarter round has been removed, you’re ready to start building the support for your electric fireplace hearth. Measure the space where you want your hearth to be and begin cutting 2×4’s to outline that space. Drill 2 pocket holes on both ends of your 2×4’s and attach your outline together with 2.5″ pocket hole screws….
Step Three: Finish support base
Now that you have the space outlined, cut 2×4’s to fit perpendicular to your outlined boards…spacing them apart about every 8-10 inches….
Drill two pocket holes into each end of your perpendicular 2×4’s and attach them to the outline boards, with 2.5″ pocket hole screws….
Step Four: Add support risers
Now you’re ready to build up your electric fireplace hearth. Determine the height you want your hearth to be and cut 2×4’s to that height. Note: Be sure to take into account the 2×4’s on the base and the 2×4’s you will be adding for the top. For example, my hearth is 10 inches tall. Therefore I cut all of my 2×4 risers to 7 inches. Math: 1.5″ (2×4 base) + 7 inch (2×4 riser) + 1.5″ (2×4 top)=10 inches.
Place a 2×4 riser at the end of each 2×4 base. On your long base boards place a riser every 10-12 inches. Basically, you want to outline your base 2×4’s (as shown below)….
Drill 2 pocket holes on one end of each riser and then attach to base with 2.5″ pocket hole screws.
Step Five: Add support top
Time to put on the top layer of your support. To do this, think of it as a mirror to the base of your support. Wherever you have a 2×4 for the base, place one for the top. Attach using 2.5″ screws….
Step Six: Wrap with plywood
Can you see it coming together? Isn’t it exciting?! Let’s wrap it up with the plywood. Literally! Cut your plywood sheets to fit onto each section of the support, using a nail gun (1.5″ nails) or Drill (1.5″ screws). Starting with the sides first…
Then the front…
And finally the top…
This is where I got a little carried away and couldn’t wait any longer to catch a glimpse of just how much I was going to love this new addition….
But we’re almost done!! All that’s left is adding the trim (oh and of course nail filler and paint 🙂 ).
Step Seven: Add trim
Using 1×2’s add the trim with a nail gun and 1.5″ nails. This is the design I went with, but of course, you can go with any design you like….
Step Eight: Finish work
Caulk, fill the nail holes with nail filler and paint. 🙂
That’s it! Step back and look at what you just built!! The transformation is amazing!!
Isn’t she lovely all decked out for Christmas too?
Be sure to check out phase three of the fireplace makeover–Covering up the old tile.
Until next time,
Happy Building, Friend!!
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