How to Build a Raised Fireplace Hearth

November 19, 2020
nicole

Hi! I'm Nicole

Fearless DIY. Sharing building project tutorials and interior design tips. Let’s build something beautiful together. For more projects, design tips and behind the scenes, follow me @designtobuild.nicole

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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….

fireplace makeover before pic

Yes, definitely in need of an update. And an update she received….

Fireplace with decor

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…

fireplace makeover

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….

Quarter round removed from bottom of fireplace

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….

base of support for hearth

base of support outline

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….

support for hearth

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….

pocket holes for hearth support

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)….

base to fireplace hearth

 

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….

Shell of fireplace hearth

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…

2x4's jigged together with plywood facing

Then the front…

hearth being built

And finally the top…

hearth with trim

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….

fireplace makeover with decor

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….

fireplace hearth with trim

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!!

family room with coffee table and farmhouse decor

Isn’t she lovely all decked out for Christmas too?

Christmas decor and tree

PIN IT FOR LATER….

PINTEREST PIN

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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