Building Around A Fireplace Insert

Make sure the columns are plumb and level.

Building around a fireplace insert.

Thanks for all of your sweet comments on my fireplace makeover reveal yesterday. The height that the fireplace r o starts depends on how it will be finished. We mostly cy worked so hard on that fireplace surround so it was great for us to read all the great positive feedback. If you came to my house to see the fireplace in person you and i would.

Tape plastic sheeting or an old drop cloth to a flat surface and use painter s tape to outline the shape of your fireplace on it. I wanted to hug all of your necks. Use this centerline as a starting point to ensure a balanced design. Use wall screws to secure the cleat to the wall on either side of the fireplace.

Kreg jig k4 or k3. Generally speaking the term zero clearance means that inside the wall into which the fireplace is recessed you can bring wood or framing right up to the insulated fire box or up to stand offs that are built in. You ll need the manufacturers specs on the opening and depth finis. Here is a short and sweet video on how to frame out for a gas fireplace.

Cut a 1x3 to fit the width of the surround. Mark the center of the top of the firebox opening. Selecting and laying out the stones on a template helps you visualize how they ll look installed. How to build a frame for an electric fireplace insert tutorial.

Build the front wall with the r o rough opening of the fireplace just like a standard window. There should be a header above the fireplace r o to transfer the load from above around the opening. Combustible materials and trim must be at least 6 inches from the firebox opening. Frame cut size 2 x 4s.

I felt like y all were giving us a bunch of high fives and it was awesome. Using a level draw a plumb line at the mark that extends from the firebox to the top of the surround. Begin by placing the corner pieces that will wrap the opening and sides of the fireplace. Here are some supplies that you will need to make the fireplace look real 1 2 plywood.

Mantel corbels and brackets attached along the sides of the opening must have additional clearance if they project more than 1 1 2 inches out from the face of the fireplace. Some zero clearance fireplace products have labels and or instructions listing 1 2 or more clearance to certain parts.