Easy How to Build a Fireplace-Part 1 Building the Base

Let’s build a fireplace surround! For simplicity, I’ve divided this up into 3 parts: The base. The encasement. The mantel and hearth.

I have always loved the idea of a fireplace in my bedroom. But how easy is it to add something like that? Not as hard as I thought! Turns out, it’s actually very easy! And the benefits! Oh, we love it. So cozy and warm….

EASY HOW TO BUILD A FIREPLACE-Part 1 Building the Base

Materials Needed:

(Listed below are the materials needed for the ENTIRE “Build a Fireplace” 3-part series)

Well, first things first, you need a fireplace 🙂 I highly recommend this one from Amazon. All of my measurements will be based off of this fireplace insert, however, they can be adjusted to work for any insert. (Amazon Affiliate Links Included)

2x4x8 (16)

3/4″- 4’x8′ Sanded Plywood (2)

1x2x8 (9)

2 1/2″ pocket hole screws

2 1/2″ screws

Access Panel

Stain (I chose Varathane Golden Oak)

Paint

Poly

Tools Needed:

(Amazon Affiliate Links Included)

Table saw Or Circular saw

Multi-purpose tool (optional)

Step One: Determine where you want your fireplace

Obviously, right? But you’ll need to make sure there’s an outlet in this space, or you’ll just have something pretty to look at instead of a functional fireplace. So, yes, kind of important. 🙂

Step Two: Clear space

Remove the full length of the baseboard, where you want your fireplace to be. Using a multi-purpose tool, cut both ends of the baseboard you’re going to remove. Then with an exact-o knife, cut the caulk between the baseboard and the wall. Drive a screwdriver/crowbar behind the baseboard with a hammer and shimmy baseboard away from wall until removed. If you don’t have a multi-purpose tool, you can skip this step. The baseboard will cause a gap between your wall and the surround that you build, but you can just add another strip of wood to cover that up. Either way will work.

Step Three: Build the base

Cut 2×4 to 58″ and place against back wall.

Cut two 2×4’s to 15.5″ and drill 1.5″ pocket holes on both ends. Attach these two 2×4’s to the end of the 58″ 2×4 using 2.5″ pocket hole screws. (As shown below) (You’ll notice, I had not yet removed my baseboard in this picture, however, as you’ll see, I later did)….

Cut a 2×4 to fit between your two 15.5″ 2×4’s. Drill 1.5″ pocket holes on both ends and attach using 2.5″ p.h screws. You will attach this board to the 15.5″ 2×4’s at 11″ from the wall….

Step Four: Build the risers

Essentially, this is like building with legos. Cut twelve 2×4’s at 7.5″ and drill 1.5″ p.h’s on one end. These 12 boards are your risers. You will attach them to the base using 2.5″ p.h. screws, following the placement of the picture below….

Step Five: Attach the stretchers

Now you’re going to cut six 2×4’s to fit on top of the risers. They will span from a front riser to the riser behind it. Attach using 2.5″ screws. Placement shown below…

Step Six: Add Supports

Cut two 2×4’s at 58″ long and attach to stretchers, using 2.5″ screws. Placement shown below…

Here’s a bird’s eye view of what it should look like so far….

Step Seven: Place the fireplace insert

Place the fireplace insert on top of the supports, centered. Ok! Now it’s getting real! Can you see it coming together? So exciting!!

So, what do you think so far? Pretty easy?? The remaining two parts of this 3-part series is more of the same. So simple! Be sure to check back next Thursday as we continue to build a fireplace together. Next up: Building the encasement.

PIN IT FOR LATER….