Fireplace makeover-Phase three: An easy to follow, DIY tutorial on how to build a fireplace surround.
I saved the best for last. My favorite part of the Fireplace Makeover was covering up that dated, ugly tile. I purposely saved this step as a grand finale to myself! After all, that tile is the primary reason I have wanted (since we moved into this house 12 years ago) to update our fireplace. I have never liked it and I’m happy to say, it is GONE! Well, it’s still there, but you can’t see it anymore. 🙂 Not all of it anyway. So, how did I do it? By building a fireplace surround….Let’s get to the details….
But first, as I’ve done with all of the posts in this series (Phase 1; Phase 2), a quick
BEFORE…
and AFTER….
How to Build a Fireplace Surround Covering Tile
Materials Needed:
MDF Board (amount needed is dependent upon project)
Sharpie
Gorilla Construction Adhesive  (Affiliate Link)
Caulk
Primer   (Affiliate Link)
Paint
Tools Needed:
Table saw
Miter saw
Step One: Outline where MDF will go
Draw on your tile the outline of where you want your MDF to go, using a sharpie. I chose to expose some of my tile and not cover up all of it.
Step Two: Cut MDF to fit
Using your table saw, cut MDF to fit in space outlined in step one.
Step Three: Attach MDF
Attach MDF with Gorilla Construction Adhesive. Just as a side note, I did my homework on this glue and learned that it is one of, if not the strongest, adhesive available on the market. It worked very well. I do highly recommend it. (Affiliate Link)
Attach all pieces with your adhesive…
Step Four: Outline trim designÂ
Determine the design you want your fireplace to have. I found it easiest to draw out this design on my MDF boards…
Then I was able to cut the right size needed for all of my trim work….
This is the pattern I mapped out….
Step Five: Caulk, Caulk, Caulk
Caulk all of those seams!!
Step Six: Prime MDF
MDF is very absorbent, so it is helpful and ensures less work (who doesn’t like that?) if you prime before you paint. This is the primer I like to use…
As you can see, I also primed my tile that I kept exposed….
Step Seven: Paint
Next, I painted my exposed tile gray (Sherwin Williams Peppercorn)…
Then I painted all of my MDF with Sherwin Williams Extra White.
I wasn’t real wild about the faux wood handles on my fireplace doors, so I painted those too….
Can I just say, I am loving the new look of our fireplace!! And it only took 3 simple phases to get the fireplace I have been dreaming of. So worth it!! And the best part–I did it!! Think of all the money I saved. And the satisfaction of knowing that I built that–so rewarding!
Don’t forget to PIN THIS tutorial to your Pinterest boards…
Until next time,
Happy Building, Friend!!
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Fireplace Makeover Series:
Fireplace Makeover from Contemporary to Modern Farmhouse
How to Build a Faux Wood Beam Mantel
How to Build a Raised Fireplace Hearth
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Is this safe to get so hot from the fireplace?
I recommend, to keep it to fire code, only use these plans with an electric fireplace. An idea would be to cover with brick, stone, or tile.
~Nicole