Creating a Faux Fireplace

Materials:

measuring tape
pencil
4-ft. level
studfinder
plywood
marble tiles (for the hearth)
bullnose wood trim (for the trim around the hearth)
putty knife
pry bar
reciprocating saw
drill
wall anchors
3" screws
pneumatic nailer
poplar wood trim
wood glue
crown molding, chair railing and support posts/anchors (for accent)
decorative trim

Steps:

1. Determine the wall location of the faux fireplace and take measurements. Mark the center point of the wall and measure equal distances from this mark to determine the cuts.

2. Use a studfinder to mark the locations of the wall studs.

4. Transfer the measurements to sheets of plywood and cut to size. Place the first board on the wall and check for level. Screw pilot holes through the plywood into the wall (figure B) at roughly eight-inch intervals along each side. Remove the plywood and insert wall anchors directly into the pilot holes. Replace the plywood and attach with three-inch screws. Attach screws through both the wall anchors as well as the wall stud locations (figure C).

5. Now that the plywood is attached to the drywall, it's time to concentrate on the hearth. Secure the first section of 5/8" plywood to the floor with screws. This area will support the tiles. Surround this area with a three-inch-wide band of 1/4" plywood using a pneumatic nailer (figure D). This plywood will support the back portion of the oak bullnose.

6. Next, apply tile glue to the plywood and install the tiles (figure E). These tiles are 12" x 12" marble tiles. The final step for the hearth is to apply 12" bullnose oak around the perimeter of the tile for the finished look (figure F). Use a pneumatic nailer. Oak bullnose was used here to match the oak floor.

7. Measure in 6-3/4" from the edge of the plywood and draw a vertical plumb line through that mark (remember that your measurements may be different, these are specific to this project). Add a generous amount of construction adhesive to the back of a marble strip and set in place (figure G).

8. Repeat the same process with the other vertical and long horizontal pieces of marble. Temporarily brace the pieces with plywood scraps. The final step in this stage is to add another layer of plywood next to the marble. This layer will bring the backing out to the same thickness as the marble, so that the first piece of molding will be able to lap around the marble surround. The marble surround is now in place (figure H).

9. To apply your first layer of trim, apply wood glue to the plywood, add the trim, ensure the trim is flush with the outer edge and secure with a pneumatic nailer. Repeat the same process for the other side of the fireplace. A final horizontal wood piece should be applied over the top of the marble surround (figure I).

10. Use wood glue and finishing nails to attach the post anchors to the fireplace. Slide the support posts in place and secure with finishing nails (figure J). Attach the mantle shelf to the posts and add a poplar piece to frame out the bottom portion of the mantle (figure K).

11. Attach decorative trim around the mantle and posts (figure L). Attach the first trim pieces around the top portion of the fireplace. This is where the mirror will be located.

12. Add a post assembly for added accent (figure M) with crown molding. Lift the mirror into the opening and secure. Add additional decorative trim, prime and paint. The finished fireplace should look like this image (figure N). It will take two days to complete and should cost less than 1000 dollars.