Gather your essentials
- 70 x 35mm framed untreated pine 5.4m (4)
- 92 x 18mm x 5.4m primed pine molding
- 66 x 18mm x 5.4m primed pine molding
- 31 x 11mm x 5.4m primed pine molding
- Dulux 1 Step Prep Primer and Undercoat
- contour gauge
- packing shim
- 100mm bugle screw
- Toggle anchor
- MDF panel 2400 x 1220 x 12mm (4)
- PVA wood glue
- Selleys liquid nails
- multi-purpose filler
- decorative caulking
- Painting chimneys and wainscoting
- Brad nail gun with angled brad nails
- Make your wallpaper smoother
- wallpaper glue
This is also required
- tape measure
- pencil
- combination square
- miter saw
- circular saw, guide, clamp
- roller
- paintbrush
- stud finder
- multitool with saw blade
- long level
- safety glasses
- ear protection
- chisel
- claw hammer
- Drill
- 5mm drill bit
- impact driver
- jigsaw puzzle
- Spacer (scrap wood cut to 336mm)
- thunder
- 120 grit sandpaper
- vacuum
- ladder
- glue gun
- bucket
- utility knife
- scissors
please note
- Before you begin, measure the entire wall and consider the location and size of your chimney. Note the electrical fire cavity to ensure measurements are accurate. Measure twice, cut once! For electric heaters, consider the location of the electrical point and use it in or near the chimney if possible. Sketch a plan for the placement of chimneys, alcoves, and electrical points. If necessary, book an electrician to install electrical points.
- To facilitate transportation and minimize cutting, most wood suppliers will cut to size for free or for a small fee. Providing a cut list when purchasing wood will simplify your life.
- Hire a brad nailer at your local hardware store to make assembly quick and easy. For masonry walls, use a hammer drill and masonry anchors to attach the chimney.
Sue Ferris
How to make a DIY fireplace wall
step 1
Review the component list and chimney diagram (below) and use a tape measure, pencil, square saw, and miter saw to measure, mark, and cut the chimney components. Cut the MDF panel using a circular saw, guides, and clamps. Apply primer to all MDF panels. Let dry.
Step 2
Assemble the chimney face frame components on a flat, flat surface. Use a brad gun to attach the top and bottom plates to the studs and through the studs to the nogging. Repeat this method for the side frames of the chimney.
Step 3
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Determine the location of the fireplace and use a long level and pencil to mark lines on the wall at 1200mm intervals.
Step 4
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To prepare the wall, remove the baseboards using a chisel and claw hammer. Place the side frames along the inside of the wall stud lines.Mark and cut with multi-tool cutter
Remove the picture rail (if applicable) so the side frame is flush with the wall. Repeat the same steps on the opposite frame.
Chimney diagram
Sue Ferris
Step 5
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To secure the side frame to the wall, pre-drill holes in the wall through the rear studs. Adjust with a level and shims until vertical, adding shims between the wall and studs as needed. Insert the toggle anchor and tighten with an impact driver. Repeat the same steps on the opposite frame.
Step 6
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Using your extra hand, place the chimney face frame between the side frames. Make the corners square and secure it to the side frame.
Step 7
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To complete the chimney frame assembly, pre-drill evenly spaced holes in the face and side studs. Insert the 100mm screw and tighten with an impact driver.
Step 8
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Use a contour gauge to trace the outline of the coving on the side panel of the chimney. Cut to fit with a jigsaw and make sure everything fits in place. If the wall is off-line, mark the panel with a contour gauge and cut it with a jigsaw.
Step 9
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Working one panel at a time, apply liquid nail to the chimney frame and PVA to the MDF joints. Attach all panels and then secure with brads.
Step 10
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Fill the nail holes and join the panels with filler and scraper. Let it dry, then paint the sand-filled area with a sander and her 120-grit paper. Vacuum the area and apply two coats of water-based paint in your chosen color. Allow to dry after each coat.
Step 11
Sue Ferris
Use your extra hand to slide the fireplace into the cavity. Secure it to the studs with the included screws. Please refer to the assembly instructions for the electric fire extinguisher.