In this article, we’ll show you how to build out a wall to install an electric fireplace. We’ll demonstrate the steps on our lovely fireplace model: the Dimplex Opti-V. This is a two-sided unit, so we’ll be building out both sides of the wall.
Measure where your electric fireplace will be placed.
- Measure where your electric fireplace will be placed. You need to measure for height, width, and depth. Make sure you have enough space for the fireplace itself; you also want to make sure that there is room for it’s frame. Also consider whether or not you would like to be able to walk around your new electric fireplace when in use; if so, make sure there’s more than enough space between the unit and any walls or furniture nearby.
- Use a tape measurer (or ruler) to get an accurate measurement of each dimension before moving on.
Establish the framing for the wall.
- Use a level to make sure your framing is straight.
- Use a stud finder to find out where the studs are and drive in nails through them at intervals of 24 inches apart.
- Always wear goggles and a mask when working with wood, even if it’s just securing one nail into place
- Have someone help you move heavy objects like shelves or bookcases that need to be attached to walls and ceilings (or even floors), as these can be dangerous if dropped from high up onto people below them.
Place shims between the framing and the wall in order to level.
Once the framing is in place, you have to level it. You’ll use shims to do this. Shims are thin pieces of wood that can be wedged between framing and wall studs or joists. They’re used to create small adjustments in height, which will help you level your fireplace properly.
Shims should be placed along the top of the wall for several reasons:
- They provide a flat surface for attaching electrical wires that may eventually run through your fireplace
- They help adjust any unevenness caused by an out-of-level floor or ceiling joist (the horizontal beams that support a floor) above your fireplace
To make sure your electric fireplace sits evenly flush against its casing, install shims at each corner of the frame and along its sides so it sits square with no gaps between it and its casing.
Frame the opening of your fireplace in your newly constructed wall.
The next step is to frame your opening in the newly constructed wall. Use a stud finder to locate the studs (plural of “stud”) and mark each one with a pencil on both sides. You should also mark any pipes or electrical lines that are in the way, but don’t worry about them just yet—you can go back and cut them out later once everything else is finished.
It’s best to use 2x4s for this job because they are sturdy enough to support heavy loads, but not so thick that it makes your fireplace look too big. However, if you want something more attractive than plain old boards then you can use 1/2-inch cedar for extra warmth and style without breaking the bank like cherry wood would do.
Next step: make sure everything is level! Using a level will help prevent problems later on down the road when attaching shims or drywall screws might be difficult if there isn’t enough flat surface space available due to uneven walls or floors being crookedly laid out before they were painted over.
Cut out space for wiring as needed.
Measure and mark the opening, then cut it out with a saw. Use a stud finder to locate the studs on your wall, and mark them with a pencil as you go. Cut an opening that’s 1 inch bigger than the wires or conduit. Make sure this opening is level with the rest of the wall so there won’t be any bumps in its placement.
Place drywall over top of studs and screw it in place securely.
- Place drywall over top of studs and screw it in place securely.
- Use a power drill and drywall screws to attach the drywall to the studs. Don’t over-tighten the screws, or you’ll risk breaking them off inside your wall!
- Be sure not to use drywall anchors either, as they can weaken your walls significantly—and should only be used for lightweight items like picture frames or shelves. If you need help hanging heavier items after installing new wood floors, consult an expert who knows what they’re doing; this is definitely not something that kids should try at home!
- Do not use a hammer (or any kind of tool) for installing drywall panels; doing so could cause serious damage that’s impossible to fix once it happens.
Ensure that drywall has been taped properly to allow for smooth finishing.
Once you’ve taped the drywall and applied mud to the tape, it’s time to smooth out that mud. You can use a wallboard sander or just rub it out with your hand. When you’re done sanding or rubbing, remove any excess dust and then let the wall dry overnight.
Once dry, you’ll be able to paint or stain the wood however you like.
Sanding is key to a smooth finish, so sand until you’re happy with the results.
To prepare your wall for the electric fireplace, you will need to sand it down. This is a step that can’t be skipped if you want to have a smooth finish on your wall. You can use a sander and/or sanding sponge to smooth out the drywall and make sure it’s ready for paint. The best way to do this is by using a vacuum after each pass of the sander or sponge so that all dust is removed. If you’re doing this yourself, start with 100-grit sandpaper and work your way up through 150-, 220-, 320-, 400-grit until you can feel comfortable with how smooth the surface feels under your fingers (about 400 grit). Follow up by cleaning off any remaining dust with a damp cloth before moving onto painting stage.
Building out your own wall for an electric fireplace can save time and money if done right
Building out your own wall for an electric fireplace can save time and money if done right. It’s not a difficult or complicated task, either. Here are some things to keep in mind when building out your own wall for your electric fireplace:
- Make sure you’re allowed to mount it on the wall before you buy one. Some fireplaces come with pre-drilled holes so that they can be mounted on a flat surface like a wall or mantelpiece. If that’s not an option, get yourself into contact with someone who has built out their own walls before and ask them how they did it; maybe they’ll give you some useful advice!
- Be sure to plan ahead of time where exactly everything will go once the project is finished up! That way nothing goes wrong when installing things together later down the line (especially since this part takes place indoors). You should also take note of any safety precautions that may apply during installation–some materials might be flammable while others aren’t safe around open flames at all times so make sure those dangers aren’t present anywhere near where work might happen throughout construction phase.”
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to build out a wall for an electric fireplace, you can start planning your project. Review these steps before moving forward with construction work, and remember to always wear protective gear if needed. If any part of this process seems too advanced for your skill level, contact a trusted electrician or contractor who can complete the job safely and correctly. Good luck
