How To Build Out Wall For Fireplace

Fireplaces are a great way to make a house feel warm and cozy. But if you don’t already have a fireplace, it can be tough to build one into an existing home’s structure. One way around this is to build out the wall that the fireplace would be built into. In this article, I will walk you through everything you need to know about building out a wall for your fireplace. If you follow these instructions carefully while paying attention to state and local laws, you should end up with a sturdy wall that will work well with your new fireplace.

1. Frame the new fireplace wall.

  • Frame the new fireplace wall.

Use a level and chalk line to make sure the frame is straight, then mark the stud locations on the wall with a framing square. Attach each stud at 16″ on center (OC), leaving 2″ of space between each post for wiring and other penetrations (Figure A). Toenail each stud into place with 2-1/2-in.-long nails from your framing nail gun; pre-drill holes where necessary to prevent splitting (Figures B–D).

Use a reciprocating saw or circular saw fitted with plywood blade or metal cutting blade to cut out openings for doors, windows, fireplaces and chimneys (see [how_to_build_a_fireplace] section). If you plan to insulate your fireplace wall after you install it—which is recommended if you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing—you’ll need more insulation than what’s provided by standard fiberglass batts: add another layer of insulation between 16″ OC over the existing layer at least every 24″.

2. Install the stone front.

  • Make sure the stone is not too small for the fireplace.
  • Make sure the stone is not too big for the fireplace.
  • Make sure it’s level with the rest of the fireplace.
  • Don’t buy anything made from a material that will crack easily or will be too heavy for your frame to hold up, like granite or marble—although if you do get any of those things, make sure they have mortar joints (the little pieces between each piece that hold them together) and no visible spaces between them so they don’t deteriorate quickly. If you’re getting slate tiles, make sure they have a natural finish on them so their colors match well together; otherwise, choose tiles with bold colors (like red) since this will help hide any imperfections caused by cracks appearing over time due to wear-and-tear

3. Stucco the wall that is exposed to weather

  • Stucco the wall that is exposed to weather

Stucco is a mix of Portland cement, sand and water. It’s very versatile in that it can be applied using various tools, including trowels, sponges and paintbrushes. For this step in our DIY project we’ll use a mortar mix that’s suitable for stucco (check the label on your bag of cement). Use safety glasses while working with cement as well as gloves and a face mask if you have them available; it will help protect your eyesight and reduce inhalation hazards by keeping dust out of your lungs. If possible work in an area with good ventilation so fumes don’t build up around you while you’re applying the coating to your walls

4. Set the top cap in place

  • Make sure all the joints are tight and even.
  • Insert shims as necessary to make sure your top cap is level, square, and plumb (vertical).
  • Check all corners again for tightness before proceeding with installing trim pieces or drywall if applicable

5. Make sure that the chimney is strong enough for a wood burning fireplace

  • Make sure that the chimney is strong enough for a wood burning fireplace. If you’re installing a freestanding fireplace in your home, then you’ll need to make sure that the chimney is strong enough to support the weight of your new hearth.
  • Frame the new wall. Locate and install the studs along either side of where you plan to build out your hearth. Remember that staggered studs will help support heavy objects on top of them, so stagger them accordingly if this is an issue for you (such as if it’s going over a staircase).
  • Put back part of your existing wall for stucco application. Since we’re building out this area from inside our house, we don’t want to lose sight of what’s behind it; therefore we’ll be leaving some parts exposed so we can still see through there while working with stucco or plaster materials later on down these steps.”

6. Put the back of the fireplace in place

The next step is to put the back of the fireplace in place. This will require some heavy lifting, so you may want to enlist help from a friend or family member. The chimney needs to be strong enough for a wood burning fireplace, but it’s also important that you don’t damage your walls while doing this!

Once everything is in place and secured properly, it’s time to paint your new firebox (or whatever color you choose). Just remember: if you’re going with an exterior finish, make sure that your wall can handle it

You can extend your fireplace by building out the wall that it is built into.

In order to expand your fireplace, you must first make sure that your wall can support the additional weight. If it is not strong enough, you will have trouble with the structural integrity of your home. You also need to make sure that the wall is properly insulated and waterproofed before adding on an extension. Finally, it is imperative that any exposed metal surfaces are fireproofed as well.

Conclusion

Building out the wall for a fireplace is a good project to increase the size of your fireplace. Be sure to install a chimney that goes up and out from the new fireplace. Brick or stone can be used in front of the fireplace, depending on whether you will use it for wood or gas burning. A top cap should be put in place to keep rain and snow from coming down into the firebox of your new extended fireplace.

Leave a Comment

error: Content is protected !!