How to make a decorative fireplace with imitation of fire. How to build a decorative fireplace with your own hands, from which to make a false fireplace Decorative fireplace in the room with your own hands

23.06.2020

The desire for comfort and coziness is inherent in each of us. The warmth of the hearth is not empty words. What could be better than spending evenings by the fireplace watching the flames? Owners of private houses can afford a real fireplace, but for residents of city apartments, this, unfortunately, is an unaffordable luxury. But for real masters, nothing is impossible, and today we will tell you how to make a false fireplace in an apartment.

What is a fake fireplace and why is it needed

In a city apartment, conditions will not allow you to install an ordinary fireplace. The absence of chimneys, ceilings that are not designed for such loads are the main obstacles to obtaining permission to build such a structure. False fireplaces come to the rescue, which you can easily assemble on your own, without having special skills in construction work.

Of course, you can buy an electric fireplace - such devices are now common, and their installation will not take much time and effort. But creating a fireplace with your own hands is a very exciting activity, it gives vent to imagination, allows you to make an exclusive thing. In addition, an open fire in an apartment is optional (and it is unlikely that you will be allowed to do this), and a false fireplace will serve you as a multifunctional decoration.

Note! Although you will not light a fire in a false fireplace, still do not put flammable things below. Especially if the building covers heating batteries or you plan to put electrical appliances in the furnace.

The fake fireplace looks like the real one

Artificial fireplaces have the following advantages:

cheapness - you only need money for materials;
availability of materials necessary for the manufacture of the structure;
the ability to change the decor at any time according to your mood;
use in decorating inexpensive, but original and beautiful materials.

False fireplaces are divided into 3 groups:

Reliable artificial fireplaces completely imitate the real ones, respecting both the dimensions and design principles. Inside the firebox, you can install a bio-fireplace burner, which will provide an almost exact effect of a burning hearth. Quite an expensive option, but it looks the most believable.
Conditional false fireplaces have a portal protruding from the wall. They can be decorated according to your taste and desire. The furnace hole is usually filled with firewood or candles are placed there.
Symbolic can be made from any materials. Their peculiarity is that they are not at all like an ordinary fireplace. It can even be a picture made on the wall with some decorative elements.

Manufacturing options

For the manufacture of artificial fireplaces, the simplest materials are used, which can always be found not only in the store, but also at home:

drywall;
plywood;
Styrofoam;
cardboard;
tree;
brick;
polyurethane.

You can make such a structure even from old furniture, which has already served its purpose, but it's a pity to throw it away.

This is the simplest and fast way. You only need to buy a polyurethane portal for the fireplace. The most difficult part of this task will be the choice of style and size suitable for the room, and everything else will take you a minimum of time and effort.

If you want to insert an electric fireplace, consider its installation and dimensions, the method of connecting to the mains and the quality of ventilation.

The lightweight polyurethane frame of the raised fireplace saves you a lot of installation hassle.

You will need:

polyurethane portal for a fireplace;
contact adhesive;
putty;
materials for finishing the firebox (for example, decorative brick).

And now we will tell you step by step how to install such a fireplace.

The best place to install such a fireplace is one of the side walls of the room. The structure should not clutter up the room and interfere with the passage.
If you decide to place an electric fireplace or decorative electric lighting inside the portal, first take care of the wiring and socket.
Make the frame of the furnace from a profile or wooden blocks, and the walls from plywood or drywall.
Install the portal, carefully fix it on the contact adhesive. Carefully fill the gaps between the portal and the firebox with finishing putty.
Finish the firebox in the style you have chosen, or install an electric fireplace. If desired, you can install a mantel made of artificial stone or wood.

Such portals are made not only from polyurethane, but also from wood. They are much more expensive, but among them you can find real masterpieces, additionally equipped with, for example, a built-in bar.

plywood construction

This idea comes in handy if you need to hide some flaw in the room, such as an old heating radiator, which will cost a lot to replace. A false fireplace will come in handy here.

The need to cover up the old heating radiator- a great opportunity to install a false fireplace

Carry out calculations and make a drawing of the future structure. This will help you not to waste extra money and time.

Drawing of a standard fireplace

Note! When you develop a drawing, refer to ready-made options stone fireplaces. Based on them, you can easily design your false fireplace.

First of all, install the frame right in place. Wooden blocks are suitable for it.

Frame made of bars for a raised fireplace

Next, sheathe the frame with plywood. The design of the fireplace and its appearance can be adjusted during operation. For example, you can add a podium to the portal. A heating battery is located inside the structure, so it is better to assemble the frame with screws: nails at high temperatures do not guarantee a snug fit of plywood to the bars in the future.

Frame covered with drywall

On the back wall, fix a firebox on the bar that imitates a fireplace. Cover all exposed surfaces with self-adhesive tape.

Install the firebox and cover it with foil

Close the corners of the portal with a wooden layout, also paste over it with a film of the same color.

The corners of the portal must be closed and also pasted over with a film

This design turns out to be easily removable (it is not attached to the wall at this stage), and you will easily get access to the radiator. The fireplace insert needs to be decorated with something, so you can put a metal mesh tray on the battery.

A metal mesh tray that will become the bottom of the firebox

You will fill it with pebbles, firewood or other decorative elements.

Pour pebbles or other filler into the metal mesh

You can order a fireplace grate or make it yourself. To do this, you will need a copper profile. If it is not available, aluminum wire inserted into a PVC tube and painted with gold paint will do. Such a grate is attached to the fireplace body with copper wire in 4 places.

Scheme of a metal grate

Pipes that fit the battery can be closed with a continuation of the podium.

Close the heating pipes with a podium

So that useful space is not wasted, make a bar under the mantelpiece.

Use of additional space

As a result, you will get such a fireplace, almost indistinguishable from the real one.

Finished fake fireplace

New life for old furniture

This is the most a budget option. You surely have old wardrobe or sideboard. Do not rush to throw away this piece of furniture: based on it, you can easily make a wonderful imitation of a backlit fireplace.

you will need:

plywood sheets;
wood grinder;
jigsaw;
screwdriver;
acrylic paint;
putty;
LED Strip Light;
stucco, decorative elements, gypsum finishing stone;
surfaces.

Remove the doors from the old sideboard, remove the lower cabinet. The top section will remain, put it on its side.
Preparing an old sideboard for work
Screw two beams in front.
Screw 2 beams
Top and bottom, fasten two sheets of plywood to the bars. Thus, the required thickness will be given to the fireplace.
Fix plywood sheets
Cut a hole in the door of the side cabinet (which is now at the bottom) for the “blower”. Here you can store firewood, as in a real fireplace.
Cut a hole for the "blower"
Your fake fireplace will need a plinth and a mantelpiece. Two backs from the old bed can act as them. Don't forget to unscrew their legs.
The headboards will serve as a pedestal and a mantelpiece
The design is ready, now you need to start finishing work. Roughen polished surfaces with a grinder to make them rough. Prime the walls; after they dry - putty and level the surface. Dry the putty, sand the bumps. Paint the hull acrylic paint, finish the corners with brick or artificial stone. Stick decorative elements, install a mantelpiece.
Finishing a fake fireplace from old furniture
Set up a firebox. Glue around the perimeter led strip. Suitable red or yellow - they perfectly imitate a smoldering fire. Fill the bottom with shells, pebbles or sand.
Decorate the firebox: glue the LED strip, put pebbles, shells or sand on the bottom

As a result, you will get such a magnificent fireplace in vintage style.

Ready-made false fireplace from an old sideboard

Imitation of a plasterboard fireplace

This time we will consider the option of a corner false fireplace made of drywall. This task will be more difficult than the previous ones. Why a corner fireplace? Because under the conditions small apartment the corner is the freest place, which is ideal for installing such a structure.

Corner false fireplace made of drywall

So, you will need the following materials:

metal profile - 13 pcs;
moisture resistant drywall 9.5 mm - 3 sheets;
tiles - 5 m;
self-tapping screws - 200 pcs;
grout for tiles;
LED Strip Light;
decorative grille.

Calculate the dimensions. In this case, please note: if you need to close the battery, you need to do it so that it can be easily reached. For possible emergencies it is better to let the battery through the bottom opening.
Approximate diagram of a corner fireplace
After the calculations are made, and the fireplace diagram is drawn up, begin to mount the frame. Suitable for him ceiling profile Plus it's cheaper.
Immediately make the wiring for the backlight. As you can see in the first photo, in our case there are three output points: two on the facade and one above the shelf. An LED strip is used as a backlight.
The furnace hole can be made with double walls. A non-combustible insulation will be laid between them.
Finishing a false fireplace with decorative tiles
For decorative finishes, you can use stone tiles. It is made of plaster, so it is not suitable for work surfaces.

This fireplace takes approximately 1.6 square meters. A small electric fireplace or a small alcohol burner can be placed inside the firebox.

Finishing

It is very important that the fireplace harmoniously fit into the interior of the room. You should carefully choose the style, color. But besides decorative trim should please the eye and create comfort.

How to achieve imitation of fire in a fireplace? Above, we offered options with LED strip, which provides lighting with a burning effect. But progress does not stand still, and an electronic photo frame can serve you well. It is a liquid crystal display, which is adapted to display pictures. You need a model capable of playing animated files such as GIFs. Upload an image of a burning fire to the photo frame and enjoy!

Many owners of false fireplaces are very fond of decorating niches with spaced candles of different heights. It looks beautiful, stylish, and gives a real live fire.
An excellent choice would be to install a mirror in the depth of the furnace niche, on the wall. A mirror will multiply the reflections from candles or electric lighting and add mystery to the fireplace.
Artificial stone will help you to provide the effect of an expensive finish. It comes in a variety of colors and textures. Tiles, bas-reliefs and decorative tiles will give expressive individuality to the building. But do not overdo it: excessive pomposity may be out of place in your interior.
Doors for false fireplaces will probably be superfluous, but if you decide to install them, make them from plexiglass. They can be transparent or tinted, but the light and glare of the "fire" are simply required to pass through.
It is better to arrange a fireplace imitation firebox with a forged metal grate. It can be bought or ordered from the workshop.

Photo gallery of artificial fireplaces

An original and concise version - a simple niche with candles

Video: how to make a fake drywall fireplace with your own hands

As you can see, building a fireplace at home on your own is not at all difficult, and also cheap, especially if it is only an imitation. Accuracy, attention, the desire to do something original and creative imagination - that's all you need in order to enjoy the comfort, like the heroes of classic films. Share with us your experience in implementing such ideas, or ask any questions you have about this topic. Easy work for you and comfort for your home!

Share with friends!

The presence of a fireplace in the room makes the environment warmer and more comfortable. If, for any reason, you cannot or do not want to equip a real fireplace with fire and all related attributes, consider decorating a fake fireplace with your own hands.

To implement this idea, you can use many various materials. At the same time, you will be able to cope with the implementation of all activities on your own. Familiarize yourself with the features of the available solutions, study the instructions and get started.

What can a decorative fireplace be made of?

Craftsmen have come up with a lot of design of false fireplaces. We offer you an overview of the most popular of them.

Brick

This material allows you to bring the design as close as possible decorative design to the appearance of a real fire. A false fireplace is laid out from decorative or facing bricks for jointing.

Anyone who has ever encountered masonry work can cope with the implementation of this event. However, you must first make sure that the existing floor can withstand the weight of the finished structure, especially if it has large dimensions.

A beautifully laid out brick decorative portal does not need any additional. To decorate it, it is best to use a massive wooden shelf - the combination is very successful and attractive.

chipboard

Laminated boards and other similar materials are great for decorating raised fireplaces.

In order for the design to have a neat and attractive appearance, it is necessary to thoroughly prepare for the upcoming work. Preparation comes down to creating a drawing indicating all the dimensions of the future false fireplace. According to this drawing, it will be possible to order the sawing of plates in a specialized company, or you can do it yourself if you have the required skills.

If you want to save money, laminated boards can be replaced with a more budgetary counterpart - chipboard. After assembling the structure, you can do it at your discretion.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane decor

Products made of polyurethane are mainly used to decorate finished structures. However, if desired, all kinds of moldings, platbands and semi-columns can be glued directly to the wall. Such a design will not look like a full-fledged fireplace, however, special decorating techniques will allow you to profitably beat the portal, making it look like a real fire.

For example, you can attach a mirror to the back wall of the “firebox” of such a fireplace. Thanks to this technique, the depth of the "furnace" will increase. To heighten the effect, a wooden shelf stylized as a fireplace can be fixed above the portal.

This material is most often used to decorate false fireplaces. Drywall is extremely easy to assemble and goes well with a wide variety of finishes. From sheet material it is possible to draw up spatial forms of almost any complexity. At the same time, the cost of drywall makes it affordable for a wide range of buyers.

Sheet construction requires mandatory finishing. But this is rather an advantage of the material, and not its disadvantage - over time, the lining can be changed without dismantling, at the same time, the decorative portal itself.

Beautiful plasterboard fireplace unusual finish plaster

Drywall false fireplace: step-by-step assembly instructions

Instructions for self-registration false fireplace will be considered on the example of sheet drywall.

The first stage is the preparation of tools and materials

Start by preparing a set for work. First of all, you will need the drywall itself. When choosing a material, be guided by the features of the selected finishing cladding. If tiling is planned, it is better to buy a moisture-resistant modification of drywall.

To fasten the frame elements, buy self-tapping screws. The recommended length of the fasteners is 1.4-1.6 cm. You also need to buy self-tapping screws with a countersunk head to fix the sheets. In addition, you need to purchase dowel-nails for attaching the profiles to the floor and walls.

Next, focus on the features of the selected finish. If you are going to wallpaper the portal or paint it, get a primer and putty. If the false fireplace will be tiled, buy tile adhesive and grout.

Choose the required amount of materials individually, taking into account the dimensions of the future decorative fireplace. Drywall construction can have a wide variety of sizes. When choosing a particular option, be guided by the available space and personal preferences.

Thickness	The size	Square	Weight
12.5mm	1200x2500 mm	3 sq.m	28.9 kg
12.5mm	1200x2700 mm	3.24 sq.m	31.2 kg
12.5mm	1200x3000 mm	3.6 sq.m	34.7 kg

The set of necessary tools includes:

screwdriver;
electric drill;
scissors for cutting metal;
level;
roulette.

The second stage is the installation of the frame

First step. Apply markings on the walls and floor for the installation of profiles. Work according to the drawing. Place labels taking into account the selected dimensions of the fireplace.

Second step. Fasten the guides along the drawn lines. If fixing to a concrete surface, first attach the profile to the base, drill holes according to the marking, insert dowels into them and then attach the guides.

Third step. Install the racks into the rails. Fasten the products with self-tapping screws.

Before fastening the profiles, it is recommended to check the evenness of the wall with a plumb line. If deviations are found, fix the guides using straight hangers. These products will allow the installation of products strictly vertically.

First, assemble the frame for the entire structure, then for the portal with a recess under the "firebox". To make the base more rigid, connect long horizontal profiles and vertical posts with additional jumpers.

If desired, you can give the furnace opening a curly shape. To do this, it is enough to carefully cut through the stiffeners of the mounting profile and bend the product in accordance with your idea.

The third stage - facing the frame with drywall

Mark the sheet according to the dimensions of the fireplace and cut out the necessary details. For the material it is best to use electric jigsaw. If this is not available, cut with a simple wallpaper knife. In this case, you will first need to cut the cardboard layer on one side of the sheet, carefully break the plate, and then cut the second layer of cardboard.

Fix the trim elements to the frame. Screw the screws into the material so that their hats are slightly recessed. The recommended fastener spacing is 100-150 mm.

There should be no problems with fastening the sheets. Even without such experience, you will be able to cope with the skin. Just remember that it is a relatively fragile material, so try not to drop it and do not press too hard on the screwdriver when screwing in the fasteners.

Video - Making a false fireplace

Stage four - finishing

Having sheathed the frame with drywall sheets, you just have to complete the finishing decoration of the structure. When choosing a finish option, be guided, first of all, by the design features of the room as a whole.

Most often, artificial stone, decorative brick and are used for facing false plasterboard fireplaces. To fix the finishing elements, tile glue or liquid nails are used. When cladding with tiles of the correct form, lay them with the same gaps. For their design, use special plastic crosses.

Brick or stone trim is unlikely to fit into modern interior. In such a situation, for finishing the fireplace, it is best to use paint or decorative plaster. Previously, the surface must be carefully treated with putty, sealing the joints between the skin elements and eliminating any kind of irregularities. After puttying, the surfaces are additionally cleaned with sandpaper.

Otherwise, when choosing a finish option, be guided by your taste preferences.

In conclusion, you will have to install an electric fireplace in the opening of the "firebox" or finish the free space at your discretion. For example, instead of installing an electric fireplace, you can equip the firebox with warm and soft lighting - a great option for classic interior. A more modern and bold solution is the design of the “firebox” with the help of a multi-colored LED strip.

You can use a mirror to decorate the back wall of the firebox. Attach it to the surface, and lay out the bottom of the firebox with decorative logs or other material, such as shells and pebbles.

Putting a few candles in the firebox different shapes and size, you will create a real fire in your fireplace.

There are many ideas for decorating a false fireplace. You can use the suggested solutions or come up with something yourself - everything is limited only by your imagination.

Successful work!

TOP 10 best hearths and electric fireplaces

	Name	Rating
#1		⭐ 99 / 100
#2		⭐ 98 / 100 1 - voice
#3		⭐ 97 / 100 1 - voice
#4		⭐ 96 / 100 1 - voice
#5		⭐ 95 / 100
#6	Hearth RealFlame Epsilon 26 SIR	⭐ 94 / 100
#7	RealFlame Fobos Lux BL S	⭐ 93 / 100
#8	Electrolux EFP/W-1100RRC	⭐ 93 / 100
#9	Royal Flame Dioramic 25 LED FX	⭐ 92 / 100
#10	Real Flame Dewy	⭐ 91 / 100

Prices for electric fireplaces and stoves

Electric fireplaces and stoves

Video - Do-it-yourself false fireplace

Model of an electric fireplace with an ultra-modern design. The body of the device is made of high-tech plastic, the back wall has 3 color modes. The backlight of the hearth has 10 different shades. Remote control remote control you can change any settings. Type of decorative fuel - dummies of stones. The electric fireplace can be built into the portal or any other furniture, as well as hung on the wall.

remote control control;
there is a shutdown timer;
a wide selection of firebox and wall lighting;
the fireplace quickly warms up the room;
The device is energy efficient.

not found.

Electric fireplace Royal Flame Space 2

A model of an electric hearth with a 3D effect. The user has the ability to adjust the level of the flame with the control panel. Performance in heating mode is a maximum of 1.5 kW, which allows you to heat a room up to 30 square meters. The device has 2 heating modes, protection against overheating.

control settings using the remote control;
it is possible to embed in any portal;
2 heating functions: 0.75 and 1.5 kW;
wood crackling sound effect;
having a timer.

high price.

Electric fireplace REALFLAME 3D FIRESTAR 33

Modern electric fireplace design created using the latest technologies. The appliance has a rounded shape and a large width, and thanks to its ultra-thin depth, it can be built into any furniture or niche. The manufacturer offers a model in four color solutions. The body of the electric fireplace is made of MDF, inner part lined with heat-resistant metal tiles. Due to this design, the risk of burns is eliminated, which is very good for owners, especially for families with small children. The flame simulation function and the heating mode are independent of each other, but if necessary, they can be combined. Consumers noted the modern appearance of the device, a realistic image of a fire, its sound effect and the ability to replace modes with a control panel.

the two operating modes are independent of each other;
the presence of the function of "crackling fire";
control of the operation of the settings using the remote control;
great design.

no timer.

Electric fireplace Electrolux EFP/W-1200URLS

Hinged model of an electric fireplace with a power of 2 kW. The device has 3 modes of operation: two heating and decorative. It is possible to choose the option of flame visualization: firewood or coals.

control settings remotely;
there is a sound effect of crackling wood;

the fan makes noise during heating mode;
no timer.

Electric fireplace Electrolux EFP/W-1250ULS

Embedded electric fireplace. It can be installed both in the portal and without it. Decorative image with active flame effect. Thanks to the viewing angle and the 3D effect, the electric fireplace can be viewed from different angles.

suitable for rooms with any interior;
there is a humidification function;
flame level can be adjusted.

V cozy house want to come back again and again. This article will focus on how to improve the interior with a dummy fireplace. About a hearth that anyone can build with a little effort.

The fireplace will perfectly fit into the interior of any room, will give an additional atmosphere of comfort and will be a reason for the pride of its creator. Do-it-yourself home fireplace - easily, you will say to bewitched guests and household members.

It is not necessary to be a professional builder to make a model that is visually close to the original. But the business requires careful preparation, desire and capital investments.

Training

First, let's decide on the room in which the fake fireplace will be located. If this is a room in a private house, then you can construct a brick fireplace. For a city high-rise apartment, such a design will be difficult. We will talk about plasterboard, plywood, stone, brick, foam and cardboard fireplace models. The last two materials require minimal cost for tools and materials. But the other selected materials are more durable, look more spectacular and richer.

Manufacturing process

Step-by-step instructions will help you easily plan the construction of a dummy hearth in your apartment.

Location

First, choose a place for decoration. Given that the flame in the false fireplace is not real or very weak, you should not place the fireplace opposite the window if you plan to light it during the day - it will be hard to see. For evening and night gatherings, any location is suitable. Think of a comfortable corner around your design. soft carpet and beautiful furniture Nobly complement the fireplace and give the whole room warmth and sincerity.

Product design

Choose a design for a fake fireplace so that it harmoniously fits into the interior of the room. Not only the appearance, but also the size of the hearth, it is important to choose the right one. After you need to decide what to put inside your dummy.

In the event that one of the functions of your fireplace is to heat the apartment, then take care of the outlet near the building. An outlet to electricity will also be needed if a plasma TV is installed that imitates fire on the screen.

Hearth drawing

Consider drawing a fireplace. The result of your work depends on a properly constructed foundation. Take into account the features and dimensions of the room. After that, feel free to go to the store to buy suitable materials in the right amount.

Procurement of materials for construction

We determine what the hearth frame is made of. It can be a metal profile or wooden slats. Will the fireplace be static and attached to the wall, or portable?

Drywall, foam or brick? When you use stone or tile as the main material, the frame needs to be made more durable.

We choose fastening tools (screws, glue, etc.) and decoration elements.

Drywall is easy to process and affordable. For beginners in the fireplace business - just right. The composition includes ordinary cardboard impregnated with a special substance. Fire resistance is the main advantage of the material. Also, a decisive role in its choice is played by resistance to moisture and temperature changes. But drywall does not withstand heavy loads.

Plywood is also easy to process and affordable. Environmentally friendly natural product. If you install a fireplace in the bathroom, kitchen or any other room where dampness is present, remember: plywood does not like moisture.

Styrofoam and cardboard structures are the easiest to build. It is possible to make a false fireplace out of them using glue and tape. The main thing is to make a drawing correctly. Please note that such a fireplace is extremely short-lived.

Stone and brick materials are heavy, so before installing, make sure that the product will not bring down the ceiling. These materials do not require a frame, but be sure to make a drawing version of the decorative hearth in order to purchase the right amount of a rather expensive material and make sure that the laying process is correct.

It remains to purchase necessary tools that you don't have. Depending on the materials you choose, you may need:

Metal profile or wooden slats;
Screwdriver (nails do not fit tightly);
Glue (when the fireplace is made of foam or cardboard);
Perforator;
Hacksaw for cutting;
Brushes, spatula, putty

Or it can be tile, mosaic, stone, wallpaper, wood, etc. There is only your discretion and possibilities.

To make sure the product is perfect, get a level for alignment.

Assembly

We cut out the parts from the selected material and fix them with screws (or glue). Act carefully, observe safety precautions.

Registration

Based on the chosen interior solution, start creating. This is perhaps the most interesting part of the process of creating a fireplace model.

In shops building materials you will plunge into a variety of ready-made materials that will make the fireplace exquisite and unique. Starting from putty, similar to leather, stone or wood, ending with ready-made decorative cuttings made of foam or drywall. A budget option can be wallpaper with any suitable pattern or self-adhesive paper.

If you can draw, you can use paint to create any pattern that comes to mind. And by adapting the household to the business, you will create a family heirloom.

Fire in the hearth

To heat a room, consider options such as an electric fireplace or a convector. Subject to the recommendations on fire safety, it is not forbidden to decorate a fireplace product with artificial or real firewood.

It is not possible to install a real fireplace with fire in a city apartment. This is due to a whole range of factors, ranging from weak ceilings to the inability to make the right chimney. That is why city dwellers began to look for alternative options for themselves, and found them.

An excellent solution was a false fireplace, which allows you to create a suitable atmosphere in the apartment, but does not have an obvious heating functionality. You can build such a structure from various materials, for example, gypsum, polyurethane, foam, cardboard and, finally, drywall.

Self-made fake fireplace in the room

One of the simplest solutions is the construction of a structure from drywall sheets. In this article, we will talk about how to make a drywall fireplace with our own hands, give step-by-step construction instructions and a master class on all stages of production.

Preparatory activities

One of the most versatile building materials is drywall. It is unpretentious, easy to work with and able to take on almost any finish. In addition, the cost of this finishing material is acceptable for many people. In most cases, it is used for finishing apartments.

Using drywall sheets and a metal profile, you can create almost any shape. That is why a decorative plasterboard fireplace will become simple and topical solution if you want to make a highlight in the interior of the room, the main accent.

Drywall is used to create a false fireplace frame, it is attached to a metal profile, and then produced exterior finish the resulting structure. This type of construction is very convenient, because if you decide that the plasterboard fireplace imitation should look different, then there will be no particular difficulties in changing the finish, and you can easily change its appearance.

The main decorative element in the room

Step-by-step instructions for building a drywall fireplace with your own hands are as follows:

Preparatory work, purchase of tools and materials.
Assembly of a structure from a metal profile and drywall.
Holding finishing works and creating the finished look.

It is worth noting that preparatory work in many ways will be decisive and very strongly influencing the result. They should start with choosing the right type of false fireplace and drawing up its sketch. You can always view the drawings of fireplaces made of drywall or other materials on the Internet, posted on different portals simple designs and more complex systems.

Having decided on appearance false fireplace, making sure that it will look harmonious in the interior, it is necessary to carry out measuring work on the ground and adjust the drawing of the false fireplace in size. This is done not only in order to properly build the structure, it is important to know how much materials to purchase. When you have a detailed drawing of a drywall fireplace with dimensions, you can easily calculate the budget for future construction.

The easiest drawing of a fireplace

Now that you have the initial data, you can proceed to the selection and purchase of materials. First of all, you will need drywall, which happens various kinds. It will help you decide which type to choose. finishing, it depends on it which drywall to buy. For example, if the cladding is done ceramic tiles, then it is worth taking a moisture-resistant option (GKLV), but if painting is to be done, ordinary drywall (GKL) is also suitable.

Good to know: Imitation of a fireplace in the interior of a living room, original design

Classic varieties of drywall

Other important material becomes a metal profile. To assemble the frame, we need guides and racks. The fastening of the frame elements is carried out with metal screws, they are often called "bugs", and the drywall is sewn to the profile with wood screws. The metal profile is attached to the wall with dowel-nails, or with the same wood screws.

Varieties of metal profile

Depending on the chosen style of fireplace construction, you should purchase Decoration Materials. To bring the product to mind, putty is useful, with its help it will be possible to align the joints of the sheets, cover up the recesses from the screws. The primer will help to more firmly fix the finishing material, which can be wallpaper, paint, tiles, plastic panels, and other options. Each finishing material will need its own glue:

for plastic panels - mounting;
for wallpaper - wallpaper;
for ceramic tiles - dry mix, as well as grout for joints.

The amount of materials is calculated based on the dimensions and design of the drywall fireplace. A correctly drawn up drawing will help you calculate how much it will take to build a fireplace with your own hands from drywall.

In addition, you should make sure that you have a normal tool for the job on hand. What will be required:

For drawing up a drawing and marking - a pencil, a marker, a tape measure, a corner, a level, a plumb line.
To work with drywall and profiles - metal scissors, a construction knife, an electric jigsaw, a screwdriver, a puncher, a screwdriver.
For finishing work - spatulas, brushes, a gun for sealant, containers, glue.

Consider what work you have to do to make a homemade fireplace, and in accordance with this plan, select the right tool.

Assembling the structure frame

When you are thoroughly prepared, when you have a drawing, tools and materials, you can start building a false fireplace frame. The step-by-step method involves the following steps:

Transfer the drawing of the future fireplace to nature, on the walls and floor in the right place. Use the tools to mark up the level and size.
According to the markup, fix the guides to the floor and walls. If you want to attach a guide to concrete wall, then this is done as follows. First, the profile is applied to the intended line, holes are made in it and the wall, then dowels are inserted into the wall, the metal guide is again applied and fixed.

Exhibiting the main supports and guides of the future fireplace

When the guides are fixed, racks are inserted into them and fixed with metal screws. To work with self-tapping screws, use a screwdriver, it is very tiring to carry out such work with a screwdriver. When assembling the main frame, make sure that it is level, and the racks are in a strictly vertical position. The wall can be curved or littered, so you should not focus on it.
Having assembled the general frame of the structure, you can proceed to a more detailed study of the portal, and then to the construction of the furnace. At the same time, do not forget to regularly insert jumpers into the profile, at a distance of 10-15 centimeters from each other. They will give the entire system the required rigidity.
If it is necessary to make rounded edges, then in this case the profile is cut with scissors for metal in several places and bent.

Good to know: False fireplace with candles, creating a candle fireplace with your own hands

When assembling the frame, you will have to try, but the resulting design should inspire confidence in you. The frame made by your hands will become the basis for the entire building. Now we have to sheathe it with drywall.

Fully assembled frame of a raised fireplace from a metal profile

To make the necessary patterns on a drywall sheet, you will again have to use the drawing. To cut drywall, you can use a construction knife or a jigsaw, whichever is more convenient for you. At the same time, we immediately saw the sheet with an electric jigsaw, and we act differently with a knife.

To cut a piece of drywall from a sheet, you should attach a level or even metal profile to the line drawn with a pencil and make an incision with a knife. Thus, it will be possible to cut through the cardboard and hook a little plaster. Then you should break the sheet of drywall along the resulting cut, bend it, then cut the second layer of the cardboard shell and separate the piece.

It is possible to cut off a piece evenly the first time, but after some practice, the work will go on at a higher quality level. Now the cut parts should be fixed on a metal profile. For this, wood screws and a screwdriver are used. Try not to push the head of the self-tapping screw into the drywall too much. Place fasteners in 10-15 cm increments and try not to get into those places where jumpers are installed for frame rigidity, it will be incredibly difficult to pass them with a self-tapping screw.

Properly screwed self-tapping screw into drywall

Facing the frame of a false fireplace with drywall is a very laborious task, but it does not require special skills, all of which will appear during work. Try to handle the drywall carefully, do not drop it on the floor, when screwing in the screws, try not to press very hard and sharply so that the screwdriver does not fly off and damage the drywall.

Gypsum-boarded frame of a raised fireplace

At the final stage, when the frame of the structure is built and sheathed, puttying can be done. Putty will allow you to make even joints, hide small design defects. After grinding, you get a portal with smooth edges and walls. Now we can assume that you built a false plasterboard fireplace with your own hands, it remains only to decorate it. Note that for many people it is easier to buy a ready-made portal, for example, made of polyurethane, in order to immediately proceed to the decoration stage.

Finishing work

The drywall fireplace is ready, it's time to start the most interesting part,. The external image of the room will help you choose the style of decoration, focusing on its design, you can easily select the right materials and decorate your false fireplace.

Decorating a false fireplace with artificial stone

Among the most common options are:

Simple coloring of the structure in White color, by analogy with finishing. To do this, it is necessary to prime the structure, and then paint it with water-based, acrylic or latex paint in several layers.
Finishing the structure with artificial stone. Artificial stone is glued to the frame using tile glue or liquid nails.
Wallpapering an imitation fireplace. Wallpaper can be easily glued to drywall, the main thing is to mix the wallpaper paste correctly. An interesting option may become use liquid wallpaper, a kind of decorative plaster.
sheathing plastic panels with imitation of brickwork, stone, wood. The range of PVC panels in hardware stores is simply huge, it will be easy for you to choose suitable option. We glue the panels to the false fireplace with liquid nails.
Facing a model of a fireplace with a ceramic tile. The tile is perfectly attached to the primed drywall. When laying, use plastic crosses so that the joint lines are even.

The appearance of the finished false fireplace made of drywall

At the final stage, you should deal with the firebox, what can be done:

In a city apartment, it is quite possible to get a living flame if you place a burner from a biofireplace in the firebox of a false drywall fireplace. Of course, you first need to finish the firebox with refractory materials, for example, ceramic tiles.
Another solution allows you to get, in this case we install an electric fireplace in a niche. It will give the room an amazing feeling of the presence of a real fire.
You can install a liquid crystal screen with a live fire image in a niche, which is also a good option for creating the right atmosphere.
A bright glow from the firebox is easy to make by installing mirrored walls and LED strip.
More simple solution decorating the firebox with improvised materials is considered. It is permissible to place artificial or real firewood, tree branches, candle cones in it. Complement the surroundings with decorative accessories located next to the false fireplace.

Good to know: How to make a corner raised fireplace with your own hands, manufacturing technology

You can always search for original ideas for decorating dummies of plasterboard fireplaces and other materials on the Internet, not on the same sites where you looked at the designs of structures for the drawing. Decorating masters are happy to share their achievements with all people.

We hope that now you understand how to make a drywall fireplace at home yourself, now you represent all the stages of work and are ready to start their implementation right now.

We put the frame on the substrate

The owners of city apartments can only dream of a real fireplace with cozy crackling firewood - ceilings typical houses can not withstand such a load, and chimneys in high-rise buildings are almost always absent.

But this is not a reason to abandon the design in the style of a classic living room! Decorative false fireplaces create an atmosphere of comfort and warmth, especially if you equip them with an electric firebox with imitation of a flame.

Building a fake fireplace with your own hands is quite simple, just find or draw a sketch, choose the material of the frame and finish. For the manufacture of a false fireplace, a variety of building materials are suitable: drywall on wooden or metal frame, polyurethane decorative elements, tiles and porcelain stoneware, MDF and chipboard, plywood, polystyrene and even ordinary cardboard. The shape of a decorative fireplace can be completely different, from imitation of a classic hearth to an original design, complemented by other decorative elements.

In this article, we will try to describe in as much detail as possible the process of creating a false fireplace with our own hands, we will provide all the drawings, photos from different angles and a video with the finished product, good luck in construction!

The fastest way to do this is to buy ready-made polyurethane. The range of portals is quite wide and you will certainly be able to choose the style and size that suits your room. An electric fireplace can be built into a ready-made polyurethane portal, for this you need to know its overall and installation dimensions, as well as the requirements for ventilation and connection to the mains. If you want to do everything with your own hands as much as possible, you can go shopping and take measurements from ready-made portals, by purchasing a piece of polyurethane you can make a similar model much cheaper than its finished counterpart!

To create such a fireplace, you need purchased polyurethane, contact glue, putty and finishing materials for the firebox, for example, decorative bricks.

Step-by-step process of installing a raised fireplace

Ready-made portals can be made not only from polyurethane, but also from wood. Their price is much higher, but among them there are real masterpieces, for example, with a bar inside.

Drywall false fireplace, simple and fast

In order to reduce the cost of the budget for a filsh fireplace as much as possible, use the drywall and profile left over from the repair. Such a decorative fireplace will easily fit into any niche or corner, and can also be an element of a whole composition of shelves.

False drywall fireplace - photo

To create a fake drywall fireplace, you will need: a galvanized drywall profile or wooden blocks, sheets or trimmings of drywall or plywood, a screwdriver and a jigsaw, metal scissors, putty and acrylic paint, decorative rock or brick.

Manufacturing technology of a false fireplace made of drywall

The main guarantee of success is a well-thought-out sketch of the future, indicating all the dimensions and the junction of the frame. Measure the room and decide on the location of the fireplace. Calculate the required amount of material, and feel free to get down to business.
A frame is made from a galvanized profile, connecting its elements with the help of self-tapping screws for metal and a screwdriver. Cut the profile with a hacksaw or metal shears. For stability, the frame elements are connected by transverse jumpers. The frame must be attached to the walls and floor if the structure is bulky, heavy or too narrow - i.e. if there is a risk of structural instability.
Sheets of drywall cut out according to the sketch, try on. They trim and fasten with red-hot black self-tapping screws to the profile. The caps of the self-tapping screws are slightly deepened in order to putty later. Drywall is easy to cut with a knife.
Joints and attachment points are puttied and leveled with putty for internal works in two layers, the corners are additionally reinforced with a masking net.
Level the surface of the sheets, if necessary, using putty.
The resulting structure is painted or finished with other materials: artificial stone, tile or stucco. They are glued to the glue intended for this material, diluted according to the instructions on the package.
The firebox is decorated with materials imitating brickwork; a mirror can be installed on the back wall of the firebox.
Candles or an imitation of a hearth with illumination are placed inside the firebox.
Such a false fireplace is absolutely safe, it can be installed even in a nursery. The fireplace mantel serves as a stand for photos, toys and knick-knacks, while the softly shimmering hearth creates a cozy atmosphere.

Corner decorative plasterboard fireplace (video)

The most budget option, which allows you to make a false fireplace with lighting from an old unnecessary sideboard or cabinet. For work you will need:

jigsaw;
wood grinder;
screwdriver;
plywood sheets;
putty;
acrylic paint;
finishing materials: stucco molding and gypsum finishing stone, decorative elements.

Technology for making a false fireplace from an old sideboard:

At the sideboard of the old model, the doors are removed and the lower cabinet is removed, leaving only the upper section. She is placed on her side.
The facade is sewn up with plywood so that a firebox and firewood are obtained. Plywood is attached to self-tapping screws using a screwdriver.
Polished surfaces are processed with a wood grinder to make them rough. The walls are primed with an adhesive-based primer, and after the primer dries, putty and level the surface. The putty is dried, the irregularities are sanded and painted with acrylic paint, the corners are trimmed with artificial stone or brick. They glue decorative elements - stucco, install a mantel made of MDF.
Decorate the firebox: glue a red or red LED strip around the perimeter yellow color, and the bottom is decorated with pebbles, colored sand or shells. You can also install candles inside the firebox.