DIY decorative false fireplace: 15 step-by-step instructions with photos

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Shower boxes

Modern electric heaters, as a rule, have an overly technological appearance, and the frames offered for them do not always meet the tastes of consumers. One of the visible solutions is to make a portal for the electric fireplace with your own hands. This approach will allow you to create a unique dummy that will successfully fulfill its aesthetic and decorative functions.

A dummy for an electric fireplace successfully performs aesthetic and decorative functions

Content

1. You need to attach a beam to the size of the future portal on the wall. This will be the frame.

A beam attached to the wall with self-tapping screws, which is the basis of the structure

1. You should cut the parquet board to the required size and cover the ends with stain of different shades. Making a portal for an electric fireplace with your own hands is completed.

Parquet board cut to the size of the future electric fireplace with ends painted in contrasting colors

1. You should glue the board to the frame fixed to the wall and place a support until the glue dries for reliable fixation.

Parquet boards glued to the frame. This kind of support is necessary for better fixation

1. After drying, you can put decorations on top: figurines, candles, vases with flowers and others, and install a hearth in the portal. Making a portal for an electric fireplace with your own hands is completed.

A ready-made version of a fireplace portal made of parquet boards. Instead of installed candles, an electric hearth is placed.

DIY portals for electric fireplaces made of stone or wood

The manufacture of these types of fireplace portals requires certain knowledge.

Electric fireplaces with a portal made of stone are quite bulky structures and require calculation of the exact load on the floor. Kiln masonry is used to create such portals. You can choose the brick at your discretion; the design of the fireplace also depends on preferences. Wooden portals for electric fireplaces will add luxury and elegance to the interior.

Wooden portals for electric fireplaces look expensive and add elegance to the interior

Portals for electric fireplaces made of wood can only be made by professionals. Their manufacture also requires specialized tools and materials. For wooden portals, only dry boards of one type of wood should be selected. They should be glued together with synthetic glue, the basis of which is water. The portal should be thoroughly varnished.

Video: instructions on how to make a portal for an electric or decorative fireplace yourself

To save money, you can make a portal for an electric fireplace with your own hands. Some of them are easy to manufacture and do not require specialized knowledge or costs. When designing, it is necessary to take into account that the dimensions of an electric fireplace without a portal are much smaller, so frames are rarely created in small apartments, and the fireplace is installed in furniture or in the wall. Information on how to make a portal for an electric fireplace yourself is contained in the instructions.

How to choose cardboard

To assemble it, you need to select materials and allocate approximately 5-6 hours for work. It is not at all necessary to do this yourself, it is not so difficult to do it yourself, so the whole family can take part in the process.

Make a fireplace with your whole family

The quality and appearance will depend on the material and type of cardboard boxes. If you take the packaging from under the TV, the “false fireplace” will be narrow without much of a recess in the place where the burning wood is located. Therefore, wide boxes are most often used, at least 50 centimeters deep. It is also advisable to use the most durable cardboard, in which case you can make a wooden stand on top.

Choose durable cardboard

If you want to make a more complex design, it is recommended to prepare 2 more boxes of different sizes. This will expand the scope for creative ideas. It is also worth making sure that the drawings are easily applied to the paper. They must be clearly visible, since in case of an error, you will have to look for new material.

Complex design of several boxes

3 types of “false fireplaces” are often used, namely:

1Christmas with New Year decorations.

2 Corner hearth.

3Standard wall-mounted.

For each of them it is necessary to select a certain amount of materials and types of cardboard boxes. To make the structure more stable and reliable, you can place a wooden frame inside. This will be relevant in a family with small children.

Christmas wall fireplace

Portal decor for an electric fireplace

The decorative design of the electric fireplace portal can be anything. However, it should be remembered that in no case should it violate the integrity of the composition of the room, but only slightly shift the emphasis to the side. A good solution for decorating an object is to lay ceramic tiles, which will immediately make it elegant and natural. Moreover, installing the material on a flat plasterboard base is quite simple.

In addition, you can cover the building with structural plaster, wallpaper or paint, the main thing is that it is combined with other coatings and objects located in the room.

To achieve the desired effect, decorating the finished object is carried out based on the stylistic orientation of the entire room and only in accordance with it. This is the only way to be sure of obtaining a positive result, which will not only succinctly fit into the design of the room, but will also significantly embellish it.

To finish this article, check out the video: Modern electric fireplaces in the interior.

Perhaps after this you will like the electric fireplace even more.

Variety of styles

Modern hearths are made in different styles; you can always choose the right option for a country house.

Classic

The concept of classic fireplaces includes all models made in the Renaissance, Baroque, Empire styles, etc. Their main advantage is their versatility and compatibility with different interior styles. Classic models fit perfectly into luxurious, richly decorated rooms. Their peculiarity lies in pomp, solemnity, and the presence of Roman motifs.

The presence of a fireplace in the interior of the apartment gives the room sophistication and chic.

Russian

Russian fireplaces are made in the traditional Russian style; very often there are tiles, thanks to which the model resembles a museum exhibit. They go well with traditional Russian interiors and add zest to the house.

Everyone can choose the type whose features best suit their personal tastes and preferences.

Rustic

The rustic style has no analogues, although some of their features are found in other directions. Visually, the structure resembles a primitive hearth in the rock. Installation of such a model requires a complete abandonment of closed structures with a door. Installing a special screen will help increase safety. Models made in this style are bulky, massive, and require the installation of a powerful foundation. When making a hearth, natural or artificial stones are used.

The presence of a fireplace allows you to implement the most interesting design solutions in the apartment, which would not be possible without the installation of a fireplace portal.

Modern

The basic design is borrowed from the classical style. The main difference from the classics is the abundance of straight lines and decorations in the form of bas-relief. The designs are lightweight; such fireplaces fit perfectly into the interiors of offices and country houses. Quite often, models are made according to the height of the ceiling.

In some cases, a fireplace is not only a tribute to fashion and decoration of a room, but also a source of warmth and comfort, especially in early autumn.

Important recommendations before starting work

To ensure that the finished structure fits well into the interior of the room, study the following recommendations and follow them while performing the work.

Combination of styles

DIY fireplace portal

The fireplace should go well with the portal in style. It is best to install the fireplace at the level of the floor line. If you want to place the fireplace higher, choose a wide model. A wide fireplace will look good when installed at any distance from the floor.

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Do not hide the fireplace frame behind the portal

Fireplace portal

The main function of the portal is to highlight the design of the fireplace. It is recommended to place the hearth frame flush with the surface of the fireplace portal.

If you plan to create a completely unique design and don't want to take into account the design of the fireplace, purchase a special option known as an insert hearth. Such models do not have their own design, so the design of the finished structure will depend solely on the preferences of the owner.

Ratio of proportions of structural elements

Decorative fireplace looks real

Choose the optimal dimensions of the fireplace. For example, a floor-standing model needs some free space in front of it. If space is at a premium, choose a beautiful wall-mounted fireplace model. Such a fireplace does not require any free space in front of it and fits perfectly into any interior.

It is important that the dimensions of the fireplace correlate well with the dimensions of the portal. Traditionally, the dimensions of structures are selected so that the fireplace occupies about 75% of the height and about 50% of the width of the decorative portal. In the case of using wide fireplace models, they may take up more space

In the case of using wide fireplace models, they may take up more space.

Buy a fireplace before building the portal

False fireplace in a city apartment

As a rule, the main overall dimensions of the fires are given in catalogs or reported by the manufacturer. That is, you can look for a fireplace model that suits you, make a portal, buy the hearth model you like and install it in a ready-made decorative frame. But it’s better not to do that.

Even knowing the exact dimensions of the fireplace, you may forget about some important points, for example, such as the placement of the cord for connecting to the electrical network, the presence of protruding fastening elements, holes for air exchange, etc.

In order not to waste time in the future on changing the design of the finished portal, start equipping it only after you buy a fireplace and deliver it home. In such a situation, you will be able to “adjust” the dimensions of the decorative structure in accordance with the dimensions of the fireplace directly during operation. This will allow you to fully coordinate the configuration and dimensions of structural elements, eliminating the risk of blocking access to necessary elements.

Project preparation

It must be remembered that the process of creating a portal cannot be compared with gluing together a toy from cardboard that looks like an artificial hearth. Its plausibility should not interfere with compliance with fire safety requirements. The product itself must be strong and have a rigid base. When deciding on the characteristics, appearance and method of manufacturing a false fireplace, you must keep in mind that:

1. After finishing, the portal should resemble the real product in appearance. It needs to be decorated with stone or brick.
2. The artificial box should, first of all, facilitate the natural integration of the electrical appliance into the interior.
3. The size of the frame should be calculated based on the possibility of free and reliable placement of the heater with tolerances along the walls and “ceiling”.
4. For a stationary product, it is good to determine in advance not only the location, but also the possibility of connecting the heater to the network. If necessary, you need to lay new wiring and install a socket. Be sure to lay new wiring in the structure and install a socket for an electric fireplace
5. In a portable design, it is better to immediately make several cable outlets, since the conditions for connecting to the network may be different. The frame under it should be more rigid.
6. For greater fire resistance, basic building materials must be treated with suitable compounds.
7. The structure must have ventilation windows.

You need to design the panel based on a specific heater, that is, after purchasing it. If the design has already been formed in your head, then you will have to choose the device, adapting it to the intended scheme, which is not always easy. But first of all, you need to focus on the features of the room itself.

Watch the video on how to make a portal with a cornice:

How to make a fireplace portal with your own hands

Choosing a fireplace portal is quite a difficult task. After all, a fireplace has long been no longer just a heating device, but a “highlight” of the house, the main element of the interior, a place where you want to relax, listening to the pleasant crackling of logs.

Sitting all evening long on Google and Yandex, the future happy owner of a fireplace finds thousands of fireplace portals on the Internet that are as similar to each other as two peas in a pod.

In addition, the exorbitant prices for the most interesting models of fireplace portals are comparable only to the prices for building a small country house.

Advice

A fair question arises: is it possible to build a fireplace portal yourself? Yes, and it’s original, fitting the definition of “classic fireplace,” always with marble details. At the same time, in terms of budget, it will be several times cheaper than any serial portal.

We use a standard fireplace insert, cast iron, quite powerful, made in Norway. Although you can easily build an open firebox from refractory bricks.

Do not forget that the total weight of the fireplace will ultimately reach approximately 350 kg, therefore, a foundation is needed. We place the firebox on a structure made of foamed concrete 150 mm thick. We cut out half-columns from the same material (as in the photo).

The foam block is perfectly cut with an ordinary hacksaw, and can be processed well with an ax and sandpaper. We glue it all together using any heat-resistant tile adhesive, having previously treated all the parts with a primer. A concrete lintel 50 mm thick is placed above the firebox.

We insert a fireproof steel pipe with a diameter of 200 mm into the firebox adapter, and use an elbow to connect it to the chimney. All connections are carefully treated with fireproof sealant. After 24 hours, all connections should be additionally wrapped in fireproof aluminum tape.

From the same 50 mm thick block we build a three-tier mantelpiece, which, after sanding, should look like in the photograph. Then we prime all the surfaces of the blocks again.

After waiting for the primer to dry, apply a layer of starting putty, glue the reinforcing fiberglass mesh and cover with finishing putty. When the topcoat has dried, you need to polish it with fine-grained sandpaper.

note

Our fireplace portal is almost ready, all that remains is to add marble details. The project includes the following marble parts: a lower mantelpiece 30 mm thick and three strips 50 mm wide and 20 mm thick - on the sides of the firebox and above the firebox.

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To get these parts, you need to cut them out of thick cardboard, take them to the company closest to you that sells marble, and place an order. You can do this yourself, but cutting and polishing marble, and even more so for cutting shaped chamfers, requires quite expensive equipment, so this stage can be delegated to specialists.

Although we are talking about portals, I want to deviate from the topic and pay a little attention to the design of the box. Some of the heat from our firebox will radiate directly through the front, but most of it will radiate through the top wall of the firebox.

To “bring” this heat back into the room, we make a box. The frame of the box is constructed from double UD-type profiles, inside which mineral wool shielded with foil is inserted. We make holes on both sides of the box, which we will later cover with decorative grilles.

The holes at the bottom and top will ensure constant air circulation inside the box and remove heat from the firebox and pipe into the room.

There is very little left - finishing the fireplace. To finish this fireplace we used decorative Venetian plaster.

This is a very high-quality finishing material that perfectly imitates polished marble, consisting of white marble flour and a mixture of synthetic resins.

Important

Venetian plaster should be applied with a special Venetian spatula, only then can an absolute resemblance to marble be achieved. Glossy varieties of Venetian are additionally coated with special wax and polished.

What style does this fireplace portal belong to? I don’t even know... There is something classic in it (columns, symmetry), there is something modern (oval shape of the box), but most importantly, there is individuality. This fireplace exists in a single copy. And I am sure that you too will be able to create your own masterpiece, one and only.

Imitation Carrara marble

To get an imitation of Carrara marble, follow the step-by-step instructions:

• You need to glue several small pieces of drywall; assembly adhesive or construction silicone is suitable for this.
  Having received the desired thickness, it is necessary to remove all irregularities and make roundings.
  The desired shape can be given to several pieces separately or cut from glued material. It is better to use a circular saw for cutting .
  Using this technology, you can make fireplace columns or a shelf, and create unique patterns.
• Next, you need to putty, carefully cover the seams and existing flaws. Then sand to obtain a perfectly smooth white surface.
• The last stage is impregnation with PVA putty (for porous surfaces). For a more effective result, it is better to repeat the impregnation several times.

Of course, you don’t have to stop there; you can further decorate the fireplace with tiles, decorative or natural stone. If a portal is made for, then the field for creativity is simply immeasurable. You can use paper, glass (mosaic), fabric, artificial flowers or candles. For false fireplaces made by yourself, you can find and come up with a lot of wonderful ideas.

Finishing and decoration methods

The creative process begins, finishing the fireplace from plasterboard, in which all ideas and fantasies come true. Consider several finishing options:

• The most budget-friendly option is to cover drywall with wallpaper with a pattern of burnt and sooty brick or natural stone;
• An artificial fireplace made of plasterboard with this decoration looks modern and original;
• Decorative plaster. There are many plaster options on the market with different compositions and different colors. It will require a shaped roller, with which the plaster solution is applied;
• If the fireplace has a heating function, then it is better to cover it with fireproof tiles. It can withstand temperatures of 100 degrees and does not burst. The fireplace is covered with plasterboard tiles using special crosses and a thermomix (the glue can withstand temperature changes without destroying its structure);
• Decorative stone is suitable for a large fireplace in a large room. Anyone can make part of the room a castle decor with a fireplace. Designer works with stone are shown in the photo.

Tiles on drywall and stone are glued to a special fire-resistant glue (somewhat reminiscent of cement mortar). During work, care should be taken to ensure that the glue does not get on the material. If this happens, it should be removed immediately, because it cannot be done afterwards.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=CZHK44EKiss

Varieties

The variety of fireplaces makes it possible to install them even in apartments. But for a harmonious design, you will need to make a portal that matches the design of the room.

Classic

This type is used most often. The main feature is the rigor of the design, in which there is no need to use additional decorations.

Classic portal

Country

This variety is suitable for wood-burning structures; they are made of brick or stone.

Country style requires natural textures

High tech

The structure is made of glass or metal.

The portal is suitable for a room in high-tech style

Modern

The peculiarity of the modern model is a mixture of innovations and classics; they look good in any interior.

Modernism is based on a combination of features of classical style and modern trends

Additional tips and tricks

To ensure that building a plasterboard portal with your own hands does not lead to disappointing disappointments, you should consider several important recommendations and useful tips:

1. When creating a drawing, plan a slightly larger indentation of the edge of the portal from the wall - this will create additional usable area. Subsequently, you can install a TV on the resulting surface, put frames with photographs, or turn it into a bookshelf.
2. When choosing a place to place an electric fireplace, consider the location of outlets in the house. It is desirable that the portal be located in close proximity to one of them. This will avoid the need for extension cords.
3. The absence of an electric heater is not a reason to deprive yourself of the pleasure of installing a fireplace in your apartment. You can use candles instead. In many ways, this option will be even more comfortable.
4. Plan in advance how you can use the fireplace portal to decorate the room. Its decorative potential is inexhaustibly huge: install candle stands, book supports and carnations for New Year's stockings. It would be a sin not to use this opportunity.
5. Before starting work, view training photos and videos. One photo can sometimes replace many pages of text instructions.

A clear example of what the work looks like before finishing and after the work is completed.

Features and Benefits

Residents of apartment buildings primarily pay attention to the decorative type of fireplace, since they do not have the opportunity to install a traditional portal. Artificial corner portals will be the best option for small rooms, since the corner location does not create overload for the environment, and the structure itself is not large in size

If we talk about the advantages of this type of fireplace, we can note the following:

• a false fireplace does not require a chimney or hood if you do not plan to install a gas firebox. In the latter case, you will need to arrange for good ventilation and obtain approval from the gas company;
• often an electric firebox is installed in artificial portals. This part is a screen on which fire is displayed during operation. For this option, only a power outlet is required;
• false fireplaces are easy to install;
• You can easily make such structures yourself from any materials: drywall, polyurethane, wood, brick and even plywood;
• fire safety is the main advantage of an artificial portal, since there is no fire in it;
• You can create a fireplace of any size; they are lightweight and portable.

Fireplace portal made of plasterboard

Drywall portal

Drywall is perfect for fireplace portals with electric heating. With its help, you can simulate a variety of product options. First, decide on the location of the portal (along the wall or in the corner) and take measurements for the electric fireplace. Then start making a frame for the fireplace podium and for the portal with the firebox. Strengthen the frame in width and height of the structure using a rack profile. Try the electric fireplace on the profile opening, making sure that it is not narrow. Now start working with the electrical wiring; opposite the exhaust ducts on the inside of the portal, cut an opening for the cable to pass through. When you have completed this work, feel free to cover the product with plasterboard, using self-tapping screws with fine threads, no more than 2.5 cm long. Then saturate the entire surface with a deep penetration primer and apply a decorative layer. A variety of materials can be used as decoration. Heat-resistant acrylic paint, artificial stone, tapestry fabric, self-adhesive film and even plaster modeling are suitable.

Home made from traditional materials

Drywall

Decorative fireplace covered with plasterboard

Refers to a material widely used by home craftsmen. It can be easily cut with a sharp knife or an electric jigsaw and allows you to make curved parts, for which you just need to wet it.

When designing decorative fireplaces using plasterboard, you need to pay special attention to the selection of finishes and sizing calculations if you decide to install a device with combined functions. In this case, the fireplace will not only delight you with a magnificent imitation of flame, but also heat the room

For such models, the gap between the rear plane of the device and the wall is maintained at least 50 mm. Based on this, the dimensions of the future fireplace portal are calculated. For cladding, you can use ceramic tiles or textured porcelain tiles. Gypsum stucco looks great.

Tree

Decorative fireplace made of wood

DIY decorative false fireplace in 1 day

Solid wood for a portal is not a necessary material if you want to get the natural texture of a home. You can even make a decorative fireplace from construction scraps of plywood, MDF, and chipboard. This can be a board - parquet, unedged or edged.

It is more convenient to start work if an electric fireplace with the desired options has already been purchased. In this case, its dimensions and shape are known, so it is easier to calculate the niche when constructing the portal. The structure can be assembled separately using self-tapping screws, and only then attached to the wall. A bright decorative effect while preserving the wood texture is achieved by staining followed by varnishing. You can use tinted varnish.

Brick

Decorative brick fireplace

To make a decorative fireplace with your own hands using bricks - silicate, hollow, facing, decorative, you must take into account that its weight will be quite impressive. For this reason, it is impractical to correctly assess the strength of floors. Such a retro fireplace at home looks great, without requiring additional finishing.

Using improvised means

You can make original decorative fireplaces for your home using a variety of available materials:

• place candles inside an empty aquarium or a beautiful glass vase. You can use a miniature biofuel burner;
• make a semi-volume decorative fireplace by gluing its configuration from polyurethane parts directly onto the wall and painting it in the desired color;
• create a fireplace portal from a large cardboard box, decorating its surface to match any texture using self-adhesive film;
• bring into the interior a feeling of comfort from the presence of a mesmerizing flame with the help of photo wallpapers that depict a variety of types of fireplaces.

Decorative portal for a biofireplace made of metal

If you have the skills to work with metal, you can create a unique image of a fireplace portal from this material at home.

Option one. Plasterboard portal for fireplace

Plasterboard construction is perhaps the cheapest and easiest option to implement. But it has one significant drawback - this is that everything needs to be completed with the layout of the portal while drawing up the floor plan. Later you are unlikely to be able to make any adjustments or changes to this kind of system. In a word, think over and draw up a project in advance, fully agree on all dimensions.

Corner portals made of gypsum plasterboard look especially attractive. The production of such structures is similar to any other made from this material.

Step No1. First you need to make a diagram. In our case, it looks something like this.

Then you need to take plasterboard profiles, cut them according to the drawing and assemble the frame of the future portal from them. You can focus on other dimensions or shapes - this largely depends on the specific situation.

Step No2. Cut the drywall into pieces of the required size and screw it to the frame. But before fixing the material completely, you need to try the hearth against the portal again and, if the need arises, make certain adjustments. Finally, completely cover the frame with plasterboard.

Step No3. The next stage is plastering the resulting structure, which is recommended to be done using gypsum plaster. The working mixture must be mixed in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If you want, you can prepare a thicker plaster mixture to imitate stucco, stone, etc.

Step No4. Next, you need to cover the dried plaster with facade paint or varnish. Thanks to this, the material will be additionally protected and therefore will not crack.

There is another option - you can completely abandon plaster, as well as paint, and instead veneer the product with another material suitable for this purpose.

This kind of portal can actually be made from plasterboard. Now let's move on to the next option.

Installation work: frame installation

Ready-made form for the future fireplace
Installation of the simplest fireplace portal is carried out using a profile frame, onto which facing sheets are subsequently attached. The frame is erected in accordance with the parameters of the room and a previously prepared drawing. The simplest and most convenient materials for it are considered to be wood and metal. In this case, the metal profile can bend, forming wavy lines and rounded corners.

Upon completion of installation of the frame, it is attached to the wall with screws, installing sheets of finishing material on top. At this stage, it is still possible to make changes to the parameters and shape of the future fireplace.

Covering the portal with plasterboard

The drywall sheet is carefully marked with a pencil in strict accordance with the drawings

It is extremely important to maintain correct dimensions and proportions. Individual parts are cut out according to the markings - and with sufficient comfort you can use an ordinary stationery knife

After separating them from the sheet, they can be smoothed along the edges with sandpaper, and chips and protrusions can be trimmed.

The parts are attached with screws to the frame with an indentation of at least ten centimeters and plastered with a special gypsum-based compound. All seams are carefully sealed, the surface is primed. The corners are decorated with decorative elements in accordance with the prepared drawing. Further actions completely depend on the design method.

External finishing and cladding of the portal

Exterior finishing can be carried out by ordinary painting or using specialized cladding panels. The first option is simpler and cheaper, the second will allow the fireplace to look more aesthetically pleasing.

Before painting the portal, it is necessary to putty the surface of the plasterboard sheathing several times. Subsequently, such a fireplace can be decorated with decorative film. Cladding with ceramic tiles, stone or wood panels requires only careful priming and the use of special adhesive.

Self-construction of a portal for a fireplace is a completely feasible procedure. Even a person without the appropriate qualifications can do this. By following the instructions above, you can create a fireplace with your own hands, without resorting to the services of expensive specialists.

A little about accessories

A hearth, even if it is not real, requires appropriate surroundings. Thus, the floor surface in front of the portal for an electrical device can be finished with stone.

A fireplace grate, a screen, a woodshed, a poker, a scoop - all these elements will perfectly complement the interior and create the appropriate atmosphere.

Usually the woodshed in which the logs are stored is located near the fireplace. The electrical device does not operate on wood, so we do not need a large structure. Instead, you can use a portable version with a comfortable handle. If the room is spacious, it is recommended to install a stationary firewood burner. It can be forged and stamped. This, in turn, affects the price.

The screen is considered a worthy decoration for an open fireplace. You can avoid fireproof glass, since sparks will not fly from the electrical appliance, but a forged screen with curls and patterns will perfectly complement the design. An interesting option is a screen made of brocade.

As a rule, a fireplace set consists of a poker, a whisk, a lance, tongs and an ash scoop. All these parts are hung on the side panel of the portal or a special rack. The latter option is more suitable for plasterboard construction. This set will favorably emphasize the style of the interior.

Basic rules for construction and preparatory work

Before construction begins, the location of the fireplace is determined, which should give off heat in different directions. The structure is installed near the main wall, in which a chimney was installed during the construction of the house. In wooden buildings, protection of structures from heat should be provided; the pipe should not come into contact with rafters or ceilings.

Correct location of the fireplace in the room.

The room must have ventilation ducts, which are recommended to be located next to the chimney. If the house does not have such channels, then a separate room ventilation project should be developed. It is prohibited to use fireplaces in rooms without a supply of fresh air.

Hearth selection

Before you begin work related to arranging a portal for a fireplace, you need to purchase the hearth itself, that is, the internal part of the structure

To do this, we look closely at the models, paying attention to style, size, and material.

When choosing a fireplace, you need to focus on the future idea of ​​a portal under the fireplace. If you take a neutral design without a pronounced style, this will allow you to independently select any frame that fits perfectly into the interior of the room. If the hearth is designed in a certain stylistic direction, then the portal for the electric fireplace should be designed in the same way

At the same time, it is important to take into account the interior of the room so that the fireplace fits organically into the surrounding environment, becoming part of a thoughtful design

Source

A few words about size. A large fireplace requires sufficient space. Usually it is placed on the floor near a wall, preferably long and free. This option will look great in a spacious room. A small fireplace can be easily placed even in a small room: built into a wall, placed in a corner, or made into a hanging structure.

Thus, purchasing a fireplace before starting work will allow you to better navigate by seeing the sample in front of you, and at a certain stage will provide the opportunity to carry out a trial installation.

Calculating the socket

The power cord coming from the fireplace can ruin the whole picture. But you still need to install the socket outside the portal in order to have free access to the plug. The distance to it is limited by the length of the cord of the artificial hearth without tension. But the technical side of the issue requires more serious calculations.

The outlet must be able to withstand the current supplied to the fireplace. It is not difficult to determine its amperage: you need to divide the power of the device by the network voltage (220 V) and add 10% reserve. Purely decorative models usually consume no more than 500 W, that is, the maximum current in the outlet will be:

500 ÷ 220 x 1.1 = 2.5 (A) - even old Soviet 6 A equipment can handle this load.

Electric furnaces with a heating function have higher power - about 2–2.5 kW. Using the same formula we get an amperage of 12.5. That is, you need a standard modern 16 A socket, to which you only need to connect the wire from the junction box. Use a copper three-core VVG cable with a cross-section of 2.5 mm2 - it can withstand a current of 19 A and a load of about 4 kW.

What materials to use

Drywall is the most popular building material from which all kinds of arches, shelves, fireplaces and other design delights are built. To work, you will need a screwdriver, a jigsaw and a frame assembled from a metal profile (wooden blocks are also an option).

If you plan to use any kind of fire, fire-resistant plasterboard is preferred. For a decorative fireplace, ordinary varieties are suitable.

The thickness of the sheets in straight sections is 12.5 mm. Where it is necessary to bend the arch, thinner drywall is used.

Portal for an electric fireplace made of plasterboard

In some cases, wood is used. These can be only finishing parts glued to the base, or a completely wooden product. For the base, you can use chipboard from old furniture. The structure is assembled using self-tapping screws and is completely transformed under finishing materials.

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Plasterboard cladding, eliminating cracks

The portal is made of metal profile. Next, the work was done using drywall

Your own portal for an electric fireplace allows you to match the interior as clearly as possible. However, before achieving such an effect, it must be lined. To do this, sheets of drywall are taken, marked and cut into the necessary parts. After this, they are gradually screwed to the frame until it is completely covered, which will provide it with additional rigidity and stability. As a result, we will have a complete object that will still need to be processed, eliminating all the cracks and holes. The necessary actions are carried out using a spatula and putty, which fills all problem areas. For particularly large gaps, application is carried out in 2-3 stages, until the gap is completely closed and a monolithic surface is formed in its place.

As for the upper tier of the portal, which plays the role of a shelf, it should be reinforced with a wooden board. Otherwise, the plaster may not withstand the elements that will be installed on top of the fireplace and will fail.

A wooden base will eliminate this problem, making the shelf not only durable, but also capable of withstanding increased loads.

Parquet board portal

Parquet board portal

A beautiful decorative frame for a fireplace can be made from scraps of parquet boards. Depending on your personal preferences and the characteristics of the interior of the room, the portal can be assembled from multi-colored scraps of boards, or you can paint the elements with stain or other suitable composition.

Attach a frame made of wooden beams to the wall.

Second step

We cut the parquet or floor board to the required size, cover the ends with stain in contrasting shades

Sequentially glue the pieces of parquet board to the frame. Additionally, all elements need to be glued together. Press the trim elements to the frame using spacers. After the glue has dried (the required time is indicated in the instructions), remove the spacers.

Glue the painted board to the frame

Third step

Complete the final decorative design of the portal at your discretion. For example, decorative candles go very well with a portal made of parquet boards.

Parquet board portal

Wooden classic

It is more difficult to work with natural wood, as well as with various derivatives based on it. This will require additional tools and time. But a panel made using the classic wooden method will be more reliable and durable.

The basic principles of operation are not much different from “plasterboard”. But there are some features and tricks:

1. When choosing boards, you need to choose a tree that is less susceptible to deformation (for example, pine).
2. The surface of the workpieces is completely sanded with different types of sandpaper down to zero.
3. At the finishing stage, the joints can be closed using a special paste that already has a suitable color. You can take regular grout and add color to it, but it’s more difficult to achieve a uniform overall tone.
4. If painting and varnishing involve the use of different shades of individual elements, masking tape, which is then removed, will help protect them from accidental strokes and drops.

Decorative portal made of polystyrene foam for a false fireplace:

If there are remains of chipboard, MDF panels, parquet boards or laminate on the farm, they can also be used as building materials for imitation.

The work on the portal can be worthily crowned with various additional elements that are not always intended by the original design. One of them could be a false pipe. There simply cannot be any limitations to the author's imagination.

Watch a story from a home craftsman making a portal for an electric fireplace:

Manufacturing process

When all the nuances are taken into account, we proceed directly to work.

Having determined the place for the fireplace, it is necessary to make a detailed drawing of the future frame.

For those who do not have special skills in working with the chosen building material, we advise you to start with the simplest form of the portal.

So, let's go back to the drawing. Transfer all the obtained dimensions onto it, calculate and purchase the necessary material.

The portal is not always fixed to the floor surface. Sometimes it is attached to the wall, so we can assemble the frame in any convenient place, and not where we plan to install it.

To assemble the structure, perform the following steps:

• we begin to assemble the frame from the bottom - a rectangle or triangle;
• we attach vertical posts to this blank, making their top trim;
• we install the portal for the electric fireplace in the selected location, fixing it to the corners to the plane of the wall;
• We install sheet material using self-tapping screws;
• we lay the top shelf - tabletop; we fix it securely;
• we process joints and seams using putty;
• Let's start finishing the portal;
• The last step is to install our hearth inside.

Types of fireplaces and their location

First of all, you need to understand that electric fireplaces framed with wood can be built into a wall niche, mounted directly to the wall, or located on the floor in any part of the room. If the room in which you plan to build the fireplace does not have a large area, it is better to resort to the built-in installation method. With this approach, you can save as much usable space as possible.

Wall-mounted and wall-mounted structures can be installed in medium to large sized rooms.

Small corner fireplace

Everyone should know that wooden portals for electric fireplaces are purchased or developed after the hearth itself has been purchased and installed. Thanks to this approach, it will be possible to plan the entire process of preparatory work, supply electricity, understand where sockets and ventilation will be located and observe other technical aspects.

We create a portal for a fireplace with our own hands

choosing a place for a fireplace using a specialized metal screw.

The drywall is cut into pieces of the required sizes, then we connect them to the frame of the metal corner. Before you begin decorative finishing, you should make sure that all corners and seams are neatly and thoroughly puttied.

You can use a special mesh for the seams, and a pre-prepared metal corner will do for the corners. When the putty is completely dry, the surface of the portal must be coated with a primer. After priming, we go over the surface with sandpaper so that there are no irregularities on the portal. Now you can start decorating.

Device history

The facade of the fireplace is its portal, which is the frame of the device on the outside, equipped with a recess for fuel. If you look at the history of the hearth, you can see the portals in the form of a simple masonry of stones. For the first time, decorating fireplaces began to be used in the Middle Ages. It has undergone changes over time, and now there is a wide variety of frames.

With the development of the heating system, the fireplace lost its former meaning and began to be used as a decorative element intended to decorate the interior and give it elegance and luxury. Electric fireplaces have appeared that imitate a burning flame, but do not provide warmth. In connection with the decorative bias, the external design of the fireplace façade began to play an important role.

In this video you will learn how to make a false fireplace with your own hands:

The role of the fireplace in our lives: the process of operating the device

Today, traditional bulky fireplaces, consisting of a firebox and a chimney, are a thing of the past, and their construction is extremely rare and requires significant costs. And not all premises are suitable for their construction, which also contributed to their partial oblivion. However, such difficulties do not mean that the fireplace should not be used at all.

Electric fireplaces are a unique example of modern technology that has made it possible to enclose the energy of a fireplace in a small box and harness it.

A modern version of an electric fireplace. The portal cladding is made of wood

In itself, a similar product is absolutely safe, since it does not heat up at all during operation, takes up little space and makes it possible to admire a full-fledged fireplace. However, the main advantage of the product is the absence of combustion products, which allows it to be placed in any room, despite its size and stylistic orientation. At the same time, the appearance of the electric analogue resembles a small rectangular box, which, when turned off, does not at all resemble a traditional fireplace. The construction of a portal, which is a distinctive feature of any fireplace system or even its calling card, will help give it a classic appearance.

Portals for electric fireplaces are purely decorative structures designed to structurally highlight the hearth against the background of the entire interior, separating it and visually delimiting the room. They can be made from absolutely any materials without fear of fire or damage, since the body of the product practically does not heat up during operation, projecting the image only on the screen. Based on this, we can conclude that portals are used only to create an accent on the fireplace and should not violate the integrity of the existing design.

List of necessary equipment for the frame

A do-it-yourself portal for an electric fireplace and subsequent installation require a responsible approach and painstaking work. However, collecting all the necessary tools early makes it possible to simplify the work a little and reduce the overall time of construction work. In general, to construct an object you need to collect the following tools:

• hammer;
• chisel;
• Bulgarian;
• metal scissors;
• roulette;
• level;
• plumb line;
• pencil or chalk;
• Screwdriver Set;
• screwdriver;
• set of spatulas.

The above list represents a minimum set of tools that will definitely be needed when constructing a building. Moreover, depending on its complexity and shape, it can be increased or slightly modified. Timely preparation of inventory will make it possible to significantly reduce the time spent searching and selecting the right tool, which will speed up the work.

What is a fireplace portal?

The fireplace portal is a decorative frame for the fireplace niche. It can become a useful element in the design of a room. It is erected to improve the appearance of the fireplace and blend it seamlessly into the interior.

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In addition to being decorative, portals perform more practical functions. In particular, they create additional useful space against the wall, which can be used to accommodate many – even large – items. For example, a portal of sufficiently wide width can carry a radio, flowerpots and even a flat-screen TV. Frames with photographs, paintings or souvenirs can be placed on the mantelpieces.

Portal with ceramic lining

Fireplace portals lined with ceramic tiles look very good.

Portal with ceramic lining

First step

Assemble the base of the structure from chipboard and a mounting rail measuring 20x20. To make a mantelpiece, use a parquet board. Cover the sides of the shield with plinth.

To connect the base elements, use any suitable fastener.

Finishing the portal with tiles

Third step

Finishing the portal with tiles

Cover the walls of the portal with ceramic tiles to your taste. “Liquid nails” are well suited for fixing cladding elements.

Fourth step

Cover the tiles with the parquet varnish used to finish the countertop. Thanks to this treatment, the fireplace portal will have a finished, thoughtful and organic look.

Particular attention should be paid to additional accessories and various decorative elements. At this point, be guided by your taste.

For example, various kinds of figurines, coated with black varnish and slightly dusted with bronze powder, look very good.

Finishing fireplaces with ceramic tiles

The process of creating a portal for a fireplace with your own hands - step-by-step instructions

Drawing

Whatever material you choose, it all starts with choosing a model and drawing up its drawing. The dimensions of individual elements are plotted and the amount of material is calculated.

The depth of the firebox should be at least 2/3 of the height of the fireplace. If candles are used, the height of the firebox should be sufficient so that its upper part is not heated by the flame.

Base

The base platform is not the most required element, but it is desirable. Portals with a protruding base have a more finished look. In addition, the base can be expanded, turned into shelves for accessories or seating for “spectators”.

One of the options can be chosen as the base (depending on the overall style of the fireplace):

• Concrete pad.
• Brickwork of several rows.
• Metal profile frame with plasterboard.
• Ceramic, wood or marble slab, etc.

Chimney

To complete the illusion, a box should be installed on the portal up to the ceiling, which will imitate a chimney.
It can be a separate element, but it would be more correct to fasten its frame to the frame of the portal.

The depth of the box should be about 10 cm - this will be enough for the desired visual effect.

Most often, the lining of the chimney and portal is done in the same style, however, this rule is not mandatory: the finishing of the chimney can be made different from the main part, provided that both options are harmoniously combined.

Interior design

The dimensions of the fireplace in the apartment must correspond to the overall space of the room in which it is located. Large fireplaces are suitable for a large room; small designs will look appropriate in a small room. A false fireplace is often installed in the hall, living room, kitchen, bedroom and even bathroom. It is sometimes used as a TV stand. The fireplace, depending on the interior of the room, can be decorated in a classic, modern, rustic, English, or hi-tech style.

6 photos

If you want the design to match the style of the apartment or house, pay special attention when designing the portal, chimney, or pre-furnace area. If the fireplace is made in a classic style, it is decorated with marble and natural wood. Shelves are a mandatory decorative element for such a design.

With shelves, the fireplace looks beautiful and becomes functional. You can put figurines, candlesticks, vases on them

Shelves are a mandatory decorative element for such a design. With shelves, the fireplace looks beautiful and becomes functional. You can put figurines, candlesticks, vases on them.

6 photos

The fireplace portal made of plasterboard is decorated with glass and an electric fireplace. The portal with an aquarium looks original and stylish. It can also be placed on a wide shelf. An electric fireplace made in the wall looks unusual and completely merges with the surface. Designers advise decorating an empty portal with a forged lattice, firewood, candles, original vases, a painting, a mirror.

Selecting the portal shape and design style

The portal should be designed after the electric fireplace has been purchased. Firstly, this way you can take exact dimensions taking into account ventilation gaps and cord release. Secondly, it will be clear in what style the entire set should be maintained. Today, decorative fireboxes without pronounced design elements are very popular - any portal that is in tune with the interior of the room itself will suit them. But if the electric fireplace has a decor on the visible part that emphasizes its belonging to a specific style, you will have to focus on it.

This electric firebox is already decorated with rich decoration in a classic style

Main portal design options:

• Country - for a small room, a compact structure made of painted or simply varnished light wood is suitable. In spacious rooms, lining with decorative bricks or a plastered surface, partially lined with artificial stone, looks better.
• Victorian - high-quality carved portals made of expensive types of wood, decorated with gilded monograms and moldings. The cladding with slabs imitating polished stone, but always in dark tones, looks great.
• Classic - symmetrical structures with marble finishing or plastered portals with discreet stucco. A distinctive feature is the imitation of columns or at least a hint of them in the form of vertical stripes of framing panels. Such models are made of polyurethane or gypsum.
• Modern styles (urban, hi-tech) usually do not require the creation of a bulky portal, being content with a modest frame of a simple shape made of metal or painted glass. A minimum of decor and compactness are the main rules of these trends.
• Chalet or Romanesque style - despite the significant differences between the two design directions, fireplaces for them are designed approximately the same. Bulky structures faced with stone are welcome here, and the shelf and pedestal decor are made of an array of rich tones.

As for the shape and dimensions, it all depends on the characteristics of the room and the chosen location for the future fireplace. Since this interior detail attracts special attention, it is better to allocate a free wall to the hearth without unnecessary decor. At the same time, the portal must be proportionate - you should not install an overly bulky and lush structure in a cramped room. The standard shape for wall-mounted models is rectangular.

Regardless of the execution, tradition requires the installation of a small pedestal at the base of the fireplace. Its width should be 30 cm larger than the portal, and its height can reach 20 cm. However, here the owners are free in their choice, but without a stone or brick pillow, an imitation of a real hearth will not seem very plausible.

The wide marble-effect pedestal gives the electric fireplace greater significance

Corner models of electric fireplaces always look impressive; moreover, they do not take up much space, so they are worth choosing for small apartments. The design can be either the simplest - repeating a triangle in cross-section - or prismatic. For fireplaces with panoramic semicircular glass, it is also better to make the portal radius: thanks to it, the whole set will look more harmonious.

Wide corner portal does not take up much space

Do-it-yourself portal for an electric fireplace

Initially, you need to figure out what shape the portal will be. If the fireplace is installed along the wall, then the portal will have a rectangular shape; if the fireplace is installed in the corner, then the portal will be triangular.

A better option would be to draw an image of a visible portal on paper. Here you can turn on your imagination. After you finish with the sketch, you should put the actual dimensions of the portal on it, thereby you can calculate the approximate amount of materials spent. The simplest method of creating a portal for an electric fireplace with your own hands is using plasterboard or plywood.

Main stages:

1. Initially, it is necessary to assemble the lower part of the rectangular frame (or triangular, depending on the location of the electric fireplace);
2. Then specialized racks of tightly vertical type are attached to the frame;
3. Next you must complete the top trim of the racks;
4. We install the port and firmly attach it to the wall using the corners;
5. The sheet material (this can be plasterboard, plywood, chipboard and many others) is secured with self-tapping screws;
6. We connect the tabletop to the portal;
7. To avoid staining the tabletop in the future, it is better to cover it with paper or a plastic bag;
8. The resulting seams and cracks should be covered with layers of putty on the top of the portal;
9. Use finishing material to cover the portal. In this case, you should rely on your taste. The finishing can be done with ceramic tiles, artificial stone or other finishing materials;
10. After the portal has dried, you can install an electric fireplace inside;

Blueprints

Having decided in general terms on the shape and design of the portal for the electric fireplace, which you will make with your own hands, you should begin to draw it in detail, respecting the scale. You need to do this even if this product seems extremely simple to you. As you complete the drawing, you will probably discover several errors and inconsistencies that you could not “see” during abstract design.

In addition, with the help of a graphic image it will be easier to calculate the amount of materials needed.

Dimensions of the wall portal for an electric fireplace

It is better to start working on the drawing after the electric fireplace has been purchased and delivered, even if you have an image of it with exact dimensions. Without having the product at hand, it is very easy to lose sight of some small detail, for example, the position of the holes for air exchange and the power cord, the presence of protrusions, etc.

When planning to purchase everything you need to make a portal, take the drawing with you: today stores often provide a service for cutting sheet material.