Do-it-yourself electric fireplace in the apartment. How to make an electric fireplace with your own hands. How to make a design with your own hands
Fire is one of the elements that has a truly magical effect on a person. It is impossible to get tired of the contemplation of a burning flame, which relieves fatigue, allows you to relax or, conversely, mobilize thoughts, think about the important. In organizing a romantic dinner, fire plays the role of an indispensable addition.
A room electric fireplace may well replace a real one, provided that the main functions are performed qualitatively: creating heat and simulating a flame. But not everyone can buy a fireplace in a stylish frame, with a three-dimensional image, with a set of programs because of its high cost. Therefore, among novice masters, more and more often a conversation starts about whether it is possible to make an electric fireplace with your own hands.
Just a mesmerizing sight
The manufacture of a heating element is a troublesome business, but clear enough. This requires basic skills and physical knowledge. But the effect of a living flame, at first glance, seems out of reach. However, this is only a deceptive fear that prevents you from doing, doing and getting an excellent result.
Firewood layouts
Regardless of the type of construction imitating a flame, a firewood layout will always be needed. In this matter, the flight of the master's imagination is only welcome. The props can be bought in the online store. From China, they can send you components for fireplaces (we will use this fact in the future). In some cases, real firewood is used. With skillful lighting, a good result is obtained.
But if all the searches were unsuccessful, then you will have to make a dummy yourself. But then it will be doubly pleasant to look at manual work. Corrugated cardboard is used as the material, it can be found in boxes of household appliances. There it is often used as filler between sheets.
Corrugated cardboard log
By making tubes from such cardboard and painting them brown, we get a log, to which a knot made of the same material is attached to the adhesive tape, only with a smaller diameter and length. It remains to stack the firewood in the fireplace, from a distance they look like real ones.
Electric fireplaces are a great solution for decorating the interior of a room. This is a stylish, fashionable solution that can radically change the image and atmosphere of the room. In modern salons and stores, electric fireplaces are sold in two variations - separately taken devices, as a heating device, and a fireplace device, along with a ready-made portal, often made of MDF panels. In order not to overpay, you can make a portal for an electric fireplace with your own hands. There are no difficulties in designing the portal, given the detailed information on its manufacture on the site.
Types of designs for electric fireplaces
Today, when there is a huge amount of materials available for making structures of any strength and complexity, there are no problems with choosing the necessary tools. In addition, a do-it-yourself electric fireplace allows craftsmen to decorate the portal in their own way, based on personal preferences. A huge advantage is the fact that the electrical appliance itself does not contain open heating zones and during its operation the fireplace body does not heat up. The weight of the device is also small.
To install an electric fireplace in an apartment with your own hands, you can use materials such as:
- drywall;
- brick;
- metal;
- glass;
- stone;
It is not advisable to use natural wood or plastic arrays, as hot air can deform these materials.
Making an electric fireplace from drywall with your own hands is the most budgetary and easiest option for making a portal. The only drawback of this model is the impossibility of its movement around the apartment. You should draw up accurate drawings of the future project, for a better effect, you can familiarize yourself with the video and photo of creating an electric fireplace with your own hands, which would allow you to slightly correct your ideas by comparing them with professional advice. Do not forget about the ventilation holes and electrical wiring, which should be included in the design.
Create a frame
For its installation, two types of metal profiles are used: guide - 27 * 28 mm, rack-mount 60 * 27 mm. Between themselves, the profiles are fastened with "bugs".
After that, the entire wall adjacent to the fireplace should be covered with heat-resistant material. Next, the frame is attached to the wall. The installation of the frame should begin from the podium of the fireplace, and then select a portal for the firebox itself. Since the appliance itself is rather big and has a rather impressive weight, the frame should be strengthened by attaching rack profiles after 20 cm.
Plasterboard sheathing
Before sheathing an electric fireplace in an apartment with your own hands, it is worth conducting electrical wiring. It is also worth cutting out several holes in the inner wall of the portal, which will subsequently serve as exhaust ducts. We turn to the sheets, a clerical knife is used to cut the GKL.
For dimensional accuracy, so that the pieces of drywall fit snugly against the frame, you can make a layout of the pieces on paper, and then transfer them to drywall. The sheets are sewn up with a screwdriver, using self-tapping screws 3.5 * 25. A sheet of drywall is unable to bear the full weight of the electric fireplace; for this, the sheets should be further strengthened with galvanized corners. After the drywall construction is completely primed and puttied.
Electric hearth installation
The electric part of the fireplace itself is quite powerful and for its installation it is worth following the instructions attached to it. Also, a separate multi-core double-insulated cable should be run to the fireplace. The cross section of the wires used must not be less than 2.5 mm. When installing, the wires should be laid in a metal corrugation. It is worth taking care of installing a separate outlet for the fireplace. As such, there are no strict rules for installing the electrical part of the fireplace. You can cope with the installation of the fireplace on your own, especially if the frame is ready.
Decorating an electric fireplace
An important stage is the decoration of the portal for the electric fireplace. Here you can not hold back your imagination. You can imitate the texture and colors of natural wood. To avoid cracking of the fireplace surface during operation, and this is possible under the influence of hot air and temperature changes, it is better to cover the plaster layer with varnish or paint. Facing with artificial stone is one of the most suitable decoration methods. It is necessary to fasten an artificial stone to a plasterboard surface using an adhesive mixture.
Twilight, light burning wood by the fireplace and a cup of hot chocolate… And it doesn’t matter that this is just an imitation of fire…
DIY electric fireplace video
You can make an electric fireplace with your own hands, although not very quickly. It consists of two parts and you need to do them separately. We offer to consider a variety of options and methods.
Among many peoples, a fireplace is considered a source of pride, as it was used to cook food and heat it up on winter evenings.
Now the fireplace is more often a design attribute, but, since it is impossible to install a real wood-burning fireplace in an apartment. What if there is a desire, but there are no financial opportunities? The answer to this question is simple. You need to make an electric fireplace with your own hands.
To create, an instruction will help, which describes all the steps for making an electric fireplace with your own hands. Lots of options. A homemade electric fireplace will be no worse than a purchased one, only much cheaper. Let's first figure out what components the fireplace has, so that it is easier to make it. We advise you to study the material on our website in more detail.
What is an electric fireplace made of?
Do-it-yourself electric fireplace, whose imitation of fire will please the eye, will require a lot of effort. Before you create a fireplace yourself, you should understand what it consists of. Fireplace elements:
- the hearth is actually an electronic system that transmits the combustion of the flame;
- a portal is a frame where a firebox or hearth is placed.
Advice! You can make a pedestal and a frame yourself, but it is better to buy a firebox in a store, although it is not necessary. The hearth is also created by hand with the necessary elements and tools.
There are many options for how to make an electric fireplace with your own hands, but it should be borne in mind that in any case, the two elements will be made separately and connected together as a finished product.
Step-by-step instructions for making an electric fireplace portal
The question arises, how to make an electric fireplace with steam with your own hands? Let's figure it out. Models of electric fireplaces are different and they are made from different materials. For example, such as: drywall, stone, noble tree species, chipboard, plywood and many others.
Do-it-yourself electric fireplace, the step-by-step instructions of which are presented, can be done without any problems. The fact that it is divided into parts is only a plus, since you can choose the most optimal option based on your preferences and capabilities. Read also about on our website.
In order to create a portal to an electric fireplace with your own hands from drywall, special skills and any specialized tools are not required. Facing the portal of the electric fireplace with your own hands is done in this case from finishing tiles, although other options are possible.
Before making a portal, you should:
- choose a place where the electric fireplace will be installed;
- buy or create an electrical element of the hearth;
- draw a drawing;
- prepare the necessary materials and tools.
Advice! When buying a hearth, if the room has a small area, it is best to choose a shallow hearth model (about 70 millimeters), because it will save space and make the electric fireplace compact.
In order to make a portal for an electric fireplace from drywall, the following materials will be required:
- metal profile, to create the design and fastening of drywall;
- drywall sheets;
- putty diluted with water;
- primer;
- mesh for seams;
- insulation;
- pre-created drawing;
- self-tapping screws;
- metal corner for fixing corners;
- facing tiles;
- furniture board;
- special glue.
Earlier we already wrote about manufacturing and recommended bookmarking the article.
Required tool:
- spatula;
- screwdriver;
- stationery knife;
- sandpaper;
- metal scissors.
Types and models of portals for a fireplace, features of their installation, recommendations and useful tips for those who want to create a cozy relaxation area with a hearth in their apartment.
After preparing the necessary tools and materials, you can get to work:
- Stage 1. Preparation of metal profiles and drywall. Cut to the dimensions that were thought out in advance. Based on them, a drawing was built;
- Stage 2. Installation of a metal profile according to the drawing;
- Stage 3. Fixing drywall with self-tapping screws to the metal profile;
- Stage 4. We completely sew up the frame with drywall according to the drawing;
- Stage 5. We carefully and accurately seal all seams and corners with a putty mixture;
- Stage 6. After the putty has dried, you should walk with sandpaper to remove all irregularities;
- Stage 7. At the corners on top of the drywall, we install a corner metal profile;
Advice! Fixing the metal profile is necessary so that the structure is strong and the corners do not break. You can put something on the portal with reinforced corners.
- Stage 8. The surface should be carefully primed and allowed to dry, only after that you can proceed with the design of the fireplace portal. Using specialized glue, fix the facing tiles;
Advice! Before decorating the walls of the fireplace, you can lay out the lower part with a brick. This is optional and depends on the choice of hearth style. If there is classical English, it is not necessary, if other types are at the discretion.
- Stage 9. Close the walls of the fireplace completely with decorative tiles, and install the hearth;
Advice! Decorative stone, mosaic, stucco molding can act as a decor. The choice depends on the interior of the room and the desired style of the fireplace. In this case, it was the facing tile that was used in the manufacture.
- Stage 10. After that, you should fix the furniture board on top of the fireplace portal;
- Stage 11. The portal for the electric fireplace is ready.
Do-it-yourself decorative firewood for an electric fireplace
Making a fake firewood for an electric fireplace with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. In this case, improvised materials are used.
The store offers many options for decorative logs, but their cost is not small. To create a realistic hearth for an electronic fireplace, you can make firewood with your own hands.
In order to make a model of firewood for an electric fireplace, you will need:
- cardboard;
- dye;
- glue;
- scotch.
Production is carried out in a few simple steps:
- Step 1. It is necessary to cut a blank for firewood from cardboard;
Firewood blanks cut out of cardboard and rolled into rolls. Long - logs, short - knots.
- Step 2. Glue the blank in the form of logs;
- Step 3. The resulting poles should be painted;
- Step 4. The logs must be placed in the hearth in the right order;
Decorative cardboard logs laid in a simulated hearth - cheap and cheerful
We create a hearth for an electric fireplace on our own
How to make an electric fireplace with your own hands, the step-by-step instructions of which include division into several blocks? Let's look into this issue. After the portal and logs have been created, you should think about making the heart of the electric fireplace - the hearth.
A hearth for an electric fireplace with your own hands can be made both ordinary and with the effect of live fire. Ordinary foci with your own hands can be made from improvised materials. For example, candles, fabrics, wire, tree branches.
A hearth of many candles
Many candles will create the illusion of a burning flame. Candles are located at different heights and distances from each other. The disadvantage of such an imitation is that the candles are smoked.
Advice! If the firebox of the false fireplace is white or other light colors, then this method of making the hearth does not need to be used, because the top of the firebox will turn black.
Original hearth made of tree branches, fabric and LED bulbs
- You can buy an LED lamp socket that shimmers in red and yellow colors in a chaotic manner.
- Lay out the base from tree branches in the form of a well and glue it with building glue.
- Insert the cover from below and fix it on the top of the resulting well.
- Take a strong wire, cut into 4 pieces of 25 centimeters each. Then fix one ends on the branches, and twist the second at the top among themselves.
- Fasten a light fabric over the wire. For example, chiffon, organza.
Read also about on our portal.
Advice! The fabric should easily transmit light and at the same time close the top: wire and cartridge. You can use thick tulle. It is desirable that the fabric is uniform without embroidery.
Hearth made of garlands, stones and logs of lace
- It is necessary to initially prepare the logs: tree branches are taken and wrapped in foil, and then lace is glued.
- After the structure dries, the branches are removed.
- Stones in the form of a circle are laid at the bottom of the fireplace portal, after which a garland is inserted inside the circle;
- After that, you need to install the logs and fix them on top with a drop of glue.
Advice! Lace should be thin. This will help create a more realistic burning of the logs, due to the fact that the light from the garland will better pass through the "dummy logs".
Hearth from an aquarium, LED strip, shells, yellow and red pebbles
- An LED strip is laid out at the bottom of the aquarium along the edges.
- The field is filled with shells and pebbles of two colors.
Important! A special role here is played by two-color pebbles. The light falling on it creates a good illusion of a burning fire. The only caveat is that you will need to carefully drill a hole in the glass wall of the aquarium for the wire to exit.
Live fire in an electric fireplace with your own hands can be created in several ways.
Flames of white silk
This method was used in theatrical productions.
- A small fan should be installed in a cardboard box.
Advice! A great option would be to use a computer fan. It is relatively silent and its power will be enough to set the fabric in motion.
Decorative fireplace can be made from various materials. The most common is the "hearth" of drywall. In addition to gypsum boards, brick, polyurethane, cardboard and laminated shelves are used to build false fireplaces.
Fire created with water vapor
It is quite difficult to create it, and knowledge of an electrician is required.
We need a fan, ultrasonic fog generators in the amount of three pieces, an LED lamp. Coordination of the program for fixtures is carried out by a DMX converter. Distilled water, a box, and a DMX controller that transmits data from the luminaire to the equipment are needed to create this complex design.
- at the bottom of the box you need to fix the fog generators. They will evaporate water;
- a fan is necessary in order to drive steam flows upward;
- lights need to be installed. Their role is to highlight the steam.
Live fire reproduced by a TV or monitor
The easiest way to create a simulation of a live flame is to install a TV with a video of a burning fire or a monitor connected to a computer.
Equipment is installed in the created portal to fit the size of the TV or monitor.
Advice! Do-it-yourself electric fireplaces with the effect of live fire are a rather laborious process. It requires a clear understanding of what should happen, as well as certain skills and knowledge, especially in creating fire with water vapor. If there is no complete self-confidence, you should purchase a ready-made hearth.
Video: instructions on how to make a drywall electric fireplace
Creating a fireplace with your own hands is not a very difficult task, which does not in all cases require a lot of expenses. You just need to decide for what purpose you need a fireplace. Only a decorative function can be achieved by creating a model even from cardboard, but a functional one is already a more time-consuming and financially costly process.
An electric fireplace transforms any interior. In addition to its decorative function, it is often used as a heater. Depending on the power, it is able to heat rooms with an area of 15 to 50 m2. Another indisputable advantage is the simplicity of the design. How to make an electric fireplace with your own hands, we will consider further.
The device and advantages of installing an electric fireplace
Despite the variety of electric fireplaces, the device of all devices is the same. Each electric fireplace consists of a portal and a hearth.
Portal - a decorative part of the fireplace, responsible for the attractive appearance of the device.
The hearth is the main element that performs the function of a firebox.
Electric fireplaces are used both for heating the room and for performing a decorative function.
To create an imitation of fire, thin silk patches are used, for the manufacture of which metal foil is used. The presence of a built-in fan allows you to actuate the flaps and, thus, an imitation of a flame is obtained. Additional use of light, mirrors and special filters help to make the picture more realistic.
Some models do not simulate fire, but burning wood. In this case, specially processed plastic and a few pieces of natural coal are used.
Modern models of electric fireplaces imitate a flame or burning wood using a liquid crystal screen.
Some electric fireplaces are equipped with a 3D flame simulation function. The electric fireplace is designed in such a way that a special air humidifier falls on the heating element, thereby creating steam that more realistically conveys the combustion process.
Advantages of installing an electric fireplace:
- do not need chimneys, gas pipes and ventilation;
- not capable of releasing carcinogenic compounds or carbon monoxide;
- compactness and lightness make it easy to move the fireplace from one place to another;
- instant heating of the room;
- the ability to control the temperature;
- the presence of various modes with the possible supply of flame or without;
- the presence of a fan makes the process of heating the room fast;
- fire safety, makes the use of the fireplace simple and eliminates the risk of fire;
- versatility and ease of transportation;
- aesthetics allows you to fit an electric fireplace into the design of any room;
- the installation of an electric fireplace does not require approval or permission acts.
Varieties of electric fireplaces
Depending on the type of hearth, electric fireplaces are distinguished:
- with built-in hearth
- with interchangeable hearth.
Each model of an electric fireplace with a built-in hearth has a special cassette, which is controlled remotely.
When using a replaceable hearth, the portal for the electric fireplace is purchased separately, depending on the size of the hearth.
Most electric fireplaces are characterized by the presence of two modes of operation, which include:
- space heating,
- decorative mode.
In the first case, the fireplace is used as a heater, and in the second - as a decorative object.
By location, electric fireplaces are divided into:
- floor, which are installed on horizontal surfaces;
- wall-mounted, installed near walls;
- built-in - mounted in a wall niche;
- hanging fireplaces - hang on the wall.
Depending on the external design of the portal, fireplaces are divided into:
- wooden,
- stone,
- plastic,
- glass,
- steel,
- plaster.
Varieties of electric fireplaces depending on the type of portal:
- classic fireplace - includes the presence of a portal and a hearth, without additional accessories, such a fireplace has a natural color, strict, straight lines;
- country fireplace - a fireplace made of stone is characterized by simplicity and ease of manufacture;
- high-tech fireplaces are made from unusual materials such as glass or metal;
- modern fireplaces have a variety of color and texture portals, many additional shelves and inserts.
Do-it-yourself portal for an electric fireplace
Before you learn about the design of the portal, read the recommendations and the main mistakes of making the portal yourself.
1. The style in which the hearth of the fireplace is made must be consistent with the style of the portal. When choosing a classic English fireplace, the portal should be designed in such a way that the hearth is located at the bottom of the portal.
2. The portal should not hide the frame of the hearth. The main function of the portal is to highlight the focus. When making the portal yourself, it is better to give preference to hearth-inserts, which allow you to choose any design and finish of the portal and are in perfect harmony with it.
3. Pay attention to the size of the portal, the hearth and the room in which the electric fireplace will be installed. Too large a fireplace in a small room will visually reduce and clutter up the space. When installing a floor fireplace, free space is required to surround the fireplace. When installing a fireplace in a small room, it is possible to install an electric fireplace in a niche, in a wall or in fittings.
4. Before making a portal, you should buy a hearth. Indeed, some hearths have additional fasteners, decorative details that must be taken into account when designing the hearth.
Chipboard, MDF, drywall, brick, plastic, glass or metal are suitable as a material for the manufacture of an electric fireplace portal. Since modern hearths are light in weight and are fire resistant, choose any material for the manufacture of the portal. Do not use wood to make a portal, as the flow of warm air may warp or damage wooden structures. Using polyurethane or gypsum, the portal is finished.
Do-it-yourself electric fireplace from drywall
The drywall portal is installed in one place and does not allow further movement. Therefore, before designing the portal, it is necessary to accurately determine the dimensions and provide a place for electrical wiring and ventilation holes, which will prevent the formation of high humidity, accumulation of hot air or overheating.
1. After determining the dimensions, cut and install the frame from the metal profile.
3. After designing, you should try on the hearth to the portal to make sure that the dimensions match.
4. The next stage includes plastering and painting the surface of the portal.
5. For plaster, use gypsum, use a spatula to create the desired surface texture.
Do-it-yourself electric fireplace photo:
Designing a portal for an electric fireplace from a parquet board
Another option for making a portal that has an unusual and original look is a parquet board portal. Use various trimmings and wood residues, stained or varnished.
To create such a portal, you first need to fix a timber frame on the wall and attach boards of the same size in order. Each board must be glued.
Do-it-yourself electric fireplace
The preparatory stage includes:
- determining the location and type of fireplace;
- purchase of a hearth with a minimum depth of 7 cm;
- purchase of electrical parts;
- tool preparation: level, hammer, screwdriver, screwdriver and metal shears.
Instructions for making a wall-mounted electric fireplace:
1. Make a pedestal on which the portal will be installed. As a material for manufacturing, use MDF covered with laminate.
2. The pedestal should be 15-20 cm larger than the portal.
3. Proceed to the manufacture of the frame for the portal.
4. The part of the wall on which the electric fireplace will be located should be covered with a fireproof material such as asbestos.
5. Make a markup on which the frame will be installed.
6. Attach the metal profile to the wall with self-tapping screws; use rack profiles to strengthen the structure.
7. Cut sheets of drywall, 1.2 cm thick, attach to the finished frame. Use self-tapping screws 3.5x25 mm and a screwdriver.
8. Reinforce the corners of the structure with perforated corners.
9. Putty the portal and all joints.
10. After the putty has completely dried, proceed with the installation of the hearth.
11. Make holes in the drywall construction for ventilation.
To finish the portal, use finishing putty. Do-it-yourself electric fireplace lining options:
- water based paint,
- texture plaster,
- a natural stone,
- fake diamond,
- tile,
- brick wallpaper,
- adhesive tape,
- ceramic tile,
- molding,
- polyurethane stucco,
- wooden panels,
- glass,
- metal.
After installing the portal, communication work should be carried out to install ventilation, electricity and a firebox. To install the electrical wiring, use a two-core cable with a cross section of 4x2 mm with double insulation. The cable should be laid in a corrugated sleeve.
Do-it-yourself corner electric fireplace
For the manufacture of a corner fireplace, drywall is the best option. This material has sufficient strength and fire safety for the construction of shelves on the fireplace.
To make a fireplace, use a metal U-shaped profile or wooden slats. According to the previously made drawing, assemble the frame using self-tapping screws and a screwdriver.
The building level will help check the evenness of the structure.
Cut pre-prepared sheets of drywall according to the size of the frame and fix it with self-tapping screws.
Prime the surface and wait until it dries completely.
The next stage is the puttying of the plasterboard structure.
After the putty has dried, finish the corner fireplace according to the chosen materials and design.
Do-it-yourself electric fireplace video:
In a real fireplace, a portal is needed to protect adjacent walls from the heat of the fire and burning wood or coals. Modern houses and apartments are heated with electric fireplaces, as they do not require special care and consumption of real fuel materials. Do-it-yourself portal for an electric fireplace is made for decoration. This design should repeat the relief of natural materials - stone, marble or brick.
portal design
The portal has the form of a frame that forms the main part of the fireplace. It should be a stable design that will harmoniously fit the electric fireplace into the interior of the room and serve as a shelf for photographs and flower vases. An interesting solution - framing the hearth in the form of a continuation of the furniture(racks, cabinets or plasterboard niches). The portal must support the weight of the built-in fireplace.
By type of construction, the frames are divided into stationary and mobile. Fixed portals can be made from any material, while movable portals must be strong and stable. The dimensions of this structure are small, the mobile structure must be deep and wide, have a center of gravity in the lower part. Thanks to this, the portal will not fall if careless handling. For a wide shelf, you need to screw a special corner to the wall above the fireplace.
Style and materials
Ordinary fireplaces are built from natural stones. But this is a heavy material, it is not easy to process and give it a suitable shape. Therefore, to create an electric fireplace with your own hands, choose wood, drywall or plywood. The portal is tinted, varnished or painted, pasted over with a decorative film.
The hearth, which will only play the role of decorating the room, can be placed in a foam, plasterboard frame. If an electric fireplace will heat the room, then the selected material must be resistant to high temperatures. It is better to cover the portal with plaster, tiles or heat-resistant mineral film.
Before designing, you need to purchase the electric fireplace itself. The size and style of the portal design depend on it. . The most popular styles of electric fireplaces:
- Victorian;
- country;
- classical;
- Romanesque;
- urban.
In the premises of the Victorian era, a massive hearth, framed by expensive wood, dark polished stone slabs, gilded moldings and carvings, will harmoniously look. For country-style rooms, portals made of light wood, decorated with small stones or decorative brickwork, are suitable.
The classic version implies the presence of small columns, restrained stucco on a plastered surface, marble finishes. Bulky stone structures with wide shelves made of dark wood are suitable for lovers of the Romanesque style. A modern urban portal is made of glass or painted metal, its shape is very simple, there are practically no decorations.
The shape of the frame of the electric fireplace depends on the room. Usually a rectangular structure is made and placed against a plain wall. For the portal, a base must be installed - a stone or brick pedestal. Its width should exceed the frame by at least 30 cm, the owners adjust the height on their own.
The use of drywall
Drywall portals are reliable. The basis is metal frames, they are sheathed with plasterboard sheets. A little material is needed, but only a green moisture-resistant option is chosen. The portal is covered with plaster or lined with small tiles . For work it is necessary to prepare:
At the beginning of work, drawings are made, calculations are made of the dimensions of the pedestal, the portal itself and the upper shelf. On the floor and wall, they mark the location of the future hearth, cut a metal profile for the frame. Fix the pieces of the base on the floor and wall, install vertical strips of metal.
The dimensions of the frame are transferred to drywall sheets, the details are cut out. They are attached to the frame with self-tapping screws, the corners are glued with sickle. The seams need to be puttied, the structure is finished with the selected material. Then a countertop is placed on top and an electric fireplace is connected. The portal can be covered with a layer of plaster and painted with white paint. A wooden light shelf will complement the country-style building. If you need to cover the fireplace with tiles, then it is pre-primed and the material is fixed on liquid nails.
Wood and plywood
You can also make an electric fireplace from plywood with your own hands. Step-by-step instructions for working with this material are almost the same as creating a plasterboard portal. Wooden and plywood sheets are strong, thick, so they can withstand not only the weight of the fireplace itself, but also equipment - a TV or a music center.
You need to prepare the following tools:
In a free room, a frame is assembled from bars, sheathed with plywood blanks. Details from the material are cut out with a jigsaw, screwed to the base with self-tapping screws. Then the hearth is leveled with sandpaper, varnished or painted in several layers. And also it can be decorated with baguettes, details from rounded timber.
Heat generator installation
The constructed hearth does not have a chimney, so an electric convector is used to heat the room. It is inserted into the recess of the front side of the portal, the cord is led out along the plinth to the outlet. Then they mask the generator with a fireplace grate, closing the hole in the portal with it.
At the end of the design, grates for the fireplace must be laid on the base. They can be replaced with rebar rods. They are placed at a distance of 2 cm from each other parallel to the front of the structure. On the pedestal, you can pre-cut grooves for laying iron rods.
Instead of a convector, infrared heaters are sometimes used; they are mounted on the walls even before the portal frame is assembled. Indoors, heat will spread to a distance of 1-1.5 m from the fireplace. Heaters provide an opportunity to save on electricity bills.
Imitation coals
You can decorate an electric fireplace with decorative glowing coals. To prepare them you will need:
- plastic bags;
- mounting foam;
- LED garland;
- red, brown and black paint.
The bags are filled with foam and crushed as it solidifies. Then the mass is pulled out by cutting the polyethylene. The inner part is taken out of each part, sections with green and blue lamps are separated from the garland. Several red or yellow diodes are put into each empty coal, fixed with tape. All parts are assembled into one mass, fastened together with foam. Then the coals are covered with paint, applying black color to the side and bottom faces. The design is placed on the grate, the garland is connected to the network. The flickering effect creates an imitation of smoldering coals.
Creating a portal for an electric fireplace with your own hands will reduce the cost of home repairs. When designing the structure, simple materials are used, and all drawings and calculations can be done independently. The hearth is decorated with artificial coals and a real fireplace grate.
