DIY Fireplace Surround
If you struggle every year with finding somewhere to hang the stockings, then this might just be the diy you need this winter! It will easily carry over into every season and made such a difference to my space.
This diy does require the use of several power tools, so you do need to be comfortable with using or have someone on hand to help. If you already have the paint and power tools then this diy will only cost $60! A great saving when comparing to the price of store bought surrounds which start at around $200
You’re going to need:
1x8x6 boards (3)
1x3x8 board
1x12x4 stair tread (with the rounded front edge)
decorative trim (optional)
11/2 inch screws
4x8 backerboard
nail gun
chop saw
sander
drill
Wood glue
spackling
Paintable caulk
First, you’re going to use your chop saw to cut all of your 3 1x8x6 boards in half, resulting in 6 pieces that are 3ft each. Then using some wood glue to help hold them, drill pilot holes and screw two boards on the back of one board to give you 3 sides, forming the columns. I used a screw at the top and bottom on each side because I knew my trim would hide the screws. If you don’t want to have trim, then you could use a pocket hole jig to hide all screws inside.
You’ll end up with this, and may find that if your wood wasn’t perfectly straight then there’s some bowing, but not an issue! You can cut a little off your 1x3x8 for a support on the back side like I did below.
You can drill pilot holes and screw into each side as again the trim will cover the screws, though I found that the nail gun was enough here, and tacked them into the side pieces.
Next, cut your 1x3x8 into 6 pieces measuring as you go. 4 pieces for the sides, and two longer pieces for the front. I could have 45 degree angled these, but wanted to keep it simple. The way I have done it makes the front nice and seamless. Nail gun these pieces on to your columns.
I used a Stanley knife to score the backerboard to the right height as it was a little tall, then it will bend off with ease. I also attached this to the back of the columns with the nail gun. Thinking ahead. If you’re going to have a small plug in heater in the surround, leave it just a few millimetres short on the bottom so the cord can sit underneath.
Next up, turn your chop saw to a 45 degree cutting angle and cut your decorative trim so that it meets nicely on each edge. I bought enough trim to trim the top and around the legs at the bottom, but only ended up doing the top as I preferred it more minimalist so I’d recommend sketching out how you want it to look and how fancy you want to go with details.
I used some wood glue around the top for extra strength, then placed the stair tread onto the whole piece making sure it’s centred. Then I pilot holed and sank four screws into the top, two at the back and two at the front. It’s important to sink them so that you can fill the holes to make them smooth before painting.
Then use your filler (wood filler or spackle, I actually prefer spackle because it’s a certain that the paint won’t affect it), and cover those holes. You will also need to cover the holes from the nail gun.
Next take your paintable caulk and use it to caulk all of the joints and seams on the piece.
Once your filler and caulk have fully dried you can give the wood a light sand, before using a tack cloth to get all the dust off ready for paint. I decided to test out my paint sprayer for this piece so I plastic protected an area to do so, but a good quality brush and paint will never let you down!
As always, please ask away if you have any questions and keep up with me on Instagram @where_the_winds_blow for other crafts and decor!
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Shanna Seay on Nov 13, 2022
This is exactly what I've been looking for! Is there a simple way to anchor it to the wall without building an entire frame? Cause .......cats.
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Laura | @HartLaneHome on Nov 13, 2022
Yes absolutely, Amazon has furniture tipping restraints.
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is there some way this this project can be made for a real wood stove?
So cute. I just love all the creative ideas that come from everyone at hometalk. I have many project ideas and this is one. Thank you.
Wow! How very clever of you! Do you think that this could be made in a way that would allow it to be disassembled and stored? No matter what, thank you for sharing your talent and imagination!