Key Element in Your DIY Fireplace - Buy an Electric Fireplace Insert
Author: Mark Jimson
Author: Mark Jimson
Do you live in a place without a fireplace? Would you like to have one but are not sure how to tackle the job? If you are even a little bit crafty, you can do this much easier than you might think. In addition, building a fireplace can be much more inexpensive than you might imagine. I have built several of these units for personal use and for friends. I even built some for neighbors and got paid for them! The biggest obstacle was the "innerds". I tried to figure out how to simulate the appearance of a real wood burning model, but I was frustrated in my efforts. My frustration ended when I discovered that you can buy electric fireplace inserts. Now that YOU know that little secret, you can proceed with confidence. Step one: Buy an electric fireplace insert. You will most likely need to get one online, because they are not commonly available at your normal home improvement stores. It is important to at least get the dimensions of the unit before you start your project so you won't have to modify your masterpiece after you find out that your opening is the wrong size. Step two: Build your surround. Since the insert you purchase is totally safe with regard to burning down your house or apartment, you can use some fairly inexpensive materials. You can even use particle board if you like, but my personal preference is plywood with a stainable veneer such as birch or oak. I use this lumber for the basic structure, then I add molding and trim to dress up the surround. To finish the surround, you can use stain or paint. If you plan to use stain, you will need to take more time in construction, making sure all your joints are perfect. If paint is your finish of choice, caulking is your friend. You can work a bit faster and use calking to fill in any cracks. One hint is to use the plywood for the top of the mantel, then add cove molding trim around the edges to give the mantel the appearance of being much thicker than the three quarter plywood. The hearth will also be built from two-bys with a plywood cover. I have used marble tile attached with construction adhesive to give it the appearance of a real hearth. Step three: After the construction is complete all you need to do is install your electric insert and plug it in. Your family and neighbors will be begging you to make one for them... guaranteed. As mentioned above, you will need to buy an electric fireplace insert online. Find an excellent assortment at http://www.buyanelectricfireplace.com.About the Author:
Prior to beginning his career as an online author and Internet marketer, Mark Jimson spent 20+ years in construction - both commercial and residential. He experienced some lifestyle changes which made it necessary to look elsewhere for income as he approached retirement. With his personal work and life experiences, article writing seemed to be the next logical step.
His knowledge base is not only in construction, but in the area of personal goal setting. He has been a student of such inspirational leaders as Denis Waitly, Zig Ziglar, and Jim Rohn. Their methods and messages need to be shared with the masses - they will change the fabric of ones identity and how we influence those around us in a positive way. You may visit The 100 Day Challenge for some very inspirational help with your own goals.