(This post was sponsored by Slate-ish but all thought and opinions are my own) Learn how to easily build a custom electric fireplace surround with this step-by-step DIY guide.

Transform your living space with a stunning electric fireplace surround, easily crafted with this DIY guide. Learn how to create a custom mantel to perfectly complement your fireplace insert, adding warmth and style to your home without breaking the bank.

This step-by-step tutorial walks you through the process, from measuring and framing to finishing touches, ensuring a successful project even for novice DIYers.

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Several years ago, I purchased this pre-made electric fireplace for the basement. The basement does not have a heating system, and since we aren’t down there much, an electric fireplace was a great solution. It heats the room well, adds ambiance, and cozied up an otherwise cold basement.

As much as we love the look of the electric fireplace, we’ve always wanted to build a more permanent aesthetic that would add value to our home. So we decided to renovate the basement with a new fireplace surround.

Wait until you see how we upgraded a pre-made electric fireplace to a custom-made fireplace!

A beige electric fireplace DIY with a television mounted above it. The fireplace has ornate detailing and is accompanied by a small side shelf containing books and picture frames. Some cables are visible around the shelf, and the floor features both wood and carpet sections.
Before we dismantled the pre-made electric fireplace. There is another bookshelf to flank the other side but it was falling apart so we ditched it.

Electric Fireplace DIY: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to get started? Building your electric fireplace surround is easier than you think! First, gather the necessary tools and supplies, including wood for the frame, trim for the edges, and paint or stain for the finish.

Be sure to carefully measure your electric fireplace insert to ensure a perfect fit. The following step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process, from creating the frame to adding the finishing touches, making your DIY fireplace surround a reality.

Tools & Materials for Your DIY Electric Fireplace Surround

  • Electric Fireplace Insert (Ours is 20”x30”)
  • (12) 2×4’s
  • 8D Nails
  • (3) Sheets of Sheetrock
  • 1.25” Drywall Screws
  • Level
  • Hammer
  • Ruler
  • Screwdriver
  • Power Drill
  • Chopsaw
  • Oscillating Saw
  • Cats Paw
  • Mantel of your choosing
  • Tile or Stone
A collection of tools and materials for a woodworking project, perfect for an electric fireplace DIY, placed on a concrete surface. Includes a drill, saw, hammer, screwdriver, screws, measuring tape, level ruler, pencil, and three wooden planks arranged neatly in parallel.

About Slate-ish

In my search for different products to use on the new fireplace surround, I found this product to use on the fireplace Slate-ish is made in America from scrap paper-composite materials. These solid core laminates are made from layers of paper and resin, which are heated and pressed.

It comes in 20 different colors, as well as peel and stick or loose pieces. For this project, we are using the loose pieces in Graphite 2.0.

A monochrome abstract image featuring overlapping rectangular pieces of textured material. The rectangles are arranged horizontally and vertically on a background of thin, closely aligned rods, resembling the meticulous craftsmanship seen in an electric fireplace DIY project, creating a layered and geometric visual composition.
Each piece of Slate-ish looks unique.

Simple Steps to Build Your Own Electric Fireplace Surround

For our fireplace, we dismantled the pre-made electric fireplace to strip it down to just the insert.There are all different sizes of electric fireplace inserts available if you don’t already have one. I recommend that you have building experience before attempting to make this project.

NOTE: Every home is different. Sizes of rooms, ceiling height, etc. are not the same from home to home. When following this DIY, go by the measurements for your home and electric fireplace insert.

  • Measure the electric fireplace and site where you want the fireplace.
  • Frame out the walls of the surround based on the measurement of the electric fireplace insert. Ours is 20”x30”.
  • Cut 2 – 2×4’s 5ft length for the top and bottom plates of the front wall.
  • Cut 4 – 2×4’s that represents your floor to ceiling height.
  • On the ground, nail the bottom plates onto the taller 2×4’s.
  • Then nail the top plate onto the taller 2×4’s.
  • Then pick up the wall and nail it into studs place.
A partially constructed wall frame, intended for an electric fireplace DIY, is set against a beige wall with a level leaning on the left side. Various tools, including a drill, hammer, and pliers, are scattered on the floor, which has a section of carpet removed and concrete exposed.
A partially constructed wooden frame stands against a beige wall, enclosing a mounted electric fireplace. The floor below is stripped down to the subfloor, with remnants of carpet visible at the edges. This DIY fireplace surround features vertical and horizontal wooden beams.
  • Cut 4 pieces of 2×4 to 1ft lengths.
  • Cut 4 more 2×4’s to for the floor to ceiling height.
  • Nail the 2 short 2×4’s to 2 tall 2×4’s twice. These are your sidewalls.
  • Put the sidewalls in place. Nail it into the studs and floor.
  • Then nail the side walls to the front wall, making sure it is plumb and level.
  • Cut 2- 2×4’s the width of your electric fireplace insert.
  • Then nail them into place for the height of your electric fireplace insert.
  • (Optional: we added a tv bracket and blocking above the fireplace. If you decide to add a tv too, you’ll need to cut additional 2×4’s to support it as we did).
  • Cut sheetrock to size and screw it to the studs.
  • Install mantel of your choice. 

Now that we have the fireplace surround built, it’s time to finish it off!

A person wearing a beanie, safety glasses, and work clothes holds a flashlight while working on a partially built wall frame with exposed wooden studs in a room. The floor is uncovered, revealing subflooring, as they prepare for an electric fireplace DIY project. The room has beige walls and recessed lighting.
A flat screen TV is mounted on a wall that is under construction, with drywall incomplete. Beneath the TV, a square hole hints at plans for an electric fireplace DIY setup. A level tool, electric drill, and construction materials are scattered on the floor. The area is lit with recessed ceiling lights.

Finishing Supplies for Your DIY Electric Fireplace Surround

Keep in mind that this supply list is specific to using the Slate-ish product. If you use something different, you’ll need to adjust the following list.

  • Slateish 
  • 100% Clear Silicone Adhesive
  • Miter Saw with Carbide Tipped Blades
  • Utility Knife
  • Sandpaper
A partially renovated wall highlights a flatscreen TV mounted above a wooden mantel and an unfinished electric fireplace. The wall around the DIY fireplace surround is covered with drywall, with some paneling and wood materials on the floor in front.

How to Apply Slate-ish for a Beautiful DIY Electric Fireplace

  • Appy Slate-ish to a clean, flat wall surface. According to the manufacturer, the sheetrock should be painted.
  • Start at the bottom of the fireplace. Level the bottom layer first before applying Slate-ish.
  • Using clear 100% silicone adhesive, start at the bottom and work your way up. (Tip – use painter’s tape to hold tiles in place until dry if necessary.)
  • Cut pieces to size with a miter saw, Note: carbide-tipped blades work best with this product.
  • If you smear adhesive – let it dry and cut away later, or use a utility knife blade or even sandpaper to scrape off.

In order to get the look we achieved, we mitered the corners. 

We also added quarter round trim at the bottom, then painted it to finish off the bottom of the fireplace.

A person with short hair and glasses sits on a stool in front of a fireplace, diligently working on their DIY fireplace surround. The area is covered in a beige cloth, with various tools and supplies scattered around. A television is mounted above the wooden mantel, adding a modern touch to the cozy space.
A partially finished home renovation project featuring an electric fireplace DIY. The fireplace wall is being covered with black tiles, some of which are still being installed. A flat-screen TV is mounted above a wooden mantel, and there are tools and materials on the floor.
A person is aligning strips of masking tape horizontally along the corner of a wall. The wall, prepared for an electric fireplace DIY project, has a layer of green drywall with visible screws. The strips feature alternating segments of black and blue tape, creating a pattern.
A person with glasses is installing black tiles on a wall, using blue tape to secure them. There's a small gap near the ceiling that is being adjusted with a light-colored tile. The person, working on their DIY fireplace surround, appears focused, with one hand holding a tile and the other adjusting it.

Relax and Enjoy: Your DIY Electric Fireplace Surround

We love the look of the new fireplace and can’t wait to use it this winter when the New Jersey temps drop. I love how this turned out!

I love the look and even though the corners were really tough to do, we are happy with the result.

As an aside, after working with Slate-ish product on this project, it would look amazing on an accent wall and be much easier to install.

A modern electric fireplace set in a dark stone wall features glowing red and orange logs with realistic flames flickering. The surrounding floor, made of wooden planks, adds to the cozy and warm ambiance. Perfect for those considering a DIY fireplace surround project to enhance their living space.

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Electric Fireplace Surrounds

How long does it take to build an electric fireplace surround?

The time it takes to build a surround can vary depending on the complexity of the design and your experience level. It could take a weekend or several days to complete.

Do I need any special skills to build an electric fireplace surround?

Basic carpentry skills are helpful, but even beginners can successfully build a surround with the right instructions and patience. Measuring, cutting, and assembling the frame are the primary skills required.

How do I measure for an electric fireplace surround?

Measure the width, height, and depth of your fireplace insert. Add extra space for the frame and any desired trim. Ensure there’s adequate clearance between the insert and the surround for ventilation and safety.

Can I paint or stain my electric fireplace surround?

Yes, you can paint or stain your surround to match your home’s decor. Choose a paint or stain that is heat-resistant and suitable for the type of material used in your surround.

Is it safe to build a fireplace surround around an electric fireplace?

Yes, it’s safe to build a surround around an electric fireplace as long as you follow safety guidelines. Ensure proper ventilation and clearance around the fireplace insert, and use heat-resistant materials for the surround. When in doubt, consult your local fire department and building code officials for safety guidelines in your locality.

After electric fireplace DIY
After the electric fireplace DIY. Can you believe how much better this looks???

Final Thoughts on Building a Fireplace Surround

Overall, creating this DIY electric fireplace surround was a rewarding experience, despite being more time-consuming than anticipated. The end result was a beautiful and functional addition to my living room that completely transformed the space.

However, if I were to embark on this project again, I would opt for a different material than slate-ish for the surround. While aesthetically pleasing, its brittle nature and sharp edges made it challenging to work with, particularly for a beginner DIYer.

Despite this minor setback, the sense of accomplishment in crafting a unique piece for my home far outweighs any difficulties encountered along the way.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear! And feel free to share this post with anyone you think would find it helpful too.

More Home DIY Project Ideas to Try

If you are looking for more do-it-yourself projects to make your home even more amazing than it already is, check out these posts!

And here are some FAQ’s for chalk painting fabric and applying chalk paint to wood cabinets.

Top image: An electric fireplace with a white wooden mantel and a television mounted above it. Bottom image: The same electric fireplace after a DIY makeover, featuring a dark stone surround and a wooden mantel. Text reads, 'Before and After ELECTRIC FIREPLACE Makeover.'

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo

A pink watercolor flower with green leaves sits to the left of the script text "Stacy Ling" in dark gray, reminiscent of an elegant DIY fireplace surround. The flower and text are set against a white background.
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