DIY Fireplace Surround and Tutorial

Happy Tuesday Friends! If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I’ve been embarking on an impromptu DIY fireplace makeover and tutorial in my family room. As a quick story behind this makeover, back in 2018, I decided to change the current tile on the fireplace that we installed over the brick back in 2012. That fireplace makeover was literally our first DIY project and there were some imperfections that had begun to show so it was time for it to go.

Fast forward to Fall 2018, I decided to install a stacked stone all over the fireplace, over the existing stone. Well, once I installed it, I hated it. I liked it on the face of the fireplace, but hated it on the hearth. So I removed it.

This is what I was left with. An uneven surface of dried mortar over the pre-existing surface.

It remained this way until last week when I got tired of looking at it. After searching Pinterest for Inspiration, I took a series of inspo pics and combined them to determine my vision.

This is what I came up with! I absolutely love our new fireplace surround! It has so much dimension and customization now. The good thing about this DIY Fireplace makeover and tutorial post is that I’ve put together a thorough tutorial! This project is pretty simple to do, but tedious.

DIY fireplace makeover full tutorial:

To start, remove all pre-existing molding where needed. There were a few places we removed that were not flush. Such as around the tv, and the molding at the bottom of the ledge.

The pieces that were flush, we just attached the new molding over the existing to eliminate unnecessary steps.

Materials used:

MDF Cut Down to size needed (this will vary based on your fireplace)

Plywood (already had on hand so I used all of this before grabbing MDF)

Lattice Strips

Molding as desired

Kilz Primer

Paint in desired color (I used Behr Bright White)

Ryobi Nail Gun

Liquid Nails

Caulk

 

Start by framing the fireplace using your MDF or Plywood. The width of the sides is based on preference, but per the National Fire safety Commission, any combustible materials being placed on a wood-burning fireplace should clear at least 6 inches from the fireplace opening. Mine cleared exactly 6 inches on the sides and over 12 inches across the top. Always consult your local state agency for exact info pertaining to your State. If you have a gas fireplace, the rules are not as strict.

For the top of the fireplace, I repaired the damaged areas using All Purpose Sheetrock Joint Compound and a putty knife. Here is a pretty simple tutorial.

After building the frame, I added three-dimensional boxes on the outer corners using plywood. Again, this could be done with MDF. I attached them using my nail gun and in areas where I couldn’t attach using a nail gun, I used liquid nails and held the pieces in place using painters tape. Liquid nails is BOMB! I love using it to hold things in place.

 

To add the decorative frame, I used lattice strips from Home Depot. I cut them to the necessary sizes needed for my desired design. The lattice strips were attached using my air nail gun.  I also attached baseboard and crown molding and other molding around the top ledge of the fireplace. This is a step based on preference but I think it adds a bit more fancy to the makeover. Plus, it gives a more finished look.

I also painted over the pre-existing based using my favorite primer.

Around the bottom, I mimicked the same design as the fireplace face. I stuck the mdf and lattice on the bottom using liquid nails.

I attached an outside corner trim piece around the edge using more liquid nails.

Next, the fireplace was caulked and wood filler was added to close all nail holes and make the entire fireplace look seamless.  Then using the same primer that I used for the base, I primed the entire fireplace.

Then I painted over everything using Behr paint in Bright White in a Semi Gloss. It’s perfect.

As you can imagine, I am so happy with how this project turned out and cannot wait to enjoy our fireplace this winter, even though I am not rushing winter by ANY MEANS!

Oh and before I go, here is how my fireplace has transitioned over the last nine years.

Move in 2011: 

Circa 2012:

Circa 2013-2017:

Last week:

And Today:

So what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by. Until next time! Stay safe and healthy!

Don’t forget to PIN this tutorial for the future!

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