DIY Fireplace Frame Construction

Measure your fireplace and buy the materials that you will need. Prepare sketches of your fireplace frame so you know how big the fireplace frame that you can install in your home. It is also recommended to buy extra wood that you can use if you make mistakes or damage some material.

Tape down thick plastic sheets on the floor surrounding your fireplace. This will protect the floor as you work on your fireplace frame.

Mark and sketch the shape of the frame around your fireplace with a pencil or chalk. Make sure that the dimensions of the frame are proportional.

Position the hearth of the fireplace frame in front of the opening of the fireplace. Make sure that the hearth is centered. Check if it is laid flat and level on the floor using a carpenter's level. If the hearth is not level, put backing wood pieces at the bottom of the hearth to level it.

Attach the back panel of the frame to the fireplace. Position the back panel at the center of the fireplace opening. Screw the panel onto the wall using an electric drill.

Assemble the frame pieces according to the manufacturer's instruction. Nail the pieces together using a nail gun. Check if all the joints are straight and fitted properly and if the whole structure looks right.

Position the assembled frame where it will be installed. Make sure that the mantle is centered. Locate the position of the screws on the frame and mark these on the wall. Set aside the frame. Then drill holes on the wall where you marked the location of the screws. Make sure that the drill bit you use when you drill holes on the wall is smaller than the size of the screws you are going to use.

Put the frame into its position in front of the fireplace and screw it in place.