Do-it-yourself portal for an electric fireplace

An electric fireplace is not only a heating equipment, but also a new addition to the interior design of the home. Unlike conventional fireplaces, this device runs on electricity, simulating a burning fire inside. This makes it possible for the fireplace to operate constantly, because it only requires a power source, instead of burning logs. The fireplace is made of two parts: a portal and a module (or hearth). The module displays an animation of a burning fire (in most models). Also, the operation of an electric fireplace may be accompanied by specific sounds (also depending on the model).

Why do you need a fireplace portal?

The portal is the frame for the hearth, but in addition to the role of the body, it itself is an object of decoration and has its own materials and decoration elements. People pay attention to the flame first, then the portal attracts attention with its design.

Making a portal for a fireplace with your own hands

Making a high-quality, beautiful and durable fireplace does not require any special skills. The most difficult and basic thing in its construction is the base (portal). First of all, you need to choose a place to install the fireplace (and do not forget about the possibility of connecting to the network), take several measurements, according to which you will subsequently need to create parts of the structure. You should start from the bottom.To begin with, you need to attach the mounting angles (2 pieces) to the walls where you plan to place the fireplace.

Next, you should install two corners opposite those attached to the wall, at the desired distance (depending, as a rule, on the size of the room where the fireplace is installed). Using your measurements, make a metal frame that is attached to the wall for fastening. Now the beginning is planned, and it is worth choosing consumables for constructing the outer part of the fireplace.

Materials and tools

The main materials for the portal frame can be: plywood, a thick layer of fiberboard, chipboard, boards, drywall, brick and stone. Bricks are very bulky, and creating a fireplace from them is very labor-intensive work. Plywood, boards and fiberboard are made from wood, and it is not as durable as drywall, so it is better to stick with it. As auxiliary materials you should definitely purchase:

1. Putty, preferably the color of drywall paper (usually pure white).
2. To glue plasterboard sheets, you need high-quality glue.
3. Primer.
4. External material (cladding wallpaper to choose from).

IMPORTANT! You should not skimp on these components; they play a role in the reliability and appearance of the fireplace!

You can’t do without tools when creating a portal from plasterboard! You will need:

1. Screwdriver (a screwdriver will do).
2. Stationery knife.
3. Putty knife.
4. Sandpaper.

This will be quite enough.

Stages of work

All measurements taken (except for those used to install the corners and frame) must be converted into a drawing. It is much easier to “see” the future structure using it. You need to work exactly with the diagram and step by step to avoid errors in the calculations.

You should not litter in the house where you plan to install a fireplace.It is better to start creating components for a fireplace on the street, in a barn, etc. According to the portal drawing, you should make cutouts on full-size plasterboard sheets and separate them. Next, select those parts that will go to the lower part (don’t forget about the protrusion for the firewood) and attach the drywall using a screwdriver/screwdriver. There is no need to try to make it end-to-end, a relatively even connection is enough, because everything will be covered by the outer decorative layer.

After constructing the “step” of the portal, you need to move to the upper part, where the hearth will be located. Here it is necessary to connect the fasteners installed to the wall with the drywall elements. Now the base of the portal and all the walls are installed. All that remains is to attach the remaining parts to the metal frame and the top to the front part. To finish, cover with plaster, prime and wallpaper. The result is a ready-made “body” of the fireplace - you can come up with a huge number of additions, from artificial flowers to foam bricks coated with gold paint.

Making a portal for an electric fireplace is not that difficult, all you need is a little time and desire. After looking at prices on the Internet for portals for electric fireplaces, you will certainly want to make one yourself, because this will allow you to save (without loss of quality) 8-10 times! It is also worth noting that creating a portal for a fireplace with your own hands is an opportunity to realize your design ideas.