Concrete Faux Fireplace

By The Rustic Home Co
black-fireplace-1
steps
Kreg Academy Kreg Academy

How to build a concrete faux fireplace.

Difficulty moderate

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Drill
    Drill
  • Stud finder
    Stud finder
  • Razor knife
    Razor knife
  • Concrete trowel
    Concrete trowel
  • Nail gun
    Nail gun
  • Tape measure
    Tape measure
  • Pencil
    Pencil

Materials

Wood Products

  • 2 Pine boards , 16' - 2"x12" (cut list to follow on diagram)
  • 1 Cement board
  • 4 Metal corner bead , 1 1/4" x 8'
  • 1 Primed mdf board (for baseboard) , 8' - 1" x 6"
  • 1 Primed mdf board (for trim on top of fireplace) , 8' - 1" x 2"

Hardware & Supplies

  • 1 Box of 2 1/2" Kreg pocket hole screws (see tool list)
  • 1 Wood glue
  • 1 Box of cement board screws
  • 1 Premixed bucket of mortar
  • 1 Sanding block 120 grit
  • 1 Box of 2" brad nails
See All Tools & Materials

Cut List & Parts

  • 11 Boards , 2.5” x 60”
  • 2 Boards , 2.5” x 95.5”
  • 5 Boards , 2.5” x 16”
  • 6 Boards , 2.5” x 6”
  • 2 Boards , 2.5” x 52.5”
  • 2 Boards , 2.5” x 43”
  • 3 Boards , 2.5” x 38"
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See Full Cut List & Parts

Directions

  • Rip pine boards

    Start by ripping the pine boards into 2 1/2” boards. (All boards should be 1 1/2” x 2 1/2”)

  • See diagram for cut list.

    Cut each board to length using the framing diagram provided.

  • Drill pocket holes

    Drill all of the pocket holes and assemble the frame per the diagram description.

  • Attach frame to wall

    Attach the frame to the wall. Be sure to attach it directly to studs or use the proper anchors to attach it safely.

  • Wrap frame with cement board

    Begin wrapping the whole frame with cement board. Be sure to install the metal corner bead on the corners after all of the cement board is installed. This will ensure nice, clean lines all around the edge of your fireplace.

  • Skim coat

    Now it’s time to skim coat the fireplace using pre-mixed mortar and a trowel. I did 3 coats total and I let each coat dry at least 12 hours before applying the next.

  • Sand

    Once dry, knock down any super rough patches or blemishes in the mortar using the 120 grit sanding block.

  • Install baseboard

    Use the 1”x6” mdf board to install a baseboard on the bottom of the fireplace using the nail gun and 2” brad nails. Be sure to caulk along the edges.

  • Install top molding

    Use the 1”x2” mdf board to install the molding on the top of the fireplace. Be sure to caulk along the edges again.

  • Finish

    Time to paint & decorate!