Tools and Materials
Tools
- Power Drill/Driver & Bits
- Miter Saw
- Miter Saw Stand
- Screwdrivers
- Tape Measure
- Stud Finder
- Level
- Laser Level
- Square
- Clamps
- Drywall Tools
- Safety Glasses
- Work Gloves
- Hearing Protection
- Respirator
- Knee Pads (Optional)
- Impact Driver & Bits (Optional)
- Hammer Drill & Masonry Bit (Optional)
- Adjustable Wrench (Optional)
- Hammer (Optional)
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Electric Fireplace Installation Types
- Freestanding and TV stand electric fireplaces require minimal setup, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for placement.
- Electric fireplace inserts typically offer installation in an unused fireplace.
- Depending on the model, wall-mount electric fireplaces hang on a wall or install in a wall recess to create a flush appearance.
- Electric fireplaces often offer hardwired installation, where the unit connects directly to an electrical circuit, or a plug-in cord for a standard 120-volt household outlet.
For this project, we’re building an accent wall for a recessed installation of a plug-in fireplace.
Follow the electric fireplace manufacturer’s instructions for installation, space requirements and setup.
Find an Electric Fireplace for Your Home
From a freestanding setup to a built-in look, find the perfect electric fireplace.
Read our guide to electric fireplaces to find the heating solution that works best for your home.
Prepare to Install a Plug-In Electric Fireplace
- Read the fireplace installation instructions and safety information.
- Use the fireplace dimensions, installation requirements, clearances and power specifications to ensure the installation location is suitable.
- If you don’t have a suitable outlet nearby, contact a licensed electrician to install one according to the fireplace specifications.
- Unpack and verify all the fireplace parts are included and undamaged.
- Wear safety gear as appropriate for your tools and materials, such as work gloves for handling materials, eye protection and hearing protection for cutting lumber and eye protection and a respirator for cutting and installing drywall.
How to Install an Electric Fireplace in an Accent Wall
We’re building an accent wall to install one type of electric fireplace, but installation instructions vary by fireplace model. Always defer to the instructions for your electric fireplace.
Plan Your Accent Wall
Our accent wall has two short side walls and a front wall, each made from 2-by-4s fastened together with 3-inch #8 wood screws. The side walls determine the depth of the accent wall. The depth must fit the electric fireplace and allow any specified clearances.
Use our project as a general guide only. Your design, dimensions, lumber and fasteners may differ based on the electric fireplace you install and any additional items the wall supports. Your plan must work with your home construction and comply with local building codes.
Side Wall Construction:
- There are two studs on each side.
- Five blocks run between the studs as bracing.
Front Wall Construction:
- Two studs and two horizontal boards form the frame.
- Horizontal and vertical boards create a fireplace subframe.
- Four blocks support the subframe.
- Four studs run between the top of the wall subframe.
We’re plugging our fireplace into an existing outlet in the recess of the accent wall. Check the fireplace instructions and your local electrical code for outlet requirements or restrictions that apply to your plan.
Step 1: Lay Out Your Design and Prepare the Existing Wall
1. Using a crossline laser level to keep everything square, mark the dimensions of the accent wall and the location for the electric fireplace with painter’s tape.
2. Lay out additional elements, like the sound bar and wall-mount television we plan to install, ensuring they have the required clearance from the fireplace.
3. Step back, look at the layout and make any necessary adjustments.
4. Use a stud finder to locate and mark the wall studs in the layout area.
5. The edges of our accent wall won’t land on studs, so we cut boards from 1-by-6s to function as mounting surfaces for the accent wall at the top, middle and bottom of the layout.
6. We’re securing them to each wall stud across the layout with three screws.
7. Another alternative is to adjust your layout so you can fasten the accent wall directly to studs.
Step 2: Cut the Side Wall Components
1. Measure from floor to ceiling on each side of the layout and determine the height of the side walls and length of the side wall studs, then cut the studs to length.
2. Based on your desired depth and the thickness of the studs, cut blocks to brace the studs.
Step 3: Assemble and Install the Side Walls
1. Place a block between the ends of the studs with the face of the block flush to the ends of the studs.
2. Square and clamp the pieces, drill pilot holes and fasten the block between the studs with two screws on each side.
3. Repeat the process for the remaining blocks.
4. Keep them equally spaced and finish by securing a block between the other ends of the studs. Use the same method to assemble the other side wall.
5. Align and plumb the first side wall to your layout, then fasten it to the wall mounting boards or studs as applicable.
6. Align and install the second side wall.
7. Measure between the two side walls to plan your cuts for the front wall.
Step 4: Cut the Front Wall Components
Cut the boards for the front wall. Your cuts will vary depending on your design.
1. Measure between the side walls and cut top and bottom boards to length.
2. Cut vertical studs to length to fit between the top and bottom boards.
3. Cut subframe pieces to fit the fireplace and clearances, plus blocks to support the subframe at the fireplace height.
4. Cut studs to run between the subframe and the top of the wall frame.
Step 5: Assemble the Front Wall
1. Square the four front wall frame pieces and fasten the side studs between the top and bottom boards.
2. Fasten the bottom fireplace subframe piece between side studs.
3. Square and fasten the fireplace subframe support blocks between the bottom of the wall and the bottom fireplace subframe, spaced 16 inches on center — from the center of one stud to the center of the next.
4. Using the fireplace height as a reference, measure up from the bottom fireplace subframe piece and install the top frame piece between the side studs.
5. Square and install the fireplace subframe side pieces between the top and bottom, making sure the subframe allows the proper clearances specified in the fireplace manual.
6. Square and install the remaining front wall studs between the subframe and the top of the wall, spaced 16 inches on center.
Step 6: Install the Front Wall
1. Enlist a helper, if necessary, and stand the front wall piece up, fitting it between the side walls.
2. Make sure the front wall is square and plumb, then fasten it to the side walls.
3. Dry fit the fireplace in the accent wall to ensure it fits and to make sure it will be centered and maintain the required clearances when you secure it to the subframe.
4. If the manual specifies testing the fireplace, do so now before you close up the wall.
5. If the fireplace isn’t properly positioned when you dry fit it, check the instructions to see if it’s possible to use shims to position it.
We’re anchoring the wall to the floor. For our project, we’re anchoring in concrete, drilling pilot holes with a hammer drill and a masonry bit and installing wedge anchors. Your anchoring requirements may be different depending on your home construction and local codes.
Step 7: Finish the Wall and Install the Fireplace
1. Install drywall over the accent wall frame, then locate and mark the stud locations on the new drywall and mark the cutout for the electric fireplace.
2. Cut out the location for the fireplace, set the fireplace in the subframe and trim the drywall as necessary for a good fit.
3. Make sure the fireplace mounting brackets are positioned over the subframe boards and confirm you have the required clearances.
4. Finish the wall with paint, tile or wall paneling cut to fit around the fireplace.
5. Ensure the fireplace is plugged in and centered, then screw the mounting brackets to the subframe according to the fireplace instructions.
6. Complete any assembly steps for the fireplace according to your instructions, such as adding the logs, decorative crystals or glass and installing the front glass panel and the bezel or frame.
Add Warmth and Beauty With an Electric Fireplace and Accent Wall
An accent wall turns a functional electric fireplace into a focal point. And when you do it yourself, you can enjoy the satisfaction of great-looking results and take the skills you learn to your next project. Find everything you need to do the job right on Lowes.com or at your local Lowe’s. If you’ve got questions on tools and materials, talk to one of our Red Vest associates. They’ll help you find everything you need to do the job right.