Crafting Your Dream Faux Fireplace: The Ultimate DIY Guide (Part 3)
Every homeowner dreams of a cozy, inviting space, and for many, a fireplace is the epitome of warmth and comfort. When my husband Robert and I embarked on the journey to personalize our new suburban home, a fireplace topped my wish list. I imagined a beautiful mantel adorned with holiday stockings, a focal point that would instantly transform our living room into a haven. However, the builder’s upgrade price tag of $5,000 was a significant deterrent. Living in the Carolinas, where true cold weather is a rare luxury enjoyed for maybe a month out of the year, investing such a sum felt extravagant. Yet, the longing for that quintessential “home” feeling persisted.
That first Christmas in our new house, the absence of a mantel for our stockings left a small void. It was a classic “first world problem,” I admit, especially given the joy of a new home. But the desire for that architectural charm and warmth was undeniable. This challenge, however, ignited a spark of creativity and a DIY spirit within us. We decided to take matters into our own hands.
Fortunately, Robert’s father, a skilled carpenter, became our guiding light. With his expert guidance, we embarked on building a custom faux fireplace, saving us thousands compared to the builder’s non-custom option. This project was not just about cost savings; it was about injecting personal character and a sense of accomplishment into our home. If you’re keen to see the initial structural steps, you can catch up on Part One and Part Two of our building journey.
Update: Don’t miss the grand Final Reveal!
After a wonderfully exhaustive weekend filled with meticulous cutting, precision stone setting, hearth installation, and the satisfying strokes of a paintbrush, our living room has been dramatically transformed. It now proudly showcases a stunning, custom-built faux fireplace, becoming the undeniable centerpiece of our space.
This magnificent structure, a true labor of love, commands attention in the best possible way! While we’re still working on a few minor details to perfect it, we are incredibly close to calling this ambitious project complete. The journey of transforming a blank wall into this inviting feature has been immensely rewarding, proving that with a little vision and elbow grease, dreams can become reality, even on a budget.
Essential Supplies for Your Faux Fireplace Transformation
To recreate this beautiful whitewashed Airstone faux fireplace, gathering the right materials is crucial. Below is a comprehensive list of what we used. (Please note: affiliate links are provided for your convenience, and a full disclosure can be found here.)
- Primer: We opted for Kilz Original. This heavy-duty primer was essential because we were unsure of the paint layers on our very old, recycled mantel piece, and Kilz offers excellent stain-blocking and adhesion properties.
- White Semi-Gloss Paint: Sherwin Williams Pure White was our choice for a crisp, clean finish that brightens the room and contrasts beautifully with the stone.
- 1-1/2 inch Angle Paint Brush: A quality brush makes all the difference. I personally adore my Purdy one; it’s incredibly durable and has seen me through countless DIY projects.
- Paint Bucket: For easy paint access and mixing.
- Water: Approximately one to two cups, vital for achieving the perfect consistency for the whitewash effect on the Airstone.
- Clean, Lint-Free Rag: Indispensable for dabbing off excess whitewash and perfecting the stone’s finish.
- Air Stone: We used three boxes of this lightweight, easy-to-install stone veneer to achieve the authentic look of natural ledgestone.
- Air Stone Adhesive: Two buckets were needed to securely bond the Airstone pieces to the fireplace structure.
- Hack Saw: Essential for precise cuts on the Airstone pieces.
- Putty Knife: For applying adhesive and scraping off any excess.
- Matte Black Paint: I used some leftover chalkboard paint, which created a perfect non-reflective, deep black for the firebox interior.
- Concrete Patio Stones: We repurposed seven of these (adjust quantity based on your fireplace dimensions) for a durable and cost-effective hearth.
Step-by-Step: Bringing the Faux Fireplace to Life
1. Priming and Painting the Woodwork
Our project began with the structural elements. After constructing the plank wall to give the illusion of a chimney breast, we thoroughly primed all exposed wood surfaces. We then applied two coats of Sherwin Williams Pure White in a semi-gloss finish. To optimize our budget without compromising quality, we had this high-quality paint mixed into a more affordable can of Valspar paint. This approach ensured a durable, elegant white finish that complements any interior design style.
2. Concealing the Clutter: The Faux Firebox and Media Hub
A crucial design element for our faux fireplace was the firebox. More than just an aesthetic feature, it serves a highly practical purpose: discretely hiding all of our television and media center wiring, along with providing secret access to the wall outlet behind the unit. For this functional “door,” I used leftover matte black chalkboard paint. The rich, non-reflective black finish creates the illusion of depth, drawing the eye into the firebox area and giving it an authentic look. This ingenious solution keeps our living room beautifully tidy, free from the visual clutter of cords and electronics. I’ll delve deeper into the construction of this clever hiding spot in Part 4, which promises to be the exciting final installment.
Looking at the organized chaos behind that door, which resembles a command center, truly makes me grateful for the elegant disguise. It’s a relief not to have to see the tangle of wires and devices, allowing the clean lines of the fireplace to stand out.
3. Choosing and Whitewashing the Airstone
Initially, I envisioned a warm gray ledgestone for both the hearth and surround. However, after researching various options, Airstone emerged as the clear winner due to its compelling combination of affordability and remarkable ease of installation. What truly appealed to me was its lightweight nature and user-friendly adhesive system, making it an ideal choice for a DIY project. While I hadn’t come across many tutorials for whitewashed Airstone, I was determined to experiment. After all, the best way to discover a new technique is to try it yourself!
To protect our carpet from any whitewash drips, I carefully dry-fitted the Airstone pieces to the bottom of the hearth first. This pre-planning step allowed me to arrange the stones, ensuring a seamless pattern and perfect fit before any permanent application or painting began. It’s a small step that saves a lot of headaches later on.
Once the dry-fit was complete, I carefully numbered each stone piece on its back or a less visible edge. This simple but effective trick ensured that I could easily reassemble them in their exact positions after taking them to the garage for the whitewashing process. The numbers, though discreetly placed, remained visible enough through the thin layer of whitewash, proving invaluable during reinstallation.
For the whitewash mixture, I used the same Sherwin Williams Pure White paint we applied to the mantel. The ideal ratio was one part paint to one part water. This dilution created a translucent wash that would allow some of the natural stone texture and color to subtly show through, resulting in a beautifully muted effect.
Applying the whitewash was straightforward. I used a paint brush to swipe the diluted mixture evenly across each Airstone piece. The key is to work quickly and in small sections to ensure consistent coverage.
After applying the wash, I allowed it to set for a minute or two. Airstone is quite porous, so it absorbs the paint rapidly. Then, with a clean, lint-free rag, I gently dabbed off any excess, carefully controlling the level of whitewash to achieve the desired effect. This technique creates a subtle, layered look that enhances the stone’s texture.
The result was precisely what I hoped for: a beautifully muted appearance where the original gray tones of the Airstone subtly peeked through the fresh white wash. It offered a sophisticated, aged look that perfectly complemented our vision for a modern farmhouse aesthetic.
4. Adhering the Airstone: A Collaborative Effort
With the whitewashing complete, Robert and I began the process of adhering the Airstone to the hearth. We applied the specialized Airstone adhesive generously, much like “frosting on a cake” rather than just a thin layer of “butter on bread.” This ensures maximum adhesion and a durable bond. Don’t worry about applying too much; any excess adhesive can be easily scraped away with a putty knife once the stone is pressed firmly into place.
Thirty stone pieces later, the hearth was taking shape, a testament to our perseverance! It felt like a small victory with a million more to go, but each piece brought us closer to the finished vision.
While Airstone is indeed easier to work with than many traditional stone veneers, the entire fireplace project still proved to be a significant undertaking, consuming an entire weekend – approximately 15 hours of dedicated labor. It’s a reminder that even “easier” DIY projects require commitment and effort.
Robert, with his impressive strength and precision, handled the hacksaw for virtually 99% of the stone cutting. I confess, as a self-proclaimed “total girl” in this department, it would have taken me twice as long to achieve the same cuts. It seems he was eager to showcase his macho carpentry skills! (Just for clarity, the hairy hand in the photo below definitely belongs to him, not me!)
We began by attaching the Airstone to the bottom of the surround, working our way up. This method allowed us to build a solid foundation and ensure proper alignment before addressing the sections that would meet the top of the hearth.
5. Constructing the Durable Hearth
For the fireplace hearth itself, we engaged in considerable discussion to find a solution that was simultaneously affordable, easy to implement, and incredibly durable. Our ultimate decision was to repurpose concrete patio stepping stones from the garden department at Lowe’s. At approximately $2 each, they were an absolute bargain! These stones are incredibly heavy and sturdy, providing a robust base for our fireplace. We secured them firmly with the same Airstone adhesive, ensuring they are permanently in place and will withstand the test of time.
At this stage, with the raw stepping stones in place, it might have looked a bit “rustic” – dare I say, “redneck chic”! But I promise, the vision was coming together. Bear with us; the transformation is truly remarkable. 😉
6. Overcoming Installation Challenges: Clever Solutions
As we continued to adhere the Airstone, we encountered a common DIY hurdle: a slight height discrepancy at the top of the surround. We realized we were about half a stone’s height short of reaching the top edge cleanly. Cutting 6-8 individual Airstone pieces lengthwise with a hacksaw was simply not feasible; they would crumble into unusable fragments. Ingenuity was key!
Our solution involved two clever adjustments: First, we added a thin strip of wood trim along the top edge of the surround, which we then painted white to seamlessly blend with the mantel. Second, to subtly account for the remaining small gap, we carefully spaced out some of the stones using ordinary popsicle sticks. These sticks created just enough of a gap, making a visual difference and preventing any unsightly bare wood from showing at the very top of the surround. It’s these small, often unplanned, adjustments that define a successful DIY project.
Another tricky section was the area directly above the firebox opening. Without a solid surface underneath to bear the weight, the stones wouldn’t stay in place while the adhesive dried. Our simple yet effective solution? More popsicle sticks! We wedged them securely into the top of the firebox doorframe, creating temporary supports that held the stones firmly until the adhesive had fully cured. This ensured a strong bond and prevented any sagging or shifting.
With all those little sticks in place, our fireplace looked like it was undergoing a very elaborate acupuncture treatment, wouldn’t you agree? It was a comical sight, but an essential step in securing the stone perfectly.
7. The Big Reveal: A Whitewashed Stone Fireplace
The morning after the adhesive dried and we carefully removed all the popsicle stick supports, we were greeted with a magnificent stone fireplace! It was a truly exhilarating moment. For a brief period, I was tempted to leave the Airstone in its natural gray state. However, having already whitewashed the hearth pieces, consistency demanded that I continue with the original plan. Besides, a purely gray stone wouldn’t have harmonized as seamlessly with the existing color palette of our living room.
So, I replicated the whitewash technique I had used on the hearth, but this time, I diluted the paint even further to a ratio of one part paint to two parts water. This lighter mix allowed for more subtle coverage, ensuring the natural texture of the Airstone remained visible while still achieving that desirable soft white finish. I knew I could always add a second, slightly stronger coat if needed, providing flexibility in achieving the perfect depth of color.
For the stepping stone hearth, I chose a sample pot of Valspar paint in a beautiful shade called “Rugged Suede.” This rich, earthy tone provided a perfect contrast to the whitewashed Airstone, adding depth and a touch of warmth to the base of the fireplace, completing the integrated look.
And there it is! A genuinely enormous, nearly-finished faux fireplace now graces our living room. Hallelujah! The transformation is astonishing, turning an ordinary wall into an extraordinary architectural feature that feels both grand and perfectly integrated into our home.
8. The Final Touches: Styling and Functionality
While the structural work is largely complete, our project isn’t quite done. One of the top priorities on my to-do list is tackling the unsightly cords and devising a clever way to hide the speakers and DVD player. I’ve got a cord management solution partially figured out, but ingeniously concealing the other electronics requires more creative brainstorming. I’m still stumped on the perfect approach, so if any of you have brilliant suggestions, please send them my way!
Beyond functionality, I’m also excitedly planning the mantel decor. The challenge lies in creating a visually appealing arrangement that doesn’t obstruct the television (I truly dislike that term, “boob tube,” but it gets the point across!). My options might be limited, but I am determined to create a stylish and harmonious display that enhances the fireplace’s beauty without hindering the viewing experience.
As for the interior of the faux firebox, I’ve been greatly inspired by a brilliant log front fireplace insert featured on Pepper Design Blog. This clever idea involves creating the illusion of stacked logs, adding an incredible layer of realism and charm without any actual heat or maintenance. It’s a genius concept, and visualizing it helps complete the elegant aesthetic of our faux fireplace.
As I type this, reflecting on the subtle differences in the whitewash application between the hearth base and the fireplace surround, I’m already contemplating a second coat. I might even experiment with warming up the tone slightly by incorporating a small amount of our wall color, Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige, testing it on a spare Airstone piece first to ensure the perfect hue. It’s all about fine-tuning to achieve that truly custom, perfectly blended look.
Update: See the breathtaking final reveal here!
Crafting a faux fireplace has been a journey filled with learning, problem-solving, and immense satisfaction. It proves that with dedication and a willingness to learn, you can achieve remarkable home transformations without breaking the bank. Stay tuned for the final reveal and more home decor inspiration!
Follow us for more DIY inspiration and home makeovers:
Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter | Google+ | Bloglovin | Hometalk