An electric fireplace is not only heating equipment, but also a new addition to the interior design in the house. Unlike conventional fireplaces, this device is powered by electricity, simulating a burning fire inside. This makes it possible to work the fireplace constantly, because it only needs a power source, instead of burning logs. The fireplace is made up of two parts: a portal and a module (or hearth). The module depicts an animation of a burning fire (in most models). Also, the operation of the electric fireplace can be accompanied by specific sounds (also depending on the model).
Why do you need a portal for a fireplace
The portal is a framework for the hearth, but in addition to the role of the body, it is itself an object of decor and its materials and decoration elements are provided for it. First of all, they pay attention to the flame, then the portal attracts with its design.
Do-it-yourself portal for a fireplace
Making a high-quality beautiful and durable fireplace requires no special skills. The most complex and basic in its construction is the foundation (portal). First of all, you need to choose the place to install the fireplace (and not to forget about the possibility of connecting to the network), make several measurements, which subsequently will need to create parts of the structure. Begin from the bottom. First, you need to attach the mounting corners (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 (it depends, as a rule, on the size of the room where the fireplace is installed). According to their measurements, make a metal frame attached to the wall for mounting. Now the beginning is outlined, and it is worth choosing a consumable for the construction of the outer part of the fireplace.
Materials and Tools
The main material for the portal frame can be: plywood, a thick layer of fiberboard, particleboard, boards, drywall, brick and stone. Bricks are very bulky, and creating a fireplace from them is very time-consuming work. Plywood, boards and fiberboards are made of wood, and it is not as durable as drywall, so it is better to stay on it. As auxiliary materials, you should definitely purchase:
- Putty, preferably the color of paper on drywall (usually a pure white color).
- For gluing drywall sheets, quality glue is needed.
- Primer
- External material (facing wallpaper to choose from).
IMPORTANT! Do not save on these components, they play a role in the reliability and appearance of the fireplace!
Without tools, when creating a portal from drywall, you can not do! Will be needed:
- Screwdriver (a screwdriver will do).
- Stationery knife.
- Putty knife.
- Sandpaper.
That will be quite enough.
Work stages
All measurements taken (except those for which the corners and the frame were installed) must be converted to a drawing. It is much easier to "see" the future structure. You need to work exactly with the scheme and in stages, in order to prevent errors in the calculations.
Do not litter in the house where you plan to install a fireplace. It’s better to start creating components for the fireplace on the street, in the barn, etc. According to the drawing of the portal, cuts on life-size drywall sheets should be made and separated. Next, select the parts that will go to the bottom (do not forget about the ledge for the wood) and attach the drywall with a screwdriver / screwdriver. It’s not necessary to try to get butt-to-butt, a relatively even connection is enough, because everything will cover the outer decorative layer.
After the construction of the "steps" of the portal, you need to go to the upper part, where the focus will be located. Here it is necessary to connect the fasteners installed to the wall with drywall elements. Now the base of the portal and all the walls are installed. It remains only to attach the remaining parts to the metal frame and the top with the front part. To finish, coat with plaster, primer and paste the wallpaper. It turned out the finished "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 so difficult, just a little time and desire are enough. After viewing prices on the Internet for portals for an electric fireplace, you will certainly want to do it yourself, because it will save (and without loss of quality) 8-10 times! It is also worth noting that the creation of a portal for a fireplace with your own hands is an opportunity to realize your design ideas.
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