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Hello friends, if you have been following along on my instagram stories then you know this project has been a long time coming. We partnered with Electric Fireplaces Direct to do this custom fireplace wall in our master bedroom. They carry a large selection of electric fireplaces that not only look appealing but also function as a heat source.
This was another from scratch project for Jeff. We documented the build so you can see the step by step process.
First we started with a blank wall and removed the baseboards. Jeff used 2×4’s to build the frames.
Jeff built two base frames and then connected the top and bottom base for a height of 20″ and depth of 18″ from the wall. The electric fireplace insert is 60″ wide with 15″ depth so there was space behind for wiring. Materials used so far are 2’x4’s and 3″ wood screws. For the electric fireplace we went with the 60″ Amantii Symmetry Bespoke XT. This model vents from the front so we were able to keep the depth to a minimum so it doesn’t take up much space in the bedroom.
We decided to extend the base to fill the whole wall so Jeff added on some sections to the base to make it 8ft wide.
Jeff built this in sections. The bottom section was meant for the fireplace insert and the upper section for our 75″ tv and sound-bar. Materials used in the upper section were 2’x4’s, 3″ wood screws, 2’x6’s and a swivel TV mount. Note we removed the mount to cover the section with drywall before remounting the TV.
Now it was time to finish framing the upper and sides sections. Once the frame was built Jeff moved on to the sheetrock. Materials used were .5″ sheetrock and drywall screws. Jeff hung the sheetrock in sections.
We wanted to have a spot to put the sound-bar and wiring so Jeff built out a little shelf that the TV will cover. He also installed an electrical outlet in the cove so the wires are hidden but remain accessible by pulling the TV out on the swivel.
With the sheetrock complete it was time to apply tape and joint compound to the seams. Materials used were fiber tape, joint compound and straight flex tape for the corners
With all the joints filled he applied 2 layers of drywall primer to protect the paper and create a better surface for the plaster to bond to. After the primer dried he applied the first layer of Venetian plaster. We used Firmalux Marmorino Berlina Authentic Venetian plaster color SW7005 Pure White. The tools needed are a 4″ drywall knife, 10″ taping knife and a firm 8″ masonry finishing trowel for burnishing.
And now for the second coat which is a thin layer to fill the imperfections.
The final step is applying a thin 3rd layer in small sections and following back over with burnishing every 5-10 minutes to create a smooth marble like surface. This project took Jeff 3 weekends to finish and approx. 8 gals of plaster. The total size of the fireplace wall is 8ft wide by 12ft high by 20″ deep.
We are in love with our new electric fireplace from Electric Fireplaces Direct. The 60″ Amantii Symmetry Bespoke XT was easy to install once Jeff built out the frame and the best part is, it’s WIFI enabled with Bluetooth connectivity. Everything can be controlled from an app on your phone.
I absolutely love this new feature in my bedroom. I hope you found this tutorial helpful and decide to do a project like this in your home.
XOXO – EL