DIY Electric Fireplace Surround with Built-In Wall Unit

A DIY video showing you how to install an electric fireplace insert into a custom wall unit surround. Fireplace ideas for an entertainment center with a TV stand and mantel over a beautiful stone tile wall. Easy to follow step-by-step instructions for a custom built-in frame that you can do in just 1 weekend. Great for any room including the basement.
25:25 Final Product
Purchases Included:
2 Billy Book Cases from Ikea
2x4 Wood, Plywood, Trim and fasteners from The Home Depot
Stone Tiles from Factory Tile Depot

[@downtodiy6245]

0:57 Home Depot trip to get parts 1:20 Preparing the walls and floor 3:25 Building the Hearth (base) 6:12 Preparing concrete backer board 8:39 Tiling the Hearth (base) 10:50 Designing the brick tile pattern 12:56 Installing the fireplace trim surround 16:23 Building the fireplace mantel 18:23 Tiling the fireplace surround 22:09 Making a trim for the Hearth (base) 24:20 Grouting the Hearth (base) 24:31 Grouting the surround with brick tiles 25:24 Final Product!

[@lynnvs6372]

This is what I so want. I found a fireplace at Big Lots. 600$ and I want to put white Billy bookcases on both sides!🥇🎄

[@downtodiy6245]

Valerie Stout nice! Good luck! It’s a very fun project. Would love to see how it turns out. Keep me posted :)

[@potzerfamily]

What kind of electric fireplace insert did u buy? Do You like it? I want a realistic looking one ...lol.

[@downtodiy6245]

Christy Potzer I’d have to check with my wife as she picked it out. We love it, very realistic and has many colour of flame 🔥 options to suit your decor and mood. I do remember going to an electric fireplace shop to view the models in real life so that helped a lot with our decision. I hope that helps a bit.

[@cindyharvey3573]

It's 2023and the design remains timeless 🎉 great look and clean.

[@MarciaCristina-vk3qr]

i think the best produce in the price range. Very slick and stylish! Very easy to install ....got so many compliments

[@smoll.miniatures]

Nothing says class like an electronic fireplace.

[@downtodiy6245]

Lol.. I know right, times have changed. For many people, a wood fireplace is just not an option. I agree nothing beats the real thing but this seems to be a popular alternative. Thanks for the comment and for watching my video.

[@serge.crispino418]

Like your video and your thought process on getting things done - you are an above average DIY'er and you are Canadian and I like Canadians - Cheers

[@thinqaboutit5301]

I am obsessed. We are currently in the process of purchasing a home that doesn't have a fireplace. Sending this to my husband right now. We are doing this whether he wants to help or not! 😂

[@cindyharvey3573]

You are amazing and quite a natural talent

[@nursebecky2006]

OH WOW! loved watching this build! It’s got everything in it! Tiling, building, trim, I’m no longer afraid to try tiling!

[@ThePalFishCoach]

I’ve made a hobby out of dreaming what my home could be like when I can move out someday. Lately that’s meant an obsession with the idea of building my own fireplace. I’ve seen at least fifty tutorials and this is my favorite one yet! Just subscribed!

[@downtodiy6245]

Traveling Teacher Caroline I hope your someday can come true! It’s comments like these that really start to make me think how much of an impact a person can have on others. This is not my profession and neither is KZbin ( clearly as you can see by the number of subscribers lol) and I’m not an expert builder but it goes to show what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it. Whether it’s saving up for your first home, learning a new language or building a cozy fireplace for you, your family, and friends to enjoy. Thank you for your comment, your subscription, your story, your time, and your encouragement!

[@happygirl3803]

I have watched this video over 20x and still love it. I am going to try this as soon as we close on our home.

[@downtodiy6245]

Happy Girl me too!!!! 🤣 no in all honesty, thank you so much!! ☺️ I’m flattered lol.. I wish you all the best on the closing of your new home. I’m sure it will be a memorable project. It was so much fun building it with my wife and with a bit of planning anything can be possible. Thank you for your comment 😁

[@happygirl3803]

@@downtodiy6245 Thank you!!!

[@lhasaapso3360]

Love that you used the "Billy Bookcases" for this project. I appreciate your attention to detail. Great job!!

[@downtodiy6245]

LHASA APSO3 thank you I figured why not, only $200 CDN for the both. And they’re clean and have a great finish. The rest however lol.. I had to build. So you can say it was a good combination to tie it all in into what I would look like a custom built in unit.

[@ms.c3977]

I love your attention to detail.

[@suesongs]

Great Video. You did a fantastic job with the tile and bricks. Thanks for posting.

[@downtodiy6245]

suesongs thank you kind sir 🙏 I honestly didn’t know how exactly it was going to turn out. My part time job when I was 14 years old taught me some tiling skills and I guess it payed off. My wife had a LOT to do with the tile choice and pattern and I did the best to achieve the look she was after. Thanks again for the support.

[@SkipEvansx]

Love the buy tools priority. Have always done that.

[@downtodiy6245]

Yes.. they’ve all come in handy and I’ve never looked back. Thanks for the comment and stay safe :)

[@Teaganderry]

I have been wanting to do something like this, except where my TV is the fireplace and I have a window where your TV is. Its just the way the house is built... saved the vid so I can modify to my needs. Great build!!!!

[@DNLDVID]

Looks fantastic, you made it look easy! I like how organized and clean you manage this project!

[@downtodiy6245]

Jodie Hunt I appreciate the compliment.

[@francinebell7626]

Wow!! What a great project. Thank you for sharing : ) Nicely done!

[@downtodiy6245]

Francine Bell thanks for the compliments 👍. I appreciate the support and encourage everyone to challenge themselves and have fun with it! More videos to come...

[@raminybhatti5740]

Your attention to detail is great. Nice one. 👍

[@TraceyBoyland]

Beautiful

[@downtodiy6245]

Tracey Boyland thanks Tracey! I really appreciate the comment. I hope you enjoyed watching the how to video. If you have any questions about the build don’t hesitate to ask 🙂

[@Jenna1814]

Great work

[@bestcleansnatureu.s.a5662]

Looking good guy nice 👍👍👍👍👍

[@downtodiy6245]

Thank you 🙏

[@ceciliamartinez7850]

Thank you for sharing!! I absolutely love how this turned out.

[@Diosesbueno1067]

I love his caulking hand 🖐 gun 🤩🤣

[@bamnjphoto]

Thanks, looks awesome, I'm about to start this project this week when all my supplies come through

[@karenannskreation2022]

You should be proud of yourself bc you did a wonderful job

[@downtodiy6245]

Thank you very much for the compliments. I definitely was not expecting it to come out the way it did. My wife helped a lot in the design and final touches so I gotta give credit to her too.

[@EfronJoseph]

Very nice and attention to detail, great Job.

[@KathleenJean53]

This is so well done. Thank you.

[@downtodiy6245]

Kathleen Gustafson thank you for your comment and support. If you end up doing something similar is I’d love to see pictures :)

[@teep2056]

This one is the best I've seen so far. 👍👍

[@downtodiy6245]

Tee P thank you for the compliments! The important thing is to have fun with it and let your creativity run free..thank you again! I hope to make more videos in the future.

[@ErnestoMunoz2075]

Awesome. 😃😃😃

[@robertdouglas3000]

I loooooove that fireplace.🐈

[@downtodiy6245]

Robert Douglas thank you very much for the compliment on the fireplace wall unit. I ended up mounting a 65” TV which fit nicely in there.

[@robertdouglas3000]

@@downtodiy6245 I think I want to specialize in fireplaces. I am disabled I can't climb latters. Do you think a person with a bad back can handle that. I really love that fireplace 🐈

[@downtodiy6245]

Robert Douglas anything is possible if you have a passion for it and the willingness to do it. This is not what I do for a living, just a hobby of mine. As for your disability, it’s tonight to say. I would start with some basic ones and build up as you gain confidence. Best of luck my friend and thank you again for the comments.

[@crystallovinglife5917]

This is awesome. I think I'm going to attempt to do this. You did a wonderful job.

[@downtodiy6245]

Crystal Loving Life thank you! I say have fun with it and be creative. You can dress it up and customize it any way you like.

[@stacymitchell9860]

Wow....that was an amazing transformation! Very detailed and informative. Keep up with the great content!

[@downtodiy6245]

Stacy Mitchell thank you for watching and your comments. I haven’t had time to make more content recently but hoping to get back into it.

[@jzm6403]

Looks great. I do see a major issue though. What you gonna do when you need to replace the laminate flooring? Hmm? All this could be mounted to 2x4 wall studs a few inches off the floor, then capped with trim. Easily remove the trim if the floor needs replacing.

[@Lifestylewithmg]

AWESOME video! Thank you so much for taking the time to show your step by step process. I’m hoping you can share where you found the actual plans to design the fireplace. Or just you just design it yourself? Thanks again for a great video. Two thumbs up!👍🏽 👍🏽

[@downtodiy6245]

I wish I had plans but I don’t. I really didn’t know how it would turn out and so my wife and I kind of planned it as we went. I had a basic idea of what look I was going for and tried to create it. The mantle above the fireplace took the most time and thought but if you find the right trim it can be a bit easier. Anyways, best of luck. I say have fun with it and be creative! :)

[@lhasaapso3360]

Thanks for a great vid. I am very impressed by your attention to detail.

[@briankillebrew]

this is freaking sweet. nice work

[@downtodiy6245]

Brian Killebrew thanks Brian! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment and support my friend. Trying to slowly grow this channel.

[@ajtcaps]

Looks amazing! You did a great job.

[@UtahTabby]

really well doneand nice choice of music!

[@savannahstillions6953]

This looks great! Could you share a link for the electric fireplace insert?

[@scottmaier935]

BEAUTIFUL! Can you come to my home and do that???

[@kevinwelch7046]

Nice work man!!

[@downtodiy6245]

Kerrin Dubledorfer thank you very much

[@randywilson4529]

Great Video you done a excellent job thanks for sharing

[@downtodiy6245]

Randy Wilson I’m happy that you enjoyed it. Thank you Randy for the compliments and your comment. More to come!

[@ThelifeofNoel]

Wow!! So amazing!! Literally motivated me to do this myself for my living room! 😍😍

[@downtodiy6245]

That’s what it’s all about! Believing in yourself and being creative. Good luck, and be sure to share your progress.

[@dusttilldawn4359]

This is great. So glad I watched this. I am installing a fireplace in my basement and this has given me some great ideas. Thanks

[@downtodiy6245]

DUST Till Dawn thank you! 🙏it was a fun project and I encourage you to build one in your basement. Make sure you take lots of pics and videos.

[@Dominique...]

May i ask how it turned out?

[@kellystaten4226]

Great job!

[@downtodiy6245]

Kelly Staten Thank you for the compliment Kelly! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Are you thinking of installing an electric fireplace? Let me know if you have any questions :)

[@grovesiderabbit]

Your Home Depot has a subway in it?!? 🤯

[@downtodiy6245]

Albert M yup!! Eat healthy while you’re on the job lol.. most of the ones in Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 have a Subway I think 🤔

[@grovesiderabbit]

That’s awesome!

[@alisarussell4776]

Love it 👍

[@downtodiy6245]

Alisa Russell thank you so much for the thumbs up and comment Alisa! That’s so kind of you. I appreciate the support very much 🙂

[@killakillasam]

great job bud!

[@cindyharvey3573]

It be nice to see a supply list.

[@bgregg55]

Really nice work. I would have skipped the durock altogether though.

[@downtodiy6245]

bgregg55 thank you 🙏 you’re right.. it’s funny you say that because I haven’t done too many of these but half way through the tile instalation I said to my self that the durock was probably overkill.. didn’t really need it. Thanks for the compliments I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@blakenorthrup]

Bro, that is a fantastic job!

[@downtodiy6245]

Blake Northrup thanks brotha.. I appreciate the love. It was a fun build and felt good after my wife and I accomplished it.

[@blakenorthrup]

@@downtodiy6245 You know it. It is a nice feeling to get something like that done, then be able to enjoy your handy work. 👍👍

[@gfizzile]

This was a great build. I was just wondering though. Did you leave the book cases freestanding beside the fireplace or screw it into studs?

[@gsweater5544]

Ali G.! Wondering what you've been up to.

[@jaynegardiner4358]

Excellent my man, can you come and build me one now please? 😁 Looks fantastic.

[@downtodiy6245]

Jayne Gardiner thanks Jayne! I appreciate the compliments and glad you enjoyed this episode 👍.. more videos to come.. please consider subscribing to see more content 🙂

[@georgebaeram]

Great job man! Thank you!

[@downtodiy6245]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching 👍

[@sdchargers1993]

Great video and outcome. What laser level did you use?

[@downtodiy6245]

sdchargers1993 it was my friends expensive Dewalt.. but to be honest any old laser or just plain level would have done the trick. Not worth buying unless you plan on using it for regular jobs.

[@justiciaparaespana7236]

LOVE IT! Congrants!

[@shortstack1757]

very nice job, im thinking about doing something like this in my living room. my ceiling is 12ft high. how high are your ceilings?

[@downtodiy6245]

ShortStack that’s amazing! I wish i had 12’ ceilings! I have 8’ ceilings. You can still do it, you may need to stack the Ikea shelves if you want a similar look. I think it’ll look amazing! Take pics and send it to me if you end up doing it!!

[@rippednino]

I have 14 foot vaulted ceilings this would be very hard to make it look like it fits

[@onagrasya3904]

Great 👍 wow

[@downtodiy6245]

Ona Grasya thank you for the compliment & Thank you for your support!

[@onagrasya3904]

DOWN TO DIY subscribe you now ☺️

[@ECarterMusic]

I need mines done brother !! this is dope

[@NordberR1]

Good job spanky! You paid $200 for $15 worth of wood just because it says "Ikea" on the building you bought it in. Genius on the job!

[@downtodiy6245]

Alvin Toodugz thank you for your comment. I bought the two IKEA shelves because they were affordable finished pieces that made the job a bit easier. Sure I could have bought melamine 4’ x 8’ boards and cut them myself but I would have needed 4 boards of 4’ x 8’ minimum at a cost of $39 per board. Total cost would have been $160. Plus the cut ends would have needed to be edged with melamine tape, another $20. It would have cost close to $180 to try to build it myself and so I figured it’s worth it to pay a bit extra and have it already complete. Just needed to assemble it which was not too difficult. I do agree with you that IKEA quality is sub par but the shelves do not need to be so durable as they are never abused. Plus I tried to keep it as simple as possible for those who may not have the skill and patience to try to build 2 shelf units. There is so many ways to complete the project. The intent is only to encourage people to try to “do it yourself” like I said I’m no expert by any means but I think it turned out quite nice for what I spent. Thank you for watching :)

[@NordberR1]

@@downtodiy6245 the tutorial and finished product were really good. Sorry for being an ar$$ and thank you for sharing.

[@adelayyash1027]

This is great

[@downtodiy6245]

Thanks Adel! Glad you liked it

[@trsitpayton32]

It very beautiful I will like to have this my living room I ask my husband to Build for me As a Christmas gift and he agreed to it please can you share what’s all the material you use thank you

[@downtodiy6245]

trsit payton this would make for a beautiful Christmas gift I agree. The list of materials and cost are in the thread of comments. Check them out and let me know if you have any questions. Good luck and have a Merry Christmas 🎄

[@kims4744]

Amazinggggggggg

[@downtodiy6245]

Thank you so much 😁 for the complement. I’m glad you enjoyed it. God bless 🙏

[@nexi7205]

This is amazing!! can you give me an exact list of materials used and amounts please

[@downtodiy6245]

Nanni 720 thank you! The list of items and cost of the project is in the comments above as well as the description. If you have any specific questions let me know :)

[@allydavis9152]

Overall how much was this project? Please inform because I want to do this with my husband. This came out awesome.

[@downtodiy6245]

Reborn Legacy thank you!! it ran me around $850. The Ikea shelves cost around $200. That’s 2 shelves and 2 extenders (so they reach the ceiling) fireplace insert was around $300 and another $350 in materials. DM me if you want a more detailed breakdown. I definitely encourage you and your husband to build it. My wife and I are glad we took it on.. still doing some touch ups this week on the bottom trim and finishing touches.. take pics and send me them when it’s done!! Good luck :)

[@allydavis9152]

@@downtodiy6245 Thank you!!!

[@dreysdollartreediy7389]

Oh wow I love this have to do this with my big screen tv. Do you mind letting me know how much total cost? Thank for sharing

[@downtodiy6245]

thank you very much! it ran me around $850. The Ikea shelves cost around $200. That’s 2 shelves and 2 extenders (so they reach the ceiling) fireplace insert was roughly $300 and another $350 in materials.

[@beckycarson1720]

Wow, I love this. Absolutely beautiful. You have got me motivated to build one myself. I would like to know the material list and how many it took of each.

[@downtodiy6245]

Becky Carson Purchases Included: 2 Billy Book Cases from Ikea 2x4 pine, Plywood, Trim and fasteners from The Home Depot Stone Tiles from Factory Tile Depot I didn’t have plans when I built this wall unit and surround and so a lot of it was playing it by ear if you can believe it. I encourage you to give it a go.. it was lots of fun and you’ll be so happy when it’s complete.. good luck

[@rebornlegacy6659]

Great job bro that came out amazing. How much Did you Spend on materials With Shelves included.

[@downtodiy6245]

Reborn Legacy thanks for the compliment! it ran me around $850. The Ikea shelves cost around $200. That’s 2 shelves and 2 extenders (so they reach the ceiling) fireplace insert was around $300 and another $350 in materials. DM me if you want a more detailed breakdown.

[@SimonaShine]

That's a very nicely done fireplace! I've asked my husband to make one for us since we are not able to have a real one. He's the negative type that won't do anything and prefer to pay others that do it himself but I on the other hand,grew up with a father and brothers that did and fixed everything so it's unthinkable to me paying someone more that 700€ to make one when I know I'm able myself to make one. I mean,not the professional type this guy did,but very close. Don't you hate it when you know you're able to do things and someone is all negative about everything? He's a great guy and father,he works all day but heck,he hates to do stuff on his own.

[@downtodiy6245]

Thank you for the compliments! I’m glad you enjoyed watching the video. There are different types of people. I have close friends who love love this kind of stuff and I have close friends who will not pick up a hammer. For me it wasn’t just about the money.. I mean saving $3000 CDN is great but I had fun creating and customizing something my wife and I can call our own. The important thing is to have fun, I say challenge yourself. I’m sure it’s going to turn out looking great! Keep me posted and let me know if you ever build one 🙂

[@daniellest-pierre7738]

Can I put a small electric fireplace in a TV cabinet. The location is already big enough to introduce this electric fireplace that I am about to buy

[@downtodiy6245]

Danielle St-Pierre i would check with the manufacturer and vendor for specifications. Safety first. Personally i think it should be ok.

[@jhadc9335]

How about a DIY video of how to make a fireplace surround for an already installed electric fireplace. Thank you

[@tedmaulassociate4063]

This is such a great detailed video, thank you so much. Quick question - you used cement board for the tiles on the hearth (horizontal), but not for the tiles on the face of the fireplace (vertical). Was the cement board necessary for the hearth? Is there a reason for this? Thanks for your help!

[@tedmaulassociate4063]

Apologies just saw further down you answered this :)

[@cindyharvey3573]

Mr. Man Can I do this for an electric fireplace wall insert

[@Maria-tf9fv]

How long did it take you?

[@Pizazzable]

You are talented and this is inspirational. Did you create the lip of the mantel or did you buy it that way?

[@downtodiy6245]

De Lo thanks for the compliments 🙏... god bless. I created it.. it was kind of tricky and I had to come up with something from scratch. To be honest that was one of the most difficult parts to plan because I’d never built a lip before. It’s essentially trim pieces that I glued in place but has the appearance of something thicker which was the look I was going for. If you need more clarification message me and I’ll show you a close up of what I mean. Good luck with your projects :)

[@mariesantoro6590]

De Lo I was wondering the same thing about the lip. I don’t understand what you did to make the mantel.

[@fondaauldridge99]

Awesome what brand etc is the fireplace?????

[@GlennRoper]

What fireplace did you purchase? Really like this idea.

[@downtodiy6245]

Glenn Roper it’s a Dimplex 27” electric fireplace.. I got it at Costco for $340 CDN.. thank you for the compliment. I encourage you to give it a shot.

[@anniecharshafian9622]

Looks amazing!! Please link the fireplace!!

[@Bushcamp_lad]

What brand of electric fireplace did you choose?

[@mmabiabaskets3339]

Great job , you mentioned the Materials but how about tools? Thanks

[@downtodiy6245]

Mmabia Baskets I’ll have a separate video in the near future going over all the tools. Best thing for now is to follow along in the video the best you can. Good luck and let me know if you have any specific questions.

[@alexmozmtl]

Great job! I am in the same process. Where did you hide the DVD player? And the home cinema receiver?

[@downtodiy6245]

Alexander Mozgovenko what’s a DVD Player? Lol.. kidding, do those still exist? To be honest all I have set up is a Amazon Fire TV stick in one of the HDMI’s and that’s all I need. I can watch KZbin, Netflix, PrimeVideo and that’s more than enough for me. If you are planning to have a DVD player I recommend putting it on the shelves in the wall cabinets and drilling a hole to run all the wiring in behind the wall to keep that clean look. I hope that helps. Let me know. Thanks for the comment!

[@alexmozmtl]

@@downtodiy6245 awesome, thanks

[@Ernest20071]

Is this an electric fireplace? If so did it need venting behind it ?

[@downtodiy6245]

Ernest Enriquez yes it is electric and no venting required.. as long as the back is 4 inches away from the wall for air circulation it’s fine.. works great and super easy to maintain

[@paulaoyedele2081]

We want to do the same style, but are pretty inept at tool use....and contractors in Calgary are not always trustworthy.

[@Ryleedoll19]

What was used for the base exactly?? Great video and I’ve gave it many shares!

[@deannaguenette4071]

Did you use ikeas extension for the bookcases or did you make them? Also for reference what size tv is that?

[@downtodiy6245]

Deanna Ippolito yes I did buy the extensions however I cut them to size so that it could fit. I put the extensions on the top so that the unit would be more sturdy. Then used dap to cover the seams. The TV in my thumbnail is the new TV we bout which is a 65 inch. The space between the two ikea units is 60 inches and the 65 inch TV is around 55 inches wide so it gives me about 2.5 inches on each size.

[@deannaguenette4071]

@@downtodiy6245 thank you so much! How have the ikea shelves held up? I wanna use them but my husband is concerned because they’re particle board.

[@downtodiy6245]

Deanna Ippolito I understand his concern but tell him they are great. I mean it’s not like they’re going to be bombarded with abuse or constant weight and use. They’re just shelves and they’re strong and very very affordable. To get that in real wood would put the cost up by 5 fold. Tell him it will be fine. Mine still look brand new 1 year later.

[@AMindInOverdrive]

I've watched a few videos now of guys installing these fireplace surrounds and each one installed on top of the existing finished flooring. Would it not be better to cut out the flooring? If you ever decide to remove/replace it, you will have to try cut it from under the fireplace framing...(Maybe that's an easy job with the multi-tool?) I don't really know; I'm just wondering

[@downtodiy6245]

Mark James hi Mark, I’m not sure I follow. I did not place a single screw in my flooring. I only drilled into the wall studs. Reason for that is if I ever decide to take down the fireplace surround I would not need to worry about replacing any floor boards. I’m not sure if that answers your question. If not please clarify because I’d love to help :)

[@AMindInOverdrive]

@@downtodiy6245 Ahhh I see. Good idea! I kinda thought the fireplace surround was more permanent than the flooring, but not screwing to the floor is a great idea...either floor or surround can be removed with no damage to the other. I just learned something. Thanks ;-)

[@downtodiy6245]

Mark James anytime 👍 send me pics if you ever decide to do something similar.

[@Agobibi]

I love it! Would you mind sharing the name/brand of the fireplace?

[@downtodiy6245]

Agnes Wibell thank you for the comment. I can’t quite remember right now. I’ll check with my wife she might know. There are lots of similar brands that offer a similar look and options.

[@Agobibi]

@@downtodiy6245 I understand! The thing is that I live in Sweden and I haven’t been able found one with such quality, looking as good as yours yet.🤞I appreciate your answer and for you checking with your wife, thanks!

[@lahondawalker501]

i was just going to mount it on the wall.

[@kac5318]

I working on my own project with a ventless gas fireplace. Question though... I see that you only used cement board on the base, but not behind the tile on the surround. Is it okay to tile directly onto the plywood. I've read things that said that tiling directly onto plywood will cause the grout or tile to crack. So I am trying to decide what the best way to do this is...

[@downtodiy6245]

Kenny Cramer very good question. It’s ok to tile directly on plywood “if” you’re using Tile Adhesive and not regular mortar. Here’s the link to the adhesive I used from the Home Depot: www.homedepot.ca/product/custom-building-products-acrylpro-ceramic-tile-adhesive-type-i-quart/1000423197 I hope this helps and good luck with your project!

[@kac5318]

Sorry to pester you on this, but I am terrified of doing all this work and having things fall apart on me.... so where did you find out that it is okay to tile on plywood directly with this adhesive?

[@downtodiy6245]

Kenny Cramer it’s no bother Kenny dont worry. For one I have been tiling for many years and have always used AcrylPro tile adhesive for all wall applications. The formula which is much stronger than mortar is meant to hold tiles upright on a wall. Typically we use this product directly on drywall but it’s actually more effective if used on wood since wood is more coarse. The adhesive bonds within the wood fibres and ensures a strong grip. I’ve had this fireplace up now for over a year and can assure you that the only way they’re coming off is with a pry bar and hammer. If you’re still not convinced you can ask your hardware store and I’m confident they will tell you the same thing. Keep me posted on what you decide to do and good luck! I’m excited to see how it turns out.

[@downtodiy6245]

Kenny Cramer here’s another video where he applies the adhesive directly on plywood kzbin.info/www/bejne/maC4q2t4Z5dreJI

[@lahondawalker501]

i got carpet on my bedroom floor n do i need to make a wall panel

[@downtodiy6245]

Lahonda Walker carpet will be fine.. you can build right on top of it. You don’t need to make a wall panel it all depends on the look you’re after. What were you thinking of making instead?

[@eddiecrisbo3645]

Excellent work and design. I have GOT to know the name of that tune that starts at 15:30!

[@downtodiy6245]

Eddie Crisbo sorry for the very late reply.. I will find out for you and let you know as soon as possible.

[@eddiecrisbo3645]

@@downtodiy6245 Thank you very much!

[@eddiecrisbo3645]

Any luck yet?

[@MS-ng5ll]

How did you extend the shelf up top?

[@ReaperXC]

Why no underlay for the wall tiles?

[@downtodiy6245]

I thought about putting underlay for the wall tiles but didn’t think it was necessary. They have not moved, shifted or cracked in 3 years. Still look brand new like the day I layed them.

[@luisaaucoin3595]

Can you apply polyurethane over latex? We painted our new built in with white latex semigloss (plywood) but I’m not satisfied with the finish.

[@downtodiy6245]

Luisa Aucoin great question, but to be honest I don’t know. I would consult with some paint experts. I read it may turn yellow and that would not be good. Something about oil vs water based finishes.

[@tramit9646]

Great vid! I'm so inspired to do this now. Would you mind sharing the cost of this project? Also, how did you raise the heights of the bookshelves? Did you build a platform for them as well?

[@downtodiy6245]

I’m so happy to hear that! The cost of the project overall including the fireplace was around $900. The Billy bookshelves are from Ikea.. they also sell extensions for them that I had to cut slightly to make them fit. I did not video that part I apologize. No base was built for the shelves only for the fireplace.. If you do start working on the project be sure to send me pics and videos! I’d love to see it :)

[@tramit9646]

@@downtodiy6245 Thanks for the info and tips!

[@bashar7724]

Can you share the plans please and thank you!

[@downtodiy6245]

Hi Tom, I wish I could but I never made any as silly as that may sound. I started with the bookcases and worked my way out from the wall to be just slightly recessed. As far as the Hearth goes it stuck out enough to fit 1 whole tile width wise. I hope this helps and I do recommend having plans or making your own from the contents of this video.

[@Spiked2005]

Would nice if the music was not the focus. Maybe next time do a dialogue over the video action in post production?

[@downtodiy6245]

Jim Webster I agree.. this was one of my early videos and I learned sone valuable lessons. One main one being, cut out a lot of the music as it takes away from the video. Thank you for your comment.

[@ritamartinez6875]

where did you get the white trim material?

[@ritamartinez6875]

what thickness?

[@downtodiy6245]

Rita Martinez I got all the trim from Home Depot but any big home building centre should have it. Thickness was about 1/2 inch. The trim was one of the tricky steps. Best of luck and I hope that helps.

[@lifeisbeautiful7464]

👍🏽

[@downtodiy6245]

Thank you kindly 🙂