How to Build a Faux Chimney

Nothing makes a room more cozy than a fireplace. Fireplaces come in all shapes and sizes and may or may not have been original to a house. Once an electric or ventless fireplace has been installed, consider adding a faux chimney to give it more depth and character. Faux chimneys give an installed fireplace a more permanent feel.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide where you are going to install the fireplace if you haven't yet. Choose a flat wall where the fireplace will be in the center.

2. Measure the width of the fireplace. The faux chimney will be the same width.

3. Make a box out of 2 x 4s that is the same height as your room and the same width of your fireplace. The box should also be the same depth as your fireplace.

4. Attach the box to the wall using drywall screws or concrete anchors depending on the material you're drilling through. Add the pieces to the wall a piece at a time rather than trying to construct it completely and bring it from another location.

5. Cover the box with drywall and do the mudding to cover screws and joints. Use primer and paint to paint the faux chimney.

6. Install the fireplace against the wall you have just created. The fireplace should stand out from the original wall the same depth as itself and look like it is a part of a chimney running up the wall.

7. Install faux stone to a brick wall all the way to the ceiling to create the look of a center chimney around a natural fireplace. Often in the 1950s, house were built with large interior brick walls surrounding a small fireplace opening. Make this area pop by covering the brick with drywall and applying the faux stone to give a rustic, original look.

Tips & Warnings

• When installing an electric fireplace, be sure that your faux chimney doesn't cover the outlet that needs to be used to plug the fireplace in.
• Check with an expert when dealing with ventless gas fireboxes.