How to Install a Corner Fireplace

A corner fireplace can add ambiance and a source of heat to any room. They are fairly easy to install, and with the exception of the gas line installation, you can put them in yourself.

Instructions

Measure the Corner Fireplace and the Hearth

1. Measure the corner to determine the exact size so you can decide which fireplace will fit the space.

2. Create a mock-up of the fireplace that you will install in the corner so you can guesstimate what the fireplace will look like and how it will fill the corner.

3. Decide what kind of hearth you will have for the corner fireplace, how tall it will be and what materials you will use to construct it.

Build the Hearth

1. Cut the top and three sides of the hearth from plywood according to the dimensions you have measured.

2. Glue blocks to the inside edges of the top and three sides of the plywood pieces of the hearth.

3. Secure the blocks still further by nailing them to the plywood with a pneumatic nail gun.

4. Make two braces for the corners from scrap wood to help reinforce the hearth, and use wood screws to attach them to the inside of the corners.

Install the Hearth

1. Test fit the hearth of the corner fireplace to make sure it works. If it does not, make any adjustments before proceeding.

2. Make cutouts in the hearth if you have baseboards in the corner of the room where you hope to install your corner fireplace. Cut a template for the baseboards, turn the hearth upside down, and clamp the template where you need to make the cuts in the hearth. Trace around the templates, and cut out the shape by using a jig saw.

3. Create two ledgers out of 1 inch by 4 inch boards. Use the ledgers to support the hearth's back edge.

4. Find the studs in the corner of the room with a stud finder, and screw the ledger securely to the studs.

5. Set the hearth for the corner fireplace you are installing in place, and screw it to the ledger.

Assemble the Corner Fireplace

1. Set the base of the corner fireplace on the hearth, and secure it to the hearth with screws.

2. Attach a flexible gas line as the manufacturer states, and securely tighten the connection.

3. Remove any wrapping from the trim of the corner fireplace as you install it, place the surrounds for the fireplace in position, and secure the fireplace's apron.

4. Screw ledgers to the wall, and set the corner fireplace in position.

5. Set the mantel for the corner fireplace on top, and secure it to the ledgers.

Build a Diagonal Wall

1. Build a diagonal wall to create a more built-in look for the corner fireplace that you installed.

2. Create a mock-up of the wall, then cut it from ½ inch plywood.

3. Secure wall ledgers to the studs with screws, nail a piece of plywood on top of the ledgers, then screw the plywood for the diagonal wood in place.

4. Apply joint compound to all of the seams in the plywood, then apply water-dampened lengths joint tape on top of the joint compound. Press the tape firmly with a putty knife, and cut off any excess.

5. Finish the diagonal wall of the corner fireplace you installed to make it blend in with the rest of the room.

6. Add decorative molding to the hearth to hide any edges of plywood, and put in baseboard around the bottom to tie it in with the rest of the room.