null Skip to Content
Cart Cart

How To Make A Faux Brick Fireplace

How To Make A Faux Brick Fireplace

Fireplaces are one of the coziest places in a home. They create a warm, comforting atmosphere to make memories with your family. 

From quiet nights at home to holiday celebrations with the whole family, having a centerpiece that holds memories can bring your living space a new level of enjoyment. As a focal point, your fireplace should add to the style of your home. 

Whether you have an existing fireplace that you desire to update, or want to design one from scratch, using faux brick panels can help you create a custom look with ease – no need for messy brickwork or major renovations. 

Continue reading for a guide to help you achieve a beautiful faux brick fireplace.  

1. What’s Your Starting Point?

The fireplace, or lack thereof, that you’re starting with will dictate the supplies you need and process to follow.

If you do not have a fireplace, you may want to consider installing an electric fireplace that mimics the look of a real fireplace. This can bring that cozy feel without having to make huge changes to the structure of your home. 

Another option is to install a gas fireplace. Many gas fireplace inserts can be directly vented to the outside without a chimney. Gas fireplaces run $2,000- $10,000 dollars, while electric fireplaces are in a more affordable range at $1,000 to $3,000. If you want a traditional look, you will have to go through a much more extensive installation. If you are already doing an extensive renovation to your home, though, this might be a feasible option for you.

If you already have a fireplace, great! You can use several faux paneling methods to create a new look that matches your style. 

2. What’s Your Design Vision? 

Are you going for a rustic look? Contemporary? Farmhouse? 

Faux brick panels come in a wide array of colors and textures. Think about the atmosphere you want to create, then browse design idea pages and home décor blogs to find inspiration for your project. 

Once you’ve decided on a look, it’s a great idea to order several samples of various faux brick types before you make your purchase, to ensure that the product matches your expectations and style. You can browse a number of both traditional brick styles and modern styles, as well as order samples.

a faux brick fireplace with traditional brick panels

a faux brick fireplace with contemporary brick panels

3.  Consider Fire Safety 

When installing any materials near a fireplace, it’s of the utmost importance to ensure that you are following fire safety precautions. 

Remember faux brick panels are an extremely realistic duplicate, but they are not real brick. If the panels will be installed close to live flames, be sure to follow all building codes as well as instructions provided by the manufacturer of the fireplace insert.  Always leave a non-flammable border of at least 6” between the fire and the panels. It’s also a good idea to order panels made of fire-rated polyurethane.

Gather & Order Supplies

To create your look, take inventory of the necessary pieces. If you want to install a mantel, you can also check out our faux wood fireplace mantels that seamlessly integrate with your faux panels. 

If your project only requires panels, be sure to measure the fireplace area, and know how high up and how far out you want the panels to go. It’s a good idea to order 10-15% extra for a waste margin. 

In addition to the panels and any other design features, you will need the following supplies:

  • Hammer
  • Saw
  • Level
  • Tape Measure
  • Screws/Nails
  • Construction Adhesive 

Durable polyurethane faux brick panels are lightweight, able to be cut with standard woodworking tools, and easy to install. You can also order corner pieces to make your panels flow seamlessly with the pre-existing architecture of your home.

5. Time To Install Your Faux Brick Fireplace!

You can find detailed instructions showing how to install faux panels here

If your panels were stored in a hot location, be sure to let them cool down for 24 hours before you install them. If you notice any bowing, you can lay the panels down on a flat surface, and they will self-correct. 

Cut and trim the panels to your required area, clean the surface you are going to apply them to, and use a generous amount of construction adhesive. Use corner pieces to create a seamless flow with the area surrounding your fireplace. 

Finally, screw or nail the panels to secure them to the surface. Be sure to follow the installation and preparation instructions carefully! 

Start Your Faux Brick Fireplace Project Today! 

Just like that, you can completely revamp the look of your living space with lightweight, easy-to-install polyurethane faux brick panels. 

To explore color and texture options, click the button below.

Select Your Faux Panels