From quiet nights at home to holiday celebrations, being around a fireplace is not only one of the coziest places to relax but also a centerpiece sure to play a part in making family memories.
Whether you have an existing fireplace needing a refresh or you venture to design a new facade from scratch, faux brick panels can help you create a custom look without messy brickwork or major renovations.
Here we share tips and tricks for achieving a beautiful DIY faux brick fireplace. Continue reading for our step-by-step guide.
- Determine Your Starting Point
- Browse Fireplace Design Ideas
- Faux Brick Fireplace Fire Safety
- Choose a Faux Brick Panel Style
- Gather Your Installation Tools and Materials
- How to Install Your Faux Brick Fireplace Surround
Determine Your Starting Point
What type of fireplace are you working with? This is your starting point and dictates the supplies you need and the overall process you’ll 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 your home’s structure.
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 to $10,000, 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 a complex renovation, this might be a feasible option for you.
If you already have a fireplace – great! AZ Faux has faux brick panel styles in authentic colors to help you make a major fireplace transformation!
Browse Fireplace Design Ideas
Are you going for a rustic look? Contemporary? Farmhouse? Think about the atmosphere you want to create, then browse design ideas and home décor blogs to find inspiration for your project. Below are just a few examples of how a faux brick fireplace surround can upgrade the look of your room.
Old Medford Faux Brick Wall Panels in Whitewash Brick
Break Up a Large Room With a Floor-to-Ceiling Fireplace Surround
Rooms with high ceilings can be tough to decorate. Consider extending your faux brick fireplace wall to the ceiling for an ultra-dramatic look.
This bedroom uses Old Medford Faux Brick Panels in Whitewash Brick.
Use White Brick for a Classic Farmhouse Look
Turn your basic fireplace surround into a focal piece with Old Medford Faux Brick Panels in Iceberg. This panel color gives you the crisp, clean look of white-painted brick, without the mess.
Then, add depth with a faux wood mantle that can showcase family heirlooms or artwork.
Old Medford Faux Brick Wall Panels in Iceberg
To make sure the product matches your expectations and style, order samples of faux brick styles in various colors before you make your purchase.
Choose a Faux Brick Panel Style
Old Medford Faux Stone Wall Panels in Historic Brick
Old Medford Faux Stone Wall Panels in Red Stone
Now that you know what look you’re going for, it's time to select the right panel. Browse our faux brick panels and choose the style and color that best fits your design vision.
Make sure you take accurate measurements of the installation surface so you order the right amount of panels. If you need help, use our helpful quantity calculator, located on each product page.
Gather Your Installation Tools and Materials
When you’re ready to begin your faux brick fireplace DIY, gather the following tools and materials:
- Caulk gun
- Chalk line/laser
- Clean cloth
- Color-coordinating textured caulk
- Cotton swabs
- Level
- Loctite® PL® Premium® 3X Construction Adhesive
- Panels
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Small paint brush
- T-square
- Tack cloth
- Tape measure
- Touchup kit
- Water
- Wood cutting saw with finish blade
Installation-Specific Tools And Materials
Based on the installation method that suits your project, gather the appropriate installation-specific materials.
Adhesive and Fastener Installation:
- Deck screws
- Screw gun/drill driver and bits
Adhesive-Only Installation Over Concrete/Masonry/Metal:
- Disposable gloves
- Great Stuff Applicator Gun
- Great Stuff Pro Gun Cleaner
- Great Stuff Pro Construction Adhesive
Other Materials and Accessories
Rustic Brick Faux Brick Wall Corner Piece in Whitewash Brick
Old Tuscan Faux Wood Mantel in Cappuccino
If you’re working around corners or adjacent walls, corner pieces and interlocking endcaps keep your project flowing seamlessly.
For the perfect finishing touch, check out our faux wood fireplace mantelsthat beautifully integrate with your faux panels.
Faux Brick Fireplace Fire Safety
When installing any materials near a real fireplace or fireplace insert, it’s important tofollow all safety precautions.
Remember, faux brick panels are an extremely realistic duplicate, but it is not real brick. If the panels are being installed close to flames or a heat source, follow all building codes and instructions provided by the manufacturer of your fireplace insert.
Always leave a non-flammable border of at least 6” between the fire and the panels. All of our faux wall panels are offered in Class-A fire-rated polyurethane, which can be requested at the time of your order.
How to Install Your Faux Brick Fireplace Surround
Below is a brief overview of faux brick panel installation. When you’re ready to install, follow our detailed step-by-step instructions.
24 Hours Before Installation
At least 24 hours before installation, lay your panels flat in the installation location and away from direct sunlight. Then, make sure your installation surface is structurally sound and in good condition.
To ensure a tight bond between your panels and the installation surface, wipe your surface clean with a damp cloth. If you’re installing over a hard surface, like concrete, you may need to use a wire brush to remove debris.
Determine Your Installation Workflow
Installation will run left to right or right to left depending on the panel style.
Orient one of your panels so that the flat lip on the long side (A) is up. If the fingers project to the left, your installation will run left to right. If the fingers are on the right side of the panel, your installation will go right to left.
Orient Your Panels and Determine Installation Order
Frequently the panels will have “A” and “B” stamped on the flat lip (A) to indicate the different molds. If both are available, alternate between A and B panels when installing.
It also helps to establish an order for the panels by laying them out before installation. Look at the variation in color and texture to ensure no one section draws the eye.
Trim Your First Panel
Turn the panel over and mark where you plan to cut. Trim at least 1⁄4 of the panel off to minimize waste.
Adhere Panel to the Surface and Secure With Screws
Apply construction adhesive to the back of the panel and a dab of adhesive to the back of each finger. Adhere the panel to the wall.
If you're using the adhesive and screws method, screw the panel to the wall. Apply adhesive and caulk.
Repeat these steps for each panel. Butt the panels tightly against each other, and be sure to follow your level line.
For multiple rows, be sure to start the next row directly above the first panel.
Touch-Up As Needed
Apply caulk to seal any mitered joints, and fill in gaps or holes from screw heads. Use your touch-up kit to apply paint as needed. Allow it to dry completely.
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.
Fake brick fireplace surround installation is an easy, DIY project you can complete in one weekend. Ready to get started? Browse our collection of realistic, durable faux brick panels.