Encasing a brick fireplace in wood

Laborfree · 10-23-2011, 02:25 PM

Hello,

I have a floor to ceiling brick fireplace that I am wanting to incase in a wood frame that I will paint white.

I have done several projects in my house by myself including retiling two bathrooms, tiling my kitchen counters and backsplash and installing a wood floor so I'm thinking that if I could do those projects I should be able to do this.

From what limited information I've managed to find online, it seems that the best way to do this project is to attach a frame to the brick that I will then nail or screw the covering to.

I am wondering what type of wood I need to use for the framing. I don't want to use anything that will make the fireplace protrude out too much more than it already does.

Also, what type of wood is best for the covering?

I intend to tile the top of the hearth and around the sides of the fireplace opening in black marble.

Another situation I'm concerned about is the brick brackets that hold the mantel. I'm thinking covering them in wood could be a bit of a challenge and might turn out looking a little odd because of the shape.

Any tips and/or suggestions are so greatly appreciated! - Thanks.

Ron6519 · 10-23-2011, 04:00 PM

You can use 1x3's or 1x4's to build the frame. If you're painting it, I'd use 3/4" birch ply for the wide areas and clear pine for the smaller pieces.
You just need to plan the design around the unfinished ply edges.

**oh'mike** · 10-23-2011, 05:06 PM

Those bricks could be knocked off easily enough.

Use a cold chisel to score a break line at the wall--and then smack them with a hammer--they will break at the score lines.

**BigJim** · 10-23-2011, 08:40 PM

Be sure to keep the wood 8 inches away from the fire box on the sides and 12 inches above the firebox.