Electric Fireplace Surround Ideas

Electric fireplaces have become a popular home feature, offering warmth and ambiance without the hassle of traditional fireplaces. However, most electric fireplaces lack the cozy atmosphere provided by the real thing. One way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of an electric fireplace is by adding a custom surround. This is where electric fireplace surrounds come in. 

Creating a DIY electric fireplace surround allows you to tailor the design to fit your home’s style while adding a personal touch. In this article, we discuss DIY electric fireplace surround ideas to give your fireplace a seamless homey look.

What is an Electric Fireplace?

As the name implies, an electric fireplace uses electricity as the sole source of energy to provide heating. This makes them safer by producing none of the smoke byproducts of traditional wood-burning fireplaces. It also makes them more convenient to use, since they do not require extensive cleaning of soot and creosote buildup. 

Because an electric fireplace produces no emissions, they also require none of the vents and gas lines needed by a gas fireplace, while eliminating the danger of gas leaks. And compared to ventless gas fireplace models, they are completely emissions free and legal for use in all jurisdictions.

What is an Electric Fireplace Surround?

An electric fireplace surround is a frame or housing for the electric fireplace. It can be made of wood, MDF or steel, or more exotic materials like stone or marble. 

Technically speaking, electric fireplaces don’t generally need a surround, since they don’t generate flames and don’t need to be placed in a hearth. However, a surround can greatly improve an electric fireplace, both in terms of performance and aesthetics.

Pros of Using an Electric Fireplace Surround

While not required, a surround makes an electric fireplace more aesthetically pleasing, provides greater protection, and improves its heating efficiency.

There are several advantages for using a surround for the electric fireplace:

• It gives the electric fireplace a traditional hearth look.
• It protects the unit from damaging elements in the home, such as spills, or being bumped by furniture. 
• Depending on the material used, a surround can preserve the heat for longer, allowing you to switch off the electric fireplace sooner and save on utility bills and preserve its operational lifespan.
• It improves the aesthetics of the fireplace, allowing it to blend better with the room.

DIY Electric Fireplace Surround Materials

Since electric fireplaces don’t generate flames, there are more design ideas and material choices for their surrounds compared to wood-burning fireplaces.

Material choices

Steel

Steel or metal comes in a variety of finishes to suit different interiors. Whatever the case, it lends a modern industrial aesthetic to the room.

Concrete

This resilient material provides a contemporary feel while being robust enough for decades of winter use. It retains heat well and comes in a wide range of colors and textures. It is very low maintenance, fireproof, and highly resistant to rot. 

Brick

Bricks provide a traditional hearth look, and suits both classic and modern interiors. One advantage is the ability to create patterns to make the space more attractive. 

Granite

Granite is a low maintenance stone material with good heat resistance. It’s also durable against chipping and scratching, making it a good choice for homes with pets or children.

Granite

Granite is a low maintenance stone material with good heat resistance. It’s also durable against chipping and scratching, making it a good choice for homes with pets or children.

Marble

One of the key benefits of using marble is its water-repellent property. Since it doesn’t soak water, it provides increased protection against water damage for your electric fireplace. It’s also highly durable, comes in a wide range of colors, and speaks luxury. Of course, it comes at a steep price, and it requires additional sealing compared to other material choices.

Limestone

Limestone is highly versatile. It pairs magnificently well with wood furniture and paneling, and it complements a huge array of colors and styles. It’s also less expensive than marble, but has less protection against water damage and comes in a more limited range of colors.

Other material choices

For those with a bigger budget or are handy with DIY, here are some exotic material possibilities for your electric fireplace: 

• Aged mahogany
• Onyx
• Porcelain
• Terracotta
• Cast iron
• Stucco
• Slate
• Ledgestone

DIY Electric Fireplace Surround Ideas

1. Rustic Shiplap 

Shiplap is a timeless material that adds a rustic charm to any space. Shiplaps are the wooden boards commonly used as exterior siding in barns, sheds, and outbuildings. A shiplap surround is perfect for cabins or homes with a rustic decor.

Materials Needed: 

Shiplap boards, nails, wood glue, paint or stain.

Instructions:

• Measure the area around your fireplace and cut the shiplap boards to size.
• Attach the boards to the wall using nails and wood glue.
• Paint or stain the shiplap to match your decor.

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2. Sleek Stone Veneer

Stone veneer provides the look of a traditional stone fireplace without the weight and cost. They also add a sleek, minimalist feel to modern homes.

Materials Needed: 

Stone veneer panels, mortar, trowel, grout.

Instructions:

• Prepare the wall surface by cleaning and applying a layer of mortar.
• Press the stone veneer panels into the mortar, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
• Fill the gaps between the panels with grout for a seamless look.

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3. Brutalist Concrete

Concrete offers a sleek and contemporary look, perfect for modern interiors.

Materials Needed: 

Concrete mix, forms, rebar, trowel.

Instructions:

• Build forms to the desired shape and size of your surround.
• Mix and pour the concrete into the forms, adding rebar for reinforcement.
• Smooth the surface with a trowel and let it cure.

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4. Classic Brick

A red or brown brick wall delivers a classic, cozy feel to any room. 

Materials Needed:

Thin brick tiles, tile adhesive, grout, level.

Instructions:

• Apply tile adhesive to the wall and press the brick tiles into place.
• Use a level to ensure each row is straight.
• Fill the gaps with grout and clean off any excess.

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5. Rustic Wood Beam Mantel

Incorporating a rustic wood beam can add character and warmth to your fireplace surround. This is perfect for mountain lodges or vacation cabins, especially in cold weather retreats.

Materials Needed: 

Reclaimed wood beam, brackets, screws, wood stain.

Instructions:

• Find a reclaimed wood beam that suits your style.
• Secure the beam to the wall using sturdy brackets and screws.
• Stain the wood to enhance its natural beauty.

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6. Built-In Shelving

Combine functionality and style by adding built-in shelving to your fireplace surround. The shelves can be used to store books, knick knacks, family photos without risk of fire. They also help conserve space for smaller homes!

Materials Needed: 

Plywood, shelf brackets, screws, paint.

Instructions:

• Measure and cut plywood to create shelves.
• Install the shelves using brackets and screws.
• Paint the shelves to match your decor and arrange books, decor, or storage baskets.

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7. Industrial Minimalism

Metal accents can give your fireplace a sleek, industrial look.

Materials Needed:

Sheet metal, metal adhesive, screws, metal polish.

Instructions:

Cut the sheet metal to fit the area around your fireplace.

Attach the metal sheets using adhesive and screws.

Polish the metal for a clean, finished look.

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Recommended Electric Fireplace Surrounds for 2024

Entry level

Simplifire SF-SI4229-INS35 42″ 3- or 4-Sided Small Surround

This small surround is designed specifically for the SF-INS35 Electric Fireplace insert. It is finished in black powder-coated metal and will create a smooth transition from your fireplace, for a clean, finished look.

It includes a removable bottom piece, allowing it to be used in a 3-sided or 4-sided installation. In a 3-sided configuration it is 42″w x 29″h. When used in a 4-sided installation, the height of the surround is 31″h.

Premium

Empire EBL74TK Optional Black Wall Surround / Trim Kit for EBL74 Fireplace

Specifically for use with the Empire EBL74 Nexfire Contemporary Linear firebox, the black wall surround allows for seamless surface-mount installation. It will also give your Nexfire firebox a beautiful and contemporary, finished look.

Full package with electric fireplace unit

Simplifire SF-INS30 30″ Electric Fireplace Insert

If you happen to have an unused masonry fireplace, then this may be just what you need. This 30″ insert has a traditional wood-burning fireplace design with a nicely sized viewing area of 27″ x 16.25″. 

The inside of this fireplace features a detailed masonry style design and a log set. It can be used year round with or without heat and offers several display functions as well. The electric fireplace insert includes a front frame for an appealing, finished look without adding a surround. However, two sizes of optional surrounds are available, and each can be installed in a 3-sided or 4-sided configuration. 

The surround sits just behind the included frame for a solid transition, helping to hide any gaps between your fireplace insert and your fireplace opening. 

DIY Surround for Electric Fireplace: Frequently Asked Questions

Electric Fireplace Surround vs Mantel: What’s the difference?

In traditional usage, a fireplace surround is the material between the firebox and the mantel. It can be constructed from heatproof stone, concrete, tile, or brick.

A mantel or mantelpiece, on the other hand, refers to the decorative frame around the fireplace opening. It usually comes with a shelf above the firebox.

What are some practical tips for creating my own electric fireplace surround?

Planning: Measure twice, cut once. Accurate measurements are crucial to the aesthetics of your fireplace.

Safety: Use proper safety equipment like gloves, goggles, and masks. Also make sure that any cutting is down outside of the room, in a well ventilated place.
Quality materials: Invest in good quality materials for a lasting finish. After all, surrounds are designed to be used for years to come.

What materials should I avoid using when creating a DIY surround for an electric fireplace?

☒ Flammable Materials

Avoid using materials that can easily catch fire. These include:

• Softwoods: While certain hardwoods can be used safely, softwoods like pine are highly flammable.
• Fabric and Upholstery: These materials can ignite easily and should be kept away from any heat source.
• Plastics: Most plastics are highly flammable and can release toxic fumes when burned.

☒ Toxic Materials

Steer clear of materials that can release harmful fumes or chemicals when exposed to heat:

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): When heated, PVC can release toxic chlorine gas.
• Paints and Finishes: Avoid using paints or finishes that are not heat-resistant. Some paints can release harmful fumes when heated.
• Composite Woods: Materials like particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) often contain formaldehyde, which can off-gas toxic fumes when heated.

☒ Materials Without Proper Insulation

Materials that do not provide adequate insulation can cause heat to transfer to surrounding areas, increasing the risk of fire:

• Non-Insulated Metals: Metals can conduct heat, so ensure any metal used is properly insulated or rated for high temperatures.
• Non-Treated Wood: Wood used near the fireplace should be treated for heat resistance.

☒ Non-Heat Resistant Adhesives

When it comes to fireplace surrounds, the fire rating extends to the adhesives used in the construction, not just the base materials. Avoid adhesives that are not rated for high temperatures, as they can melt or release fumes:

• Standard Glue: Use heat-resistant adhesives specifically designed for high-temperature environments.
• Low-Temperature Epoxies: Only use epoxies rated for high temperatures.