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How to Build a DIY Brick Fireplace Hearth with a Shiplap Accent Wall & Rustic Wood Beam Mantle

April 28, 2020 / 225 Comments

Part 3 | DIY Shiplap Accent Wall

We previously updated our fireplace with shiplap and a wood beam before we updated it again to DIY the brick hearth. Part 2 and Part 3 of this tutorial show some images and information that can also be found and in more detail on the original DIY shiplap fireplace post.

Tools, Materials & Measurements

Tools

Materials

Measurements

  • Shiplap boards – 69″ wide x 54″ tall
  • Shiplap trim – 3.5″ wide x 54″ tall
  • Shiplap and trim overall – 76″ wide x 54″ tall

Step 1 – Measure and cut shiplap and trim boards

You need to figure out how many boards you will need to create your DIY shiplap accent wall above your mantle. We decided to use 6″ wide faux shiplap cut from 1/4″ underlayment sheets. We needed exactly 9 shiplap boards for our project. To match the width of the new brick surround and hearth we cut the shiplap to 69″ wide. The trim boards are 3.5″ wide each, making the overall width of the shiplap accent wall 76″ wide (just 1/2″ shy of the fireplace brick width of 76.5″ wide).

The trim boards are 1/2″ thick (1/4″ thicker than the shiplap boards) to create a framed effect with the added depth.

Step 2 – Install shiplap and trim boards

Before installing the shiplap, we marked 3 vertical lines from the fireplace to the ceiling to mark the studs. To perfectly center the shiplap over the fireplace we made a center mark on the wall and measured 34.5″ (the total length of the shiplap boards divided in two) from that point on both sides to find the exact placement of each edge of the shiplap. Then we marked a vertocal line on both sides to ensure we lined up the shiplap perfectly as we installed it.

Beginning with the bottom most shiplap board, each board is glued to the wall with subfloor adhesive and then nailed into place along the stud line guides. Place your next board, using spacers between the rows, glue, nail, and repeat as your work your way up the wall.

We used 18 gauge, 1 1/4″ brad nails with our brad nailer gun and air compressor.

*Tip: For a more detailed tutorial on installing DIY shiplap see this post. 

There were 2 outlets on this wall, one was inactive and was covered before we began this project, so we covered the one hole with the shiplap and used an electrical box extender for the other outlet to bring it flush with the shiplap. If you have electrical outlets or light switches where you plan to install your shiplap you will need to measure them and use a oscillating multi-tool to cut out the small area around the outlet. Measure exactly where you need to cut out the shiplap to go around the electrical outlet and then made your cuts. We had to cut 2 pieces of shiplap to fit around the top and bottom of the electrical outlet.

Next we installed 3.5″ wide 1/2″ thick trim boards on either side of the shiplap from the mantle to the ceiling to give it a framed and finished look. These trim boards are twice as thick as the shiplap to add depth to the wall and give it a true framed appearance. As with the shiplap, add a layer of glue then nail them into place with a brad nailer.

Step 3 – Paint shiplap and trim boards

We used the same paint as our kitchen cabinets and shiplap entry wall: Benjamin Moore Advance in Dove White. The finish is satin.

Before painting be sure to mask off the fireplace and surrounding area with plastic in case of paint splatter.

Paint the shiplap with a light coat of water based Killz primer first. The finish paint is a special water-based paint with self leveling properties, so its advisable to use a water-based primer as well. The photos below show the raw wood (left) and primered wood (right).

Next paint 3 light layers of finish paint using mostly a roller and a just a quality cut-in trim brush for the edges and small areas. Let the paint dry completely between each layer. It can take a bit of paint to cover raw wood so doing light layers with dry time between helps coat the shiplap evenly with a smooth finished appearance. The photos below show the finish paint over the primer (left) and the finished shiplap accent wall (right).

The finished project!

This project was definitely quite the undertaking, but we both agree that the work was worth the result. Our small and bland builder-grade flat fireplace is now a big, beautiful show stopping focal point in our home. The bricks aren’t laid perfectly, but the imperfections only remind us that we have DIYed every inch of this home with our own hands – and that is what makes our home special.

The final step in this DIY Fireplace makeover is painting it white. See how we paint our DIY brick fireplace white using just primer and paint here!

Here is a look at our DIY Brick Fireplace Mantle decorated for Spring!

See more DIY home projects here!

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