5 Easy Steps For Building A Double Sided Electric Fireplace

Two-sided electric fireplaces look very classy. And many modern two-sided fireplaces are now transparent electric fireplaces. They enhance the aesthetic of your room and warm the whole area evenly. Though installing one can be a good decision, they cost too much. 

However, the price shouldn’t be a problem if you know how to build a double-sided fireplace from a one-sided electric fireplace or build a double sided electric fireplace. Sounds like a hard thing to do?

Well, it isn’t. Because we have just the thing you need. Our instructions will help you to build a two-sided electric fireplace or convert one sided to two-sided fireplace with utmost perfection at the cheapest cost.

And at the end, you will also get to know how to convert a two-sided fireplace into a three sided fireplace as simply as possible.

So let’s get started…

5 Steps For Building A Double Sided Electric Fireplace

A double-sided fireplace is expensive. The installation process alone can cost about $5,000. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Installing a double-sided fireplace can be cheaper. You can have the work done with as little as $300.

But it can be a hard task if you don’t know the proper instructions. Many instructions available on the internet can require you to invest a tremendous amount of effort.

In contrast to such complicated methods, here we present 5 simple steps to build a perfect double-sided electric fireplace.

If you cautiously follow these easy instructions, you will have a beautiful transparent fireplace installed in your home. So, if you want to build a double-sided electric fireplace like a pro, here’s what you have to do,

1. Finding The Perfect Position:

This is the first and one of the most important parts of the whole process. You have to take your time to figure out the perfect position for your fireplace.

Because once you place it, you place it there forever. You cannot move it around.

• Firstly, select the rooms you want to use your fireplace in. Both of the rooms must be separated by a single wall.

• Secondly, check the condition of the wall. You have to make sure the wall is strong enough to allow installing a fireplace.

• And lastly, make sure there is no window right beside, or right in front of your fireplace position. An open window leading directly to the fireplace can reduce the flame quality of the fireplace.

2. Measuring & Marking:

To get a perfectly positioned fireplace, you have to get a proper measurement of your installation. Take a measuring tape and measure the fireplace you want to install. Mark the measurement on the wall using a permanent marker.

Don’t forget to mark both sides of the wall. The standard size of a double-sided fireplace is usually 45” X35”. But you can resize it according to your needs. 

3. Cutting The Wall For The Fireplace:

After marking the measurement, you will have to cut out the wall. This will be the slot where you will fit in the fireplace. To cut out the wall you have to:

• Spray water on the surface you want to cut out. This will make it easy for you to do the cutting
• Use an angle grinder to cut the wall perfectly
• Wear a dust mask, earplugs, and safety glasses before starting to cut
• Start with cutting the vertical lines at first
• Slowly push the grinder into the wall along the line
• Then slowly cut the horizontal line of the wall
• After you have cut along the marked lines, you have to loosen the mortar now
• Take a hammer drill and use it to drill holes in the mortar between the bricks you want to cut out
• After you have drilled holes all the way, use a mash hammer to knock the bricks out of the wall
• Carefully hit the edges of the opening to get a clean edge in the opening
• It’s better if you do it halfway on one side of the wall and dig into the wall from the other side. This is only applicable if your wall is constructed with double-layered bricks.

Well, this is how you can create an opening for your double-sided fireplace. One point you must keep in mind is that you have to be very cautious while working on each and every brick. The slightest over-cut can destroy your whole fireplace.

4. Preparing The Opening:

After you have cut open the wall to place your fireplace, you have to prepare it before installation. Here are a few things you need to do:

• Clean the place first. Make sure there is no residue of bricks or anything stuck there.
• Try to smooth out the inner surface of the wall as much as you can.
• Lastly, put up heat-resistant rubber inside the wall. This will help you to properly place your fireplace.

5. Installing The Appliance:

Now comes the main part. You have to install the double-sided electric fireplace inserts. It can be quite a complicated task. However, you can follow our instructions for easy installation of 2 sided electric fireplace insert. Here’s how to install it:

• Make hardwire connections to the left side of the front of the fireplace
• Remove the front trims and glasses from your appliance
• Detach the 2 MDF support ends and MDF boards by removing screws
• Place the fireplace inside of the opening of the wall and position it against the mounting brackets
• Install the media and reinstall the glass and front trim you removed earlier
• Plugin the connection of the fireplace appliance that you just installed. But don’t start it yet.

If everything seems okay, start the fireplace and enjoy the warm ambiance. And now, there you have it. If you have properly followed these instructions, you will have installed your double-sided electric glass fireplace in less than an hour. 

It may sound bogus, but do try it for yourself. And with that, you have built a double-sided fireplace all by yourself. Do a final checkup before starting the fireplace.

5 Things To Consider Before Installing A Double Sided Electric Fireplace

Installing a double-sided fireplace may seem easy now that you know the simple method to do it. But things can go wrong if you are not aware of certain things.

The preparation time matters the most, in the case of such installation. To make sure everything goes right, you have to consider certain things.

Here are 5 things to consider before installing a transparent electric fireplace to ensure proper installation.

1. Perfect Positioning:

As we have already discussed earlier, position matters a lot. And as it is a one-time thing, you have to be absolutely sure about your decision. The first thing you should decide on is the place. You have three options:

• Indoor double-sided fireplace
• Outdoor double-sided fireplace
• Indoor-outdoor double-sided fireplace

No matter what you decide, make sure there is an electric outlet near the device. And in the case of an indoor double-sided fireplace, make sure it is not near or in front of a window.

2. Condition & Size Of The Wall:

The condition of the wall you want to install your fireplace in matters a lot. You have to make sure that the wall is sturdy enough to sustain its own weight. The best thing to do in this case would be to call a professional to check the wall.

If you intend to install the double-sided fireplace in the middle of the room, where there is no wall, you can make one yourself. This too would be the job of a professional. It will only cost you around $200 max.

Take your fireplace measurement, before laying out the plan. Discuss the size with your mason. 

Whether you install a small fireplace or a big fireplace, make sure to get the measurement right.     

3. How Much Heat Do You Need:

This actually depends on the size of the area you want to heat up. A small area will obviously need less heat than a large one. Weather is also a big factor here. It can get confusing for you to decide on which fireplace you need. However, this chart can help:

Condition	Type
Small room + Moderately cold weather	Small electric fireplace (100-300 sq ft)
Small room + Very cold weather	Medium electric fireplace (400-500 sq ft)
Large room + Moderately cold weather	Big electric fireplace (500-700 sq ft)
Large room + Very cold weather	Large electric fireplace (800-1000 sq ft)

This should help you to make up your mind about the type of fireplace you need. Being attentive to this point can provide you with satisfying comfort in the long run.

4. How Do You Plan To Decorate The Fireplace:

Home decorators’ electric fireplaces are very popular nowadays. The purpose of a two-sided fireplace is not only to heat up multiple areas of your house anymore, but it also has an aesthetic appeal as well.

This is why you have to plan out your whole fireplace, before getting to building it. Modern two-sided fireplaces usually have stood for TV or any other things that you might want to place there.

Plus, prepare the design of the mantel or stands beforehand and hire a professional to build it for you. 

5. How Much Is Your Budget:

Budget is definitely the biggest factor here. In fact, you should keep the overall budget in mind in every step we have discussed so far. May it be to put up the wall, or to decorate the fireplace, always make sure you have the amount to cover the expenses. 

If you don’t consider it from the very start, you may have to leave your fireplace incomplete halfway through. The whole process can cost you about $600. 

But if you want, you can complete the whole fireplace for $300. For that, you will have to buy each part of the product separately. 

However, in case you are looking for the ultimate experience, you can get an advanced electric fireplace. Such fireplaces like the Ember hearth electric fireplace can cost you $6,000.

This electric fireplace with a remote allows you to control not only heat but the flame color as well. The price can increase if you consider further modifications.

But to be honest, apart from the advanced controlling system, there is not much of a difference between the $300 option, and the $6,000 one.

If you can afford it, then you should obviously go for the high-end product. But the cheaper option doesn’t make much of a difference. And that’s all you need to know.

If you want to see a perfect double-sided electric fireplace in your house, keep the above-mentioned things in mind and you are good to go.

3 Places To Build My Double-Sided Fireplace

In case you didn’t know, there are actually three types of double-sided fireplaces you can install in your home. Your options are:

• Indoor fireplace
• Outdoor fireplace
• Indoor-outdoor fireplace

You have to place each type of fireplace in a different position. Here’s what to do,

Indoor Fireplace:

Indoor double-sided fireplaces can be positioned in two locations.

1. In the wall between two rooms

2. In the middle of the room

If you have small rooms, you can place your fireplace on the common wall of the two rooms. This way you will save a lot of space and a lot of bucks. However, if you have one huge room, you can place the fireplace in the middle.

For this, you will have to make a wall first to place the fireplace in. But whatever you do, avoid these three positions:

• In Front of a window
• Right beside a window
• Far away from an electrical outlet  

It’s important to be aware of these things to maintain your fireplace’s condition and overall performance.

Outdoor Fireplace:

You can place your outdoor fireplace in three locations,

• Against a wall
• Near a pool
• In one corner of your patio

Building the fireplace against the wall would be the safest option. This will make it easy for you to maintain the fireplace and save you a lot of money at the same time.

But installing the outdoor fireplace near a pool looks very attractive. It makes the pool warmer and more comfortable as well. 

But this can cause damage to your double-sided electric fireplace. And the last option you have is placing your double-sided electric fireplace in one corner of the patio. 

However, this is not a good option at all, because placing the fireplace in one corner will heat up the side where the heat isn’t needed at all.

Indoor-Outdoor Fireplace:

It goes without saying that an indoor-outdoor fireplace has to be placed along with a wall. But make sure to choose the side of that wall that is less exposed to the wind or water. 

This way your outdoor and indoor ambiance will remain perfectly warm. Positioning a double-sided fireplace in a proper manner is a really important part of the installation process. Your decision will affect your fireplace’s performance. 

If you have carefully read the above discussion, you should have no problem finalizing the position where you will place your double-sided electric fireplace.

3 Steps To Turn A Double-Sided Fireplace Into A Three-Sided Fireplace

Converting a two-sided fireplace into a three-sided fireplace is as complicated as it sounds. But we have figured out a simpler way to do that. And we are going to share that secret with you for free.

However, there are some important things to consider before finalizing your decision. Here’s what you need to think about:

• Do you really need a three-sided fireplace?
• Is your double-sided fireplace near the open edge of the wall?
• Can you afford to cut your wall further?

If your answer to all of these questions is “Yes”, then we can proceed to the instructions. Here’s how you can convert your two-sided fireplace into a three-sided fireplace in less than 5 steps.

Preparing The Position:

A harsh truth is if your double-sided fireplace isn’t near the edge of the wall, you won’t be able to make a good three-sided fireplace out of it. This is why it’s best if your double-sided fireplace is placed near the edge of the wall.

The most convenient place for a two-sided fireplace is the middle of the room. Such a position makes it easy to create an opening in the wall for the third side of the fireplace.

Creating The Opening:

After you have chosen the side you want your fireplace’s third side to be in, it’s time to expose that side. First, take a precise measurement of the fireplace’s height and width of the side you want to expose. Then mark the measurement with a permanent marker.

Now take an angle grinder and slowly cut the bricks within the marked area. After cutting the bricks, pick them out of the way. You have to be extra careful here.

The slightest mistake will not only destroy the shape of your fireplace, but it can also damage your persisting electric fireplace as well.

Finishing Up:

Now, it’s time to give it the final touch. After making the opening clean off any residue and paint the newly exposed inner part of the wall. And place the glass on the exposed side of the fireplace to finish it all up.

You can add 3 sided fireplace mantels now if you want. And after that, you are done. You probably didn’t think that the conversion process would be this easy.

But this easy process can go wrong if you are not careful enough. It’s a delicate process. So, complete each step with utmost care and caution.

FAQ:

Are Double-Sided Fireplaces Efficient?

If you have rooms with a larger area, then heating it with a normal one-sided fireplace would take a lot of time. The furthest place from the fireplace can yet stay cold. In this very situation, double-sided fireplaces are very much efficient.

Can I make my one-sided fireplace into a double-sided one?

Yes, you can. To do this, you have to redo the smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, and flue size.

Do Electric Fireplaces Use A Lot Of Electricity?

No, they do not. Electric fireplaces use nearly the same amount of energy as an ordinary space heater. An average electric fireplace costs 18 cents per hour, and that too at maximum settings.

What Is The Most Realistic Electric Fireplace?

The most realistic electric fireplace is Magikflame. It comes with 30 different types of flame replication, realistic fire crackling sound, and an app to control the whole thing.

Do Electric Fireplaces Raise Your Electric Bill?

Yes, electric fireplaces do raise your electric bill. But the amount is only 0.003-0.03$ per hour. And the amount stays the same for a 2-way electric fireplace as well. So, you don’t need to be alarmed.

What Is The Difference Between An Electric Fireplace And An Infrared Fireplace?

The basic difference between an electric fireplace and an infrared fireplace is the method of heating. The electric fireplace uses a fan-forced heating element to generate heat. Infrared fireplace on the other hand uses infrared technology to generate heat.

To Conclude:

Now, you know how you can install a two-sided fireplace in your house. And not just that. If you have read the whole article, hope you have learned in detail.

Try to utilize the above-mentioned instructions & you will be satisfied.

But if you have any issues, do not hesitate to let us know in the comment section below.