How To Assemble An Electric Fireplace ~

Ok, so you just bought yourself a new electric fireplace (or won one from cheapisthenewclassy.com), and when you got it home, you realized you don’t know how to assemble an electric fireplace. If you are like me, you are not the handiest person in the world with tools, and the idea of assembling anything is scary. Fear not! Learning how to assemble an electric fireplace is a snap! And the only tools you need to provide are a  screwdriver or cordless drill and your hands! The following is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble an electric fireplace – specifically a Classic Flame Flagstone Fireplace.

How To Assemble An Electric Fireplace

First, be sure to account for all the pieces and hardware to assemble your new fireplace. In the case of the one I am assembling, that includes 6+1 extra 1/4in x 1-1/4in bolts, 12+1 extra 1/4in x 1/2in bolts, 18+1 extra flat washers, 6+1 extra L-brackets, 6 screws, 2 tipping hardware restraints, a touch-up pen, an Allen key, and a partridge in a pear tree (just kidding). The pieces include the hearth/base, the left side panel, the right side panel, the top frame, and the mantel. Your insert will be in a separate box. Once you have your hardware and pieces accounted for, you are ready to assemble!

Locate the hearth/base set it on the floor near where your fireplace will be placed when it is finally assembled with the finished side out. If you are uncertain which is the finished side, look at both sides and determine which side most closely resembles the top. That would be your finished side.

Locate the left side panel and attach 3 L-brackets to the bottom (that’s the end without the metal bracket sticking out of it) with the 1/4in x 1/2in bolts and washers. Place the washers on the bolts, then line up the holes in the L-brackets with the pre-drilled holes in the  side panel, and run the bolt up into these holes using the Allen key until they are snug (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!) Then attach the panel to the base with the washers and 1/4in x 1-1/4in bolts in the same manner. Repeat this step for the opposite side.

For this step, you will need some assistance from one or maybe two other people as to not hurt yourself or the fireplace. Once you have the assembly completed from step 2, attach the top frame to this assembly by aligning it in place atop the assembly from step 2 and attaching it with the 1/4in x 1/2in bolts with washers from the inside. Be sure to align the top frame pre-drilled holes with the holes in the metal brackets atop the side panels.

Locate the mantel. Yeah, they have a tendency to wander off, so just whistle and they will return (again, just kidding!). Place the mantle atop the completed assembly finished side up. Attach the mantle to the assembly with the 6 screws. Be sure to align the pre-drilled holes in the mantle with the holes in the metal bracket atop the assembly. Our mantel did not have pre-drilled holes, so don’t panic if this is the case for yours. Simply use a 1/4in drill bit and drill and pre-drill your own holes, or just run the screws through the holes in the metal bracket with the drill and into the mantel, making sure to check the mantel periodically to see if it is properly aligned atop the assembly and even on both sides (you may need someone to eyeball it for you).

Next remove the two mounting brackets located on the inside of the left and right front panels and set them aside. I did not say throw them away. You will need them again shortly. 🙂

Your fireplace insert will be in a separate box from the mantel. Locate it and carefully unpack it. Then lift the insert into place into the back of the assembly and center it in the opening. Do not slide the insert into place as this will scratch the base and your spouse will hurt you. *gulp*

Now reinstall the mounting brackets you removed in step 5 (I told you you would need them again shortly). This will hold the insert in place and flush against the mantel front panel. Finally, position your fireplace in its final position. Do this carefully as to not damage the unit, your floor, or yourself. You may then install the tipping restraints into the pre-drilled holes in the back of the unit. Then locate a stud in the wall behind where your unit is located and screw the tipping restraints into the studs to prevent the unit from tipping over. Learning how to assemble an electric fireplace isn’t so bad after all, is it?

We hope that now you know how to assemble an electric fireplace. Now your fireplace is ready to be enjoyed! We hope you get many years of pleasure and relaxation from your new fireplace!

Win a Fireplace!

We hope that you enjoyed this lesson on how to assemble an electric fireplace. One of you lucky people will need to know how to assemble an electric fireplace of your own shortly! Why? Because one lucky Cheap Is The *New* Classy reader will win a new Classic Flame fireplace in the Have Yourself a Cozy Little Christmas Fireplace Giveaway going on through December 18th. Good luck!