How to Install an Electric Fireplace

Transitional living room with white walls, teal sofa and chairs, and linear electric fireplace with white mantel.

Installing an electric fireplace is a simple way to create a captivating focal point in just about any room. With a little prep work and advanced planning, this straightforward project can easily be done over a weekend. There’s no need to worry about gas lines or venting, so you can jump right in and enjoy the glow of your new hearth immediately once you’ve installed your electric fireplace.

The best part? An electric fireplace gives you endless wall finishing possibilities, from classic stone to trendy wallpaper designs. Here’s how to create this beautiful look with a SimpliFire Allusion Platinum recessed fireplace.

Before You Begin

First and foremost, make sure that you have access to electric to power your new fireplace. While a dedicated circuit is not required, it is recommended to prevent circuit breaker trips or fuse failure.

As with any project, you’ll need to ensure compliance with local building codes. Be sure to read up on those—and read all fireplace installation instructions—before you start your project.

As always, if you have additional questions or are unsure if your room is right for this installation, contact a local dealer to find certified installers in your area.

It’s important to start your project right by planning your space and final design.

Homeowner looking at fireplace installation plan with area where fireplace will go taped off on wall.

When you are ready to start, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand.

Tools assembled on floor needed for electric fireplace installation such as drill, level, hammer and tape measure.

Painter’s tape and pencils for marking
Work gloves
Ear and eye protection
Tape measure
Level
Drill and wood screws
Stud finder
2x6 boards
Drywall or wallboard
Electrical wiring tools
Hammer
Tablesaw
Speed square
Screwdrivers
Wood shims
Utility knife

Step 1

First, check your product manual for specific fireplace framing dimensions. (Your fireplace opening dimensions will vary by model and size.) Then, mark your wall, identifying where studs are located and where your fireplace opening will sit.

Shipping box containing electric fireplace in front of installation wall marked with placement area in blue tape.

Homeowner preparing to install electric fireplace taping dimensions where unit will mount on the wall.

Homeowner reading installation guide in preparation for installing electric fireplace.

Step 2

Now, you’re ready to measure and cut your framing materials. For this project, we’ll be building a 2 x 6 bump-out wall chase.

Homeowner using miter saw to cut framing pieces for installing electric fireplace.

Homeowner with work gloves selecting a piece of framing wood for installing electric fireplace.

Step 3

Begin by constructing the wall frame on the floor with your cut 2 x 6 boards and wood screws. You’ll want to attach a header and sill plate to your anchor boards so the frame is rigid and secure.

Electric fireplace framing wood on floor beneath wall where fireplace is marked with tape to be installed.

Homeowner preparing to install electric fireplace using nail gun to fasten wooden framing pieces.

Step 4

After building the frame, prop it up flush against the wall and check for squareness with a level. Then securely attach the framing to the wall studs identified earlier with blocking.

Homeowner and helper placing framed chase on wall where electric fireplace will be installed.

Homeowner checking with level whether framed chase is correctly positioned on wall for electric fireplace installation.

Step 5

Run electrical wiring through the studs to the fireplace opening. Once this is complete, and the frame is secure, you are ready to finish your wall.

Homeowner with work gloves inserting wiring through wood chase for installing electric fireplace.

Step 6

You can finish the wall with drywall or wall board, but remember to measure your materials for the nice flush and finished look. We created a shiplap look using pine boards.

Homeowner with nail gun kneeling to install bottom piece of white shiplap on electric fireplace wood chase.

Framed wood chase with bottom plank of shiplap installed on wall for placement of linear electric fireplace.

Shiplap partially installed around framed opening for electric fireplace on interior wall.

Homeowner rolling white paint on shiplap installed on framed chase for linear electric fireplace.

Step 7

Now that your wall is finished, you are ready to make the electrical connection and install your fireplace. Remember that your fireplace must be electrically connected and grounded in accordance with local building electrical codes. When wiring is complete, you are ready to fit your fireplace into your framing.

Homeowner with nail gun kneeling to install final piece of shiplap on electric fireplace wood chase.

Homeowner rolling white paint on inside of shiplapped chase where linear electric fireplace will be installed.

Homeowner with pliers separating wires to prepare for connecting electric fireplace to power source.

Step 8

Slide your fireplace into the opening until the trim ring is flush with the finished wall. Make sure to support the weight of the fireplace on your bottom framing.

Homeowner and helper placing boxed electric fireplace on floor in front of installation site.

Homeowner and helper pulling electric fireplace out of shipping box in front of installation site.

Step 9

Once the fireplace is leveled, remove the interior side panels to attach the fireplace to your framing. Secure with screws, then re-attach side panel covers.