This project was built and designed by Aaron from Stay At Home Woodworks.
The article walks through a remote custom fireplace build that blends structural framing, a stone-ready surround, custom cabinetry, and solid-wood finishing details into a cohesive installation.
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Design Intent and Layout
The build centers on a fireplace wall that integrates a stone surround, a recessed TV niche, and cabinetry with floating shelves to create a single anchored focal point.
Design choices favor durability and integration—materials and framing are selected to handle the weight and heat of a stone finish while keeping options open for media and storage integration.
Framing and Site Prep
Prepping the space included removing trim and creating a flush attachment to existing wall studs so the framing could be securely fastened and carry the finish materials.
A combination of preassembled sections and in-place framing was used to get final dimensions in place, with a deliberate test fit of the fireplace unit before any finish panels were installed.
Countertop and Mantle Construction
Solid-wood elements were milled, aligned with dowels for glue-up, and clamped to form a continuous countertop and mantel that read like one piece when installed.
Edge profiles and sanding were refined after glue-up to create smooth transitions, and the mantel was assembled with a miter-fold technique to achieve clean 45-degree edges without complex joinery.
Cement Board and Stone Preparation
Because the surround receives tile or stone, cement board was used in place of drywall and secured with screws rather than nails to provide the necessary pull-out strength for heavy finishes.
Small offcuts were repurposed to fill awkward gaps and niches during the wrap-up, keeping material waste to a minimum while preserving a consistent substrate for the tile crew.
Cabinetry, Shelves, and Fit-Up
Prefab cabinetry and a compact appliance bay were integrated into the right side of the fireplace wall, with floating shelf brackets sited directly into studs for secure support.
Countertops were dry-fit against the unfinished tile to ensure a snug fit, and final adjustments were made after the cabinet and shelf hardware were installed to guarantee clean alignment.
Hidden Details and Final Adjustments
A clever hidden drawer beneath the mantel houses an accessible outlet, and the drawer and slide hardware were fitted late in the process to allow fine-tuning during final installation.
Small alignment tweaks during installation ensured that moving parts sat flush and operated smoothly, which made the final reveal especially satisfying when everything closed perfectly.
Why This Build Matters
The project demonstrates how thoughtful framing, substrate choice, and discreet detailing can combine to create a durable, polished fireplace wall that functions for media, storage, and a heavy stone finish.
Techniques like preassembly, test-fitting, and careful substrate attachment are broadly applicable to renovation projects where retrofit conditions and finish loads demand a methodical approach.
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