How to Install a Recessed (Built-In) Electric Fireplace in 6 Easy Steps

How to Install a Recessed (Built-In) Electric Fireplace in 6 Easy Steps Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.


Built-in fireplaces are fantastic for renovation and new building installations. They do need some structural change, such as forming an opening in a wall and some electrical wiring.

In this post, we will review clearances, the required stuff, and steps to set up your brand new built-in electric fireplace.


Can I Install a Built-In Electric Fireplace?

You can install your recessed electric fireplace on your own if you have some electrical and carpentry knowledge, though, we suggest seeking the assistance of an expert electrician.


What Do I Need to Install a Recessed Fireplace?

  1. Building Materials: Caulking (non-combustible), Wall Finishing, Framing
  2. Tools: Hammer, Saw, Measuring Tape, Phillips Screwdriver, Level, Pliers, Gloves, Drill

All-electric fireplaces can be installed on combustible surfaces—no fireproofing required.


Clearance Requirements

The front of The fireplace should be placed at least 3 feet away from combustible materials, like curtains, curtains, furniture, bedding, paper, etc.

Other elements of the fireplace have the smallest clearances to combustibles ranging from two feet to 1/4 inches. Please check for clearances in the product manual.


Installation Steps

how to install recessed electric fireplace

Before you initiate the installation, ensure that the fireplace works – if everything works, plug it in, play with lights and heat, proceed with the installation.

1. Frame The Wall

Check the size of the wall opening on your installation manual. Ordinarily, it is 1/4″ bigger than the firebox dimensions. Wooden studs and drywall are okay.

2. Connect to Power Outlet

Most recessed fireplaces have a cord that you can plug into a standard electrical outlet that you can install within the opening (if permitted by the regional code). Another choice is to remove the cord and hardwire the fireplace since units are hardware ready. We suggest hiring a licensed electrician.

3. Insert The Fireplace in The Opening

This one might be a two-person task. You require to lift the fireplace, embed it into the opening, and level it.

4. Bind The Fireplace to The Wall With Screws

Drive mounting screws through the holes placed on both sides of the unit and the top.

5. Insert Decorative Media

Your fireplace comes with decorative logs or flame glass or some type of decorative media. It can be placed in the fireplace once it is set up into a wall and can be changed anytime after the installation.

6. Install The Front Glass Panel

This is the last step. Install the glass panel to provide your fireplace the finished look.


Video Example: Installing Touchstone Sideline Built-In Electric Fireplace

This video will demonstrate the whole process, from prepping the wall to turning on the fireplace.

The video is currently showing the Touchstone Sideline fireplace’s installation procedure, so some of these nuances may be different for different versions of fireplaces. However, the principles are the same for all the manufacturers.

We covered how to install a recessed electric fireplace in 6 simple steps. This guide is for information purposes only. Please refer to the complete set of directions for your specific fireplace model.

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