DIY Faux Fireplace Cover Using Construction Adhesive & Construction Sealant
This project took about a month to complete. The actual build time is about 2 hrs plus the 24-hour cure for the SikaBond Construction Sealant Dark Bronze.
PRO Select Products Used
Supplies & Tools
- 1/4 in. - 3/8 in. MDF Sheet
- 5/8 in. Brad Nails
- SikaBond Construction Adhesive (1 tube)
- Sikaflex+ Dark Bronze Construction Sealant (3 tubes)
- 4 ft. Brown Paracord
- 3/8 in. Nuts (2)
- 3/8 in. Fender Washers (4)
- Tree branch (Cut up in 1 in. discs)
- 3/4 in. Neodymium Magnets (9)
- Table Saw
- Mitre Saw
- Drill
- 1/4 in. Drill Bit
- 3/4 in. Forstner Bit
- Brad Nailer/Compressor
- Caulk gun
- Trowel
Step 1: Cutting MDF Board
To begin I cut the MDF board to the fireplace dimensions.

Step 2: Bonding
I used SikaBond Construction Adhesive along with brad nails for the interior boards to get a good bond for the magnets. The interior boards were needed to make room for the fireplace screen since it cannot be removed. I countersank 3/4 in. magnets using the Forstner bit and used Construction Adhesive to bond.


Step 3: Cutting Branches
I cut several tree branch discs from a damaged pecan tree branch in my yard.


Step 4: Placing Tree Discs
I applied 3 tubes of Sikaflex Construction Sealant Dark Bronze to the front of the MDF board. Next, I randomly placed the tree discs on the board leaving room for the (2) 1/4 in. holes to be used for the concealed rope handles.


Step 5: Adding Paracord
I took the paracord and added a washer/nut to the backside, then pulled the cover through. Next, I tied a knot on the front side to keep the paracord from falling back through. The washer and nut were for weight to keep the paracord flush with the board. This helps conceal it. The cover is flush with the fireplace so the concealed paracord acts as a handle to pull the cover from the fireplace. The magnets have an incredibly strong bond to the fireplace.

Before & After

