Do It Yourself
Sealants
Adhesives

DIY Faux Fireplace Cover Using SikaBond Construction Adhesive & Sikaflex Construction Sealant

Posted by Sika Expert
November 11, 2020
Time: 2-4 HOURS
Skill Level: Expert
Estimated Cost: $50

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.

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.

DIY-Faux-Fireplace-Cover-Using-Construction-Adhesive-Construction-Sealan-MDF-Boardt

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.

DIY-Faux-Fireplace-Cover-Using-Construction-Adhesive-Construction-Sealant
DIY-Faux-Fireplace-Cover-Using-Construction-Adhesive-Construction-Sealant
I drilled (2) 1/4 in. holes for pull rope to be attached later on.

Step 3: Cutting Branches

I cut several tree branch discs from a damaged pecan tree branch in my yard.

DIY-Faux-Fireplace-Cover-Using-Construction-Adhesive-Construction-Sealantb
DIY-Faux-Fireplace-Cover-Using-Construction-Adhesive-Construction-Sealant

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. 

3.1-Faux-Fireplace-Cover-Using-Construction-Adhesive-Construction-Sealant
3.2-Faux-Fireplace-Cover-Using-Construction-Adhesive-Construction-Sealant
Allow 24 hours for full cure before moving to next step.

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.

DIY-Faux-Fireplace-Cover-Using-Construction-Adhesive-Construction-Sealant

Before & After

DIY-Faux-Fireplace-Cover-Using-Construction-Adhesive-Construction-Sealant
DIY-Faux-Fireplace-Cover-Using-Construction-Adhesive-Construction-Sealant
Sika, Sikaflex, SikaBond.