Hi everyone! If you missed the latest updates, I posted Part One of our faux fireplace build earlier this week. I’m thrilled with how that turned out — but what we added next made an even bigger difference.
Update: Check out Part Three and the Final Reveal for the completed project!
We added a plank wall above the mantel. I’ve wanted a plank wall somewhere in the house for a long time, and while this isn’t an entire wall, it creates a dramatic focal point in our living room. It also helps fake a chimney effect, which makes the faux fireplace look more authentic.
This step was much simpler than the initial construction. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to what we did — perfect if you’re planning your own DIY plank wall above a mantel or entertainment center.
Supplies used:
- Nine 1×6 pine planks (or as many as you need to cover from the top of your mantel to the ceiling)
- Two 1×4 pine boards
- Quarter round trim to finish the sides
- Long level
- Pencil
- 2-inch brad nails
- Nail setter (if nailing by hand)
- Popsicle sticks or similar thin spacers
- Power drill and hole saw drill bit (optional but helpful for running cables)
- Hammer or pneumatic nail gun
Step-by-step process:
1) Plan the width and layout. Decide how wide you want the plank feature to be so it accommodates your TV and looks balanced with the mantel below. We made ours wide enough to frame a large television.
2) Mark your vertical guides. Use a long level to draw a straight vertical line from the mantel up to the ceiling as a guide for each side. Then use the level to mark the location of studs across the wall so each plank can be securely fastened.
3) Cut and install planks. Cut your 1×6 planks to the correct widths. Starting at one edge, nail each plank into the wall studs using finishing nails. Keep the plank ends aligned with the guide lines you drew so the sides remain straight and even.
4) Maintain even gaps. Use thin spacers between planks for consistent gaps. Many DIYers use coins, but we used popsicle sticks — they’re inexpensive and do the job. Make sure spacers stick out enough to remove them easily once the nails are set.
Tip: One of our spacers got stuck between planks and we couldn’t pull it out. We pushed it in slightly and it’s no longer visible after painting, so don’t panic if a spacer slips — often it won’t matter once the wall is finished.
5) Fit the final plank. You may need to trim the final plank to fit precisely. We trimmed ours about an inch so it sat snugly in place.
6) Frame the edges. Once all the planks are installed, attach 1×4 boards over each outer edge to create a clean framed look. Finish each side with a small molding piece or quarter round to hide raw plank ends and create a polished appearance.
7) Prepare for the TV. Drilling through the plank wall to mount the TV can feel nerve-wracking, but it’s important. We drilled to the stud to ensure the TV mount is secure, since the whole installation also functions as an entertainment center.
8) Hide cables. One advantage of a faux fireplace is an easy place to conceal cords. We drilled a hole in the back of the mantel shelf with a hole saw bit so cables drop down into the faux firebox area where there’s an accessible outlet. This keeps cords out of sight and maintains a clean look.
9) Ready for paint. With the planks installed, edges framed, and cable access prepared, the wall is ready for paint or stain. Painting will unify all the elements and complete the faux chimney effect.
If you want to follow the rest of the project, see Part Three for finishing steps and the full reveal to see how the faux fireplace and plank wall transformed the room.
