Step-by-step plan for installing a bio ethanol fireplace yourself

The best thing about a sustainable bio ethanol fireplace is that you can install it yourself. You can design it yourself and customize it completely to your liking. In this blog post, we explain how to install a bio ethanol fireplace and the steps involved. During installation, pay close attention to the materials you use and, of course, the safety distances. This way, the risk is minimized. 

OVERVIEW:
1. Introduction
2. Planning
3. Materials and Tools
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
4.1 Marking
4.2 Create the Frame
4.3 Position and Align the Plasterboard Profiles
4.4 Install the Plasterboard
4.5 Fill the Plasterboard
Frame 4.6 Plastering the Plasterboard Frame
4.7 Grinding
4.8 Installing the Bio Ethanol Fireplace Insert
4.9 Custom Made? No Problem!
5. Customer Examples

Introduction:

Some bioethanol fireplaces require extra attention during installation. If you have any questions, we recommend contacting our team of professionals at info@bioethanolhaarden.com. Several companies can handle the installation of the plasterboard and the fireplace for a reasonable price. If you'd like to outsource the work, it's best to request between two and three free quotes from local companies.

2. Plans

We assume you've already chosen from our bioethanol fireplace inserts and determined the exact dimensions. If you need help choosing, our team of experts at Bioethanolhaarden.nl is happy to provide personalized and detailed advice on which insert best suits your situation and needs.

When installing the plasterboard structure, carefully consider the location and stability of the wall it will be placed on. You should also consider the desired construction, such as whether it should be flush with the floor and ceiling or whether it should be suspended from the wall. Furthermore, you should also factor in any additional space for a television or shelves within the plasterboard structure next to the bio-ethanol fireplace insert.

When installing a television above the bioethanol fireplace insert, we recommend a minimum distance of 60 cm between the top edge of the insert and the bottom edge of the television. A television can also be installed in a drywall construction. You must also determine the required overall dimensions of the plasterboard construction based on the bioethanol fireplace insert model.

For safety reasons, we recommend a minimum depth of 40 cm for the plasterboard frame for all bioethanol fireplace inserts. However, this does not apply to inserts that are open on two or three sides. You have relative flexibility regarding the height and length of the frame, but keep in mind that the frame should be at least 40 cm longer than the chimney, so that there is at least a 20 cm buffer between the edge of the plasterboard frame and the outer edge of the chimney on both sides.

Once you've planned everything and gathered the necessary materials, you can get started. Keep in mind that shipping our fireplaces often takes a few days, so it's wise to order your fireplace in advance.

3. Materials and tools

You will need the following materials and tools to install your bioethanol fireplace in drywall.

• Drill/cordless screwdriver
• Cutting knife/ruler
• Pencil/chalk/tape
• Chalk line
• paint roller/brush
• Screwdriver
• Hand sander/sanding sponge/sandpaper
• tin snips

The exact amount of materials depends very much on your project.

• Desired model of bio-ethanol fireplace insert from bioethanolhaarden.com
• Screws
• Drywall screws with drill
• Drywall anchors and screws
• Metal UW profiles for the frame construction
• Metal CW profiles
• Heat resistant paint
• Heat-resistant plasterboard
• Possibly heat-resistant paint/lacquer or, for example, tiles or natural stone slabs

4. Step-by-step instructions

4.1 Marking/ Marking

STEP 1: MARKING The first and most important step in any manual task is to work attentively and stay focused. If you want to build a drywall frame that ends at the floor and ceiling, first mark the dimensions of the future frame on the floor and ceiling (depth and length). If you want to build a "floating" frame that hangs from the wall, you'll need to draw some guidelines on the wall. It's best to use a pencil, chalk, or a piece of masking tape in a bright color. To check that the marks are straight, you can use a level, tape measure, and chalk line. Ensure the marks are accurate before moving on to the next step: building the drywall frame.

4.2 Create frame construction

To create the frame, you'll need uprights or profiles made of wood or metal. We recommend using metal profiles and describe this option in this example. For this option, you'll use UW and CW profiles.

Start by cutting the UW profiles to size with tin snips. The UW profiles form the outer frame of the floor, wall, and ceiling structure. Cover the back of the UW profiles with insulation strips and place the profiles on the marks you drew earlier. The UW profiles should be attached to the wall and ceiling one after the other. Double-check that the dimensions of the UW profiles match those of the desired structure.

Screw the UW profiles precisely to the floor, wall, and ceiling, approximately 50 cm from the markings. For hard surfaces such as concrete, you must pre-drill and insert a rotating anchor before screwing.

If you're using wooden slats, you can attach them to the wall with a wood screw or dowel. If you're using metal profiles, they can be attached directly to the wall with plugs and screws. Make sure the UW profiles are attached straight and stable to the wall, floor, and ceiling. Use a spirit level to ensure they are level.

4.3 Placing and aligning the plasterboard profiles

To ensure the stability and attachment of the plasterboard, the so-called CW profiles are required. These are the vertical studs within the frame structure. The CW profiles will likely also need to be cut to size using sheet metal snips, just like the UW profiles. During this step, the chimney cutout must also be taken into account.

Slide the cut CW profiles first under and then over the UW profiles, ensuring they are aligned exactly vertically and always in the same direction. The precise alignment of the CW profiles is crucial, and the distance between them depends on the size of the heat-resistant plasterboard. This distance should never exceed 62.5 cm.

Connecting the CW profiles to the UW profiles isn't absolutely necessary, but it can contribute to the frame's stability. After installing the entire frame, double-check that everything is straight and stable using a spirit level.

The frame can look different depending on your ideas and preferences. The purpose of the many crossbeams is to create a base for screwing the heat-resistant plasterboard flush around the bio-ethanol fireplace insert and the TV. This gives the plasterboard a solid base to rest on and prevents it from loosening.

4.4 Installation of plasterboard

The first step is to use heat-resistant drywall when constructing the wall. A section of the drywall will need to be trimmed to fit the frame dimensions. To cut the panels, mark the edges and use a utility knife and straightedge. Then, gradually cover the entire frame with drywall and secure it with screws and a cordless screwdriver. Avoiding cross-joints is essential to maintain the stability of the drywall.

The second layer of planking makes the wall more resilient. Cut the plasterboard so that the joint offset from the first layer of planking is always at least 25 cm, and attach the second layer of planking with longer screws through the first layer of planking and into the stud frame. There are two options: with option 1, you cut the plasterboard to size for a cutout with the exact dimensions of the fireplace, while with option 2, the entire front is covered with plasterboard and you later mark the correct location for the fireplace. It is preferable to cut the plasterboard before mounting it to the frame.

Please note that some built-in fireplace models have a frame that hangs over the edge of the niche, and the "box" that fits into the niche may be slightly smaller. Therefore, check the technical drawing of your specific fireplace model for exact information and dimensions. To ensure everything is working properly, you can place the fireplace and television in the niches, but this is not necessary, and they should be disassembled as the work is not yet complete.

4.5 Filling the plasterboard construction

When filling the drywall, it's important to use heat-resistant filler. Start by priming the entire structure to ensure the filler adheres well to the substrate. Pay attention to the primer's drying time. There are small gaps between the individual panels that must be filled with the heat-resistant filler. The screw heads also need to be filled to create a smooth, even surface on all sides. To prevent the floor from getting dirty, it's recommended to place some cardboard, newspaper, or an old blanket on the work surface.

4.6 Plasterwork of the plasterboard construction

If you want to plaster an even, even surface on the plasterboard, brush plaster or roller plaster is best. It's important to check whether this plaster is also heat-resistant, which is usually the case.

Apply the plaster over the entire surface using a trowel, brush, or paint roller, depending on the type you've chosen. Try to spread the plaster as evenly as possible, but keep in mind that it won't be perfect.

To achieve a perfect, even, and uniform appearance without imperfections, you need to sand the wall or plaster. This can be done in various ways, such as with a hand sander, a sanding pad, or sandpaper. For plaster and putty, we recommend using fine sandpaper with a grit of 120 grit or higher. Sand out any imperfections from the surface until you are satisfied with the appearance.

4.7 The sharpening

4.8 Installing/placing/mounting the bio ethanol fireplace

The next section (4.9) can be added for this purpose. Please note that this is optional, and the bioethanol fireplace can also be installed after sanding. Depending on the model, some fireplaces are precisely fitted into the recess and remain practically in place. Other models are supplied with screws and are screwed into the drywall structure after installation. The specific procedure varies from model to model. We are happy to answer detailed questions in a personal consultation.

4.9  individuality and creativity in design

Installing a bioethanol fireplace in a drywall structure offers an excellent opportunity for individuality and creativity in the design. You can create a unique piece that perfectly complements your interior, ranging from color and paint to tiles and natural stone slabs. It's essential to ensure that the materials used are heat-resistant. For heat-resistant paint or varnish, paint the entire drywall with a brush or roller. You can also use a spray can, provided you mask everything off properly. Tiles or stone slabs should be attached to the drywall with a heat-resistant tile adhesive or similar. Keep in mind that you will likely need to cut some tiles/stones to make them flush with the drywall surface.

If you prefer, you can install the bioethanol fireplace after sanding, even if you've already made the individual adjustments. Some fireplaces fit perfectly in the cutout and practically hold themselves in place once pushed into the recess. Other models come with screws and are additionally screwed to the drywall structure after sliding in. The exact procedure varies by model. For further questions, we'd be happy to speak with you personally.

Once the bioethanol fireplace installation is complete, you can add bioethanol to the tank, light the fire, sit back, and relax. Admire the work you've done and enjoy the warm ambiance of the fireplace. For inspiration, we'd like to show you some photos and videos of bioethanol fireplace inserts in plasterboard construction. We offer a wide range of versatile bioethanol fireplace inserts and are happy to provide you with personalized advice on all matters. Feel free to contact us at info@bioethanolhaarden.com or via the contact form on our website.

Please note: Bioethanolfireplaces.com disclaims all liability for improper and professional installation in accordance with the instructions, and for misuse of the product. Ensure you observe personal safety and wear appropriate protective equipment when carrying out this work. Do not perform this work if you are unfamiliar with the relevant regulations. While we make every effort to ensure the utmost accuracy, we accept no liability or responsibility for incorrect information.

5. Examples of our customers