DIY Faux Fireplace and Shiplap wall

When we were in the design process for the house I thought skipping a fireplace would be a area that we could cut back, because we live in the south and how much would we ever use it. Function over form, however when we moved in the big wall was so empty and the tv looked awkward without some sort of centerpiece. So my handy husband built me a faux fireplace to use as a decorative focal point for the room. The fireplace may have been his idea but the shiplap was all me. 😉 For the mantle he purchased slabs of raw, live edge hickory. We currently have 7+ in our garage awaiting more projects. Here is the entire process in pictures from start to finish.

The main material for the faux fireplace is MDF which makes up the main structure with paint grade 1x pine for trim work and details. Josh chose the MDF material for it's wide versatility, price and excellent finishing capabilities when painted. The mason work around the fireplace was done using the Old Mill Brick in the Rushmore color with white sanded grout. The hexagon tile on the hearth and backing was found at our local Habitat Store. The mantle is rough sawn live edge hickory that came from a tree that was removed from a local area. Josh sanded just enough to remove splinters and then put 5 coats of minwax satin wipe on polyurethane. 

The shiplap is a product made by Shadow Gap purchased at our local Lowes. It comes pre-primed white which cuts out a huge step! The doors are finished off with 1x6 casing to give a farmhouse style.