Sharing a DIY fireplace project that completely transformed a non-working fireplace for less than $10!
You may have noticed a peek of this makeover in the reader room reveal. It was one of my favorite updates in that space and a project I would happily repeat in another home.
This hearth update is simple, requires very few materials, and is extremely budget-friendly. The materials are widely available at major home improvement stores, so most people can try it out.
If you want an easy DIY idea to refresh a fireplace hearth—this tutorial is aimed at non-working fireplaces only.
This technique is for non-working fireplaces only; do not use near an active fire.
Important note before getting started
The fireplace used for this makeover is non-functional. This project is intended exclusively for non-working fireplaces. Vinyl and many of the materials used here are not fireproof—keep anything flammable well away from a working hearth.
Materials needed for the DIY fireplace makeover
- Cut-to-length vinyl sheet flooring (available in rolls at home improvement stores)
- Paint and primer in one for the base color (flat finish recommended)
- Accent/detail paint (high-quality acrylic or wall paint)
- Paint brushes: a 2″ brush for larger areas and a small detail brush for the design
- Sealant for vinyl flooring (optional)
- Adhesive (temporary or permanent depending on whether you want to remove it later)
What vinyl sheeting did I use?
I bought mine in-store and can’t locate the exact pattern online. It was a TrafficMaster vinyl with a smaller tile pattern—my squares were about 6–8 inches rather than the 12-inch option. The important part is choosing a sheet pattern that already suggests grout lines, which makes painting easier.
How much did the project cost?
Cost depends on the hearth size, but hearths are usually small so materials are inexpensive. I purchased one yard of vinyl for about $6.21 and already had paint, brushes, and adhesive, so the total was under $7.
How to update a fireplace hearth (under $10)
Step 1: Cut the vinyl sheet to size
Measure the hearth and cut the vinyl a little larger than the final dimensions to start. Because older hearths can be uneven or have pipes and irregular brick edges, I traced around fixed elements and made final cuts to fit snugly. Cutting in stages—rough cut first, then trim precisely—helps you match quirky details.
Step 2: Paint the vinyl surface with the base color
Apply your base color (I used white). Many vinyl sheets have a faint tile pattern—use those faux grout lines as guides and avoid painting over them so they read as grout. Allow the first coat to dry fully, then apply a second coat for a brighter, more even finish. I used a flat finish paint with primer included and found two coats worked best.
Step 3: Paint the tile design
When the base coat is dry, paint your design using accent paint. I mixed two acrylic colors to match a rug and freehanded a geometric pattern, being careful to avoid the faux grout lines. You may prefer to use interior wall paint; acrylic works fine here since the hearth won’t receive heavy foot traffic. Expect to apply two coats for solid coverage—let each layer dry before adding the next.
Step 4: Optional — apply sealant
If you want extra protection, coat the painted vinyl with a matte vinyl sealant. Because this surface won’t be walked on, sealant is optional, but it can add durability and long-term protection if desired.
Step 5: Install the finished vinyl sheet
After everything is dry, adhere the vinyl to the hearth. Options include releasable pressure-sensitive adhesive for a more permanent bond or temporary methods like double-sided tape or sticky foam tabs. For rentals I used painter’s tape and temporary adhesive at corners and edges to prevent curling while keeping the installation removable.
Can this be used in a working fireplace?
No. Vinyl is not fireproof and should never be installed on a working fireplace. This method is only for decorative, non-functional fireplaces.
Can you use vinyl tiles instead of sheet vinyl?
Yes, on a non-working fireplace you can use vinyl tiles if the hearth is level. In my project the hearth was uneven, so a single flexible sheet gave a cleaner look. If your hearth is flat, vinyl tiles or painted vinyl tile treatments can work well.
Other tile tutorials
- DIY hand-painted tiles for floors—an affordable, stylish option
- Budget-friendly painted vinyl backsplash tutorial
Is the vinyl hearth removable for renters?
Yes. Use temporary adhesives (double-sided tape, foam sticky tabs, painter’s tape) to keep it renter-friendly and easy to remove without damaging the hearth.
How practical is storing books inside the fireplace?
Books used inside the fireplace are primarily decorative storage. If you plan to grab books regularly, place frequently read titles near the top or keep spines facing outward for easier identification. I prefer the visual of pages facing out, but that’s a stylistic choice rather than the most practical one.
How to make a fireplace hearth (for non-working fireplaces)
Author: Brittni
Summary: This affordable DIY uses cut-to-length vinyl flooring, paint, and simple adhesives to create a faux tile hearth on a non-functional fireplace. It’s quick, inexpensive, and reversible—ideal for renters or anyone who wants a fast style update without major renovations.
Ingredients / Supplies
- Cut-to-length vinyl sheet flooring (usually sold by the yard)
- Base color paint (paint + primer in one; flat finish recommended)
- Accent/detail paint (acrylic or wall paint)
- Paint brushes (2″ flat brush and a small detail brush)
- Sealant for vinyl (optional)
- Adhesive (temporary or permanent, depending on removal needs)
Instructions
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Step 1: Cut the vinyl
Buy a little extra vinyl and trim it down. For uneven or quirky hearths, rough-cut slightly oversized, then trace around immovable features and make precise final cuts to match the shape.
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Step 2: Paint the base color
Paint the vinyl with your base coat, leaving the sheet’s faux grout lines unpainted if you want to use them. Allow the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat for consistent coverage.
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Step 3: Paint the tile design
When the base is dry, freehand or stencil your tile pattern with accent paint. Apply two thin coats for solid coverage, allowing each coat to dry fully between layers.
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Step 4: Optional sealant
Seal the painted surface with a vinyl-appropriate matte sealant if you want extra protection.
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Step 5: Install the vinyl
Attach the finished sheet to the hearth with temporary tape or a removable adhesive for rentals, or a more permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive if desired. Secure edges and corners to prevent curling.
Notes
Do not use vinyl on a working fireplace—this is strictly for decorative, non-functional fireplaces. Vinyl sheets conform well to uneven surfaces; vinyl tiles work best on level hearths. Use temporary adhesives for renter-friendly installations. If you plan to store books in the fireplace, arrange frequently used titles near the top and consider showing spines for easier access.
Looking for more fireplace inspiration? Check out a recent full fireplace makeover for additional ideas and approaches.