An electric fireplace with a clean media wall is one of the fastest ways to upgrade a Toronto home. You get instant ambiance, safe supplemental heat, and a tidy place for the TV, soundbar, and consoles. This guide covers how to pick the right unit, plan the framing, route power and cables, and avoid common mistakes so your feature wall looks custom and works flawlessly.

Why choose an electric fireplace for a renovation

• No chimney needed: Electric units are ventless, which works well in semis, condos, and basements.
• Flexible heat: Many models let you run flame effects without heat for summer ambiance or low heat for shoulder seasons.
• Clean installs: Shallow framing and plug‑in or hard‑wired options keep walls sleek.
• Safer glass temperatures: The face stays much cooler than gas, which is helpful for kids and pets.

Picking the right unit

Form factor:

• Linear built‑in: The most popular choice for contemporary spaces, available in widths from 36 to 100 inches plus.
• Traditional insert: Fits into an existing masonry opening when you want a classic look.
• Shallow recessed or surface mounted: Useful where wall depth is limited.

Heat output and power:

• Most units are 120 V, 12 to 15 A, with output around 4,000 to 5,100 BTU. Larger 240 V models can deliver more heat where a dedicated circuit exists.
• Treat electric fireplaces as supplemental heat. They are perfect for living rooms, basements, or principal bedrooms, not a primary whole‑home system.

Aesthetic options:

• Flame colours, ember media, and logs or crystal beds create different moods.
• Look for anti‑glare glass and low motor noise for TV rooms.

Framing, clearances, and TV spacing

• Framing depth: Most linear units need 5 to 14 inches of depth. We frame a simple stud pocket with a service opening for wiring.
• Non‑combustibles: Surround the firebox opening with approved materials per the manufacturer. Large‑format porcelain or stone looks great and resists heat.
• TV above the fireplace: Follow the unit’s clearance chart. Plan a mantel or a small projecting ledge to deflect heat away from the TV if clearances are tight.
• Service access: Include a removable panel or side access if the model needs it.

Power, circuits, and AV routing

• Dedicated circuit: Aim for a dedicated 15 A or 20 A circuit run to the fireplace location. Many homeowners also add a separate circuit for the AV gear.
• Conduit to the TV: Run a 25 to 32 mm flexible conduit from the media cabinet to the TV niche for HDMI and future cables.
• Low‑voltage home runs: Pull two Cat6 lines to the cabinet for streaming boxes, game consoles, and hard‑wired internet.
• Cable management: Use recessed power outlets and brush plates so there are no dangling wires.

Media wall layouts that work

• Flat front with reveals: Minimalist look with painted drywall and crisp shadow lines.
• Paneled feature wall: Slatted wood, fluted MDF, or large‑format tile adds texture.
• Built‑ins left and right: Add closed storage for consoles and toys, and open shelves for display.
• Floating hearth bench: A low bench below the firebox anchors the composition and doubles as seating.

Sound, lighting, and comfort

• Soundbar or LCR speakers: Preplan the niche size and height. For audiophile setups, prewire for left, center, and right in‑wall speakers.
• Ambient lighting: Add a dimmable LED cove or shelf lighting to wash the wall and reduce TV glare.
• Room acoustics: Consider a rug, soft furnishings, and acoustic panels if your room is echoey.

Condo, semi, and basement considerations

• Condos: Confirm board approvals and electrical capacity. Surface‑mount options minimize wall changes in concrete buildings.
• Semis and rowhouses: Plan deliveries and cut zones carefully to manage dust and neighbor noise.
• Basements: Elevate units above potential splash zones and route condensate from dehumidifiers away from the wall.

Budgets and timelines in Toronto

Every home is different, but these ranges help with planning:

• Basic feature wall with a 50 to 60 inch unit: $3,500 to $7,000, including framing, power, drywall, paint, and a simple finish.
• Premium wall with large‑format tile, fluted panels, or built‑ins: $8,000 to $18,000, depending on materials and storage.
• AV upgrades and lighting: Add $600 to $2,500 for conduit, in‑wall speakers, soundbar niche, and dimmable LED details.

Typical timeline: 3 to 8 working days on site plus time for design, materials, and any condo approvals.

Avoid these common mistakes

1. Mounting the TV too high for comfortable viewing. Eye level should be roughly one-third from the bottom of the screen when seated.
2. Sharing a circuit with space heaters or heavy appliances that trip breakers.
3. Forgetting a conduit to the TV niche, which locks you into today’s cable run.
4. Using sensitive finishes too close to the firebox, where heat can cause warping.
5. Skipping sound planning and ending up with a beautiful wall that echoes.

How JG Contracting delivers clean feature walls

• We help select the right unit, then produce a quick sketch with dimensions so the TV height, mantel depth, and speaker placement feel right.
• We coordinate a dedicated circuit and neat low‑voltage routing with the electrician.
• We frame, board, finish, and paint with clean lines and dust control.
• We test the unit, program remotes, label connections, and review care and cleaning with you.

Helpful companion reads on our site:

• Toronto Soundproofing Guide 2025 for quieter living rooms
• Toronto Interior Painting Guide 2025 for the final finish

Ready to build a media wall you will love? Contact us today to book a consultation. We will design the layout, manage power and AV, and install a custom feature wall that looks great and works perfectly.

📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632

✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com

🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com