Wondering what to do with your fireplace in the off-season? Craft this realistic log slice screen. We've designed ours with strong magnets for tool-free attachment and removal, perfect for seamless swaps.
Measure your fireplace opening precisely—this sets your plywood dimensions. For convenience, have it pre-cut at a home improvement store. We chose 1/4-inch plywood: sturdy for securing wood slices, yet light enough for magnets to hold firm. Our corner fireplace required two panels for complete coverage.
Coat the front and edges in black paint. It peeks through the slices, creating authentic shadows like a real woodpile.
Slice branches with a miter saw. We selected birch for its bold black-and-white bark, but any wood works. Vary thicknesses from 1/8-inch to 1 inch for a natural vibe. No saw? Pick up pre-cut rounds at a craft store.
Lay slices on the painted side, clustering tightly for realism. Once arranged, apply wood glue to each. Dry flat horizontally for at least four hours—no vertical handling.
With glue set, flip the panel. Source extra-strong disc magnets online, spacing them 6 inches apart to match your fireplace's metal frame (avoid glass). Apply epoxy Set Fast Set to each magnet's back, press onto plywood, and cure overnight before use.
Align magnets with the metal frame and snap into place. Remove effortlessly for fires, then reattach. This screen brings inviting woodland charm to any room.
