DIY Inspiration: Add an Electric Fireplace to Your Garage

May 15, 2026

Touchstone Sideline 36 Smart Electric Fireplace in garage cabinet by @lifeiswhatyoumakeit

Are you ready to transform your garage into your favorite spot to relax, work out and get stuff done? DIYer and blogger Astin @yourlifeiswhatyoumakeit turned her dark, cold garage into a warm, inviting space with a Touchstone Electric Fireplace, Astin details her electric fireplace garage cabinet build, complete with space for her sound system, a TV mounted above and plenty of storage.

"Way Prettier Than a Traditional Heater"

Astin shares her motivation for this garage makeover. “We wanted a fireplace in our garage as a heating source for when we are working out there, and it's cold outside. Our garage can be a hangout sometimes, so we thought it would be fun to put a whole entertainment center out there with a fireplace because it's unusual and unique. Plus it's way prettier than a traditional heater.”

Behind the Build

Astin built her own modular cabinets and matching electric fireplace cabinet using plywood for the cabinet boxes, primed pine for the face frame, and oak for the countertop. The innovative fireplace entertainment center features cabinets with mesh netting doors on either side to house speakers.

Touchstone Sideline Electric Fireplace garage cabinet build by @yourlifeiswhatyoumakeit

For this project, Astin chose the Touchstone Sideline® 36 Smart Electric Fireplace. This 36-inch wide model has all the same features of larger Sideline® recessed electric fireplaces including Wi-Fi enabled smart tech compatibility, natural-looking LED flames and a built-in heater.

“I chose to use this particular fireplace because of the size and heat feature,” Astin explains. “I needed the speaker cabinets to be a certain size to fit the speakers. And then I only had so much wall left in the garage between the wall mounted bikes on the right and the garage door on the left. So I had to go a little smaller on the fireplace than I would have liked, but this one turned out to be a great size!”

More Sideline 36 Features

Touchstone Sideline 36 Smart Electric Fireplace in a custom built garage cabinet by @yourlifeiswhatyoumakeit

Cozy Supplemental Heat Source

The Sideline® Series electric fireplaces can add supplemental heat up to 400 square feet. The heat and flame controls are separate, which means you can enjoy the flames without heat in the warm summer months.

Astin shares, “I've already used it on a few cold days we've had, and it keeps the garage pretty comfortable! Impressive for such a large space!”

“I love that the Touchstone fireplace puts out a good amount of heat and also provides ambiance. I also love that you can choose to put crystals in the display or the faux wood that comes with it for whatever look you want. I also love that you can change the color of the flame and that it was SUPER easy to install!”

Is It Safe to Use an Electric Fireplace in a Garage?

Without the need for a gas line, venting or chimney, an electric fireplace is easy and safe to add to a garage. Touchstone Electric Fireplaces can be plugged into a standard outlet or hardwired. The electric fireplace doesn't give off fumes or burning embers. You do need to keep flammable materials away from the heat vents when the heater is turned on.

An electric fireplace can be safer than a portable electric heater because it is secured onto a surface without the tip-over risk. The fireplace heat vents can also be higher above the floor than a space heater. Sideline® Electric Fireplaces have extra safety features including a timer and auto shut off. The Sideline® can be operated by remote control or mobile app and is Amazon Alexa® certified and Google Home® compatible for easier setting adjustments.

The Touchstone Sideline® 36 Smart Electric Fireplace

A Quick Garage Electric Fireplace With Limited DIY Skills

Astin is especially gifted at making her own cabinets, drawers and custom designs. If you lack the tools (and maybe the skills), but still want to DIY a garage electric fireplace setup, you can. Simply combine a pre-fab Touchstone Encase Freestanding Surround Electric Fireplace with pre-built storage. You may have less bragging rights with your neighbors, but you'll get the same cozy vibes for garage gatherings.