How to make an easy faux fireplace insert real log candleholder when an electric insert isn't an option.

This gives a faux fireplace the look of a real fireplace without the mess! The flickering candlelight from the votive candleholders provides the ambiance like a real fire. This is the perfect solution for a rental.

DIY Stacked Real Log Candleholder Fireplace Insert

Recently I shared how we repurposed a mid-century modern headboard with stained glass sliding doors into a gorgeous craftsman-style faux fireplace.

Originally we placed a trio of glazed ceramic pillar candleholders in the mirrored firebox opening but I wasn't 100% satisfied with the look.

The mid-century-style candleholders didn't provide the cozy ambiance that a real log fireplace provides. So we did the next best thing, made a stacked log insert with real firewood foraged from our backyard.

Much cozier wouldn't you agree?

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What kind of candles can be used on the stacked log candle holder fireplace insert?

1. You could safely use real votive candles as long as you have them set inside glass candleholders that are attached to the stacked logs like we did.
2. Place set and forget flameless flickering votive candles on timers inside the glass candleholders.
3. Or set smaller flameless pillar candles on timers in varying sizes on the stacked logs.

How To Build A Real Stacked Log Candleholder Fireplace Insert

Step 1 - Finding The Perfect Logs

Head outdoors to your firewood pile in search of the perfect logs. If you have birch logs, even better! You'll need four or five logs to make the fireplace insert

You don't want to use fresh cut logs that are still wet inside. Look for logs that are dried right through.

If you don't have a firewood pile then head over to a local firewood supplier, home improvement store, or local greenhouse that sells bundles of real birch logs.

How to kill bugs hiding inside foraged logs for the DIY fireplace insert

The last thing you want is to bring bugs living inside your foraged logs into the house. Before coming inside, place the firelogs into an air-tight garbage bag. Place the bag in the freezer for 24-48 hours.

Let the logs completely unthaw before moving on to the next steps.

Step 2 - Stacking The Logs

Stack the logs until you find the perfect configuration. You want the stacked logs to be sturdy and well-balanced. Flip the stack upside down and screw them together with #8 2-inch wood screws from underneath so the screws are not visible.

Step 3 - Age Wood Logs

If the cut ends of your logs are still fresh-looking, you can give them an aged patina with this natural wood stain recipe with stuff from your pantry.

Make sure you wear gloves or you'll be sporting stained hands for days. Brush the natural stain on the ends of your logs with an inexpensive chip brush. Reapply until you like the look of the aged patina.

Step 4 - Drill Holes For Votive Candleholders

Next, we'll need to burrow holes in the logs for the glass votive candleholders OR pillar flameless wax candles. You'll need a 2 1/2-inch hole saw bit for votive holders and larger for pillar candles, depending on the size of your candles.

Drill shallow holes into the logs where you want to place the candles. Take your time and keep checking until the holes are deep enough to securely hold the candleholders or pillar candles. The last thing you want is to drill all the way through the logs.

Step 5 - Insert Candleholders

Place the stacked log insert in the opening of your faux (or real) fireplace box. Set the candles inside the votive holder. Now if you plan on using real votive candles, I strongly urge you to glue the glass candleholders onto the stacked logs so they don't accidentally tip over and start a fire.

Otherwise, set the flameless candles on each burrowed hole on the stacked logs. Set the timers for dusk and enjoy!

Here is a closer look at the left side of the faux fireplace with the real log insert.

...and the right side of the faux fireplace with a real log insert.

Which look do you prefer, the look of the stacked log insert or the pillar candle holders inside the faux fireplace opening?

Thanks for stopping by the Interior Frugalista today! I hope you were inspired by our real stacked log candle holder fireplace insert.

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