The costly media-wall mistakes are usually made before the first board goes up. A little planning around the exact fire prevents most of them.

For the full starting point, see our media wall electric fire buyer’s guide.

1. Building before choosing the exact fire

Do not frame a generic opening and hope a product will fit later. Choose the exact product and size first, then work from its current manual and technical dimensions.

2. Looking only at width

Depth, recess requirements, clearance, ventilation and cable routing can all change the finished wall design. Read our media wall depth guide before finalising the build.

3. Copying measurements from a different model

Similar-looking fires are not automatically installed in the same way. The model-specific manual always wins.

4. Choosing a viewing style that the room cannot show off

A 3-sided fire needs the side glass to be visible. If it will be boxed in or obscured, a 1-sided design may make better sense. Compare viewing styles here.

5. Forgetting TV, soundbar and cables

Plan the full wall at once. The fire, television, soundbar, power and cable routes need to work together.

6. Blocking access

Do not bury plugs, controls or service access behind a finish without considering the selected manufacturer’s requirements.

7. Booking work before the fire arrives

Inspect the delivered product and check the documents before committing to the final enclosure. This gives you the best chance of catching a mismatch before building work becomes expensive.

When you are ready, browse media wall electric fires by width and style.