Building a Fireplace Mantel
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Determine the Design
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The first step is to lay out the design. Determine the length and height of the mantel and the shape and materials to use. Many mantels are built using oak or even pine boards, which can be stained or painted. Choose a mantel shelf material that is strong and aesthetically pleasing. Then decide how to attach the mantel. Usually two vertical pillars are installed on each side of the hearth, and the mantel shelf is installed on top. You can also use anchor bolts to install a mantel without pillar supports, but the wall must be able to support the mantel cross section.
Mantel Pillars
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The pillars that support a mantel can be used as bookshelves. This involves crafting sturdy pillars with an open front end where you install shelves. Other mantels do not make use of pillars. In most cases there is a ledge that is already built into the fireplace. If you want one of these mantels, you must have a mason install a ledge when he builds the fireplace. Sometimes this can be done afterward, but it involves extra work. Even attaching anchor bolts to a finished wall around a fireplace hearth is a job for a professional, especially if your mantel will be made of a heavy wood like oak.
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Mantel Materials
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Some of the best-looking mantels are made of rugged, natural pine or hardwood. Hardwood is more expensive, but it will last longer and be much more robust. Another consideration is the type of material the hearth is made of. Stone hearths and fireplaces often use a pine mantel to continue their natural theme and to keep in line with the beauty of the stone. You can mount a pine mantel to stone by drilling into the stone and installing anchor bolts. This is another job best left to a professional. You will need a heavy drill that is more powerful than your typical home drill, a carbide bit and lubricants. It is extremely difficult to create a sturdy ledge of cement or brick on a stone hearth. It is also difficult to create a pleasing pillar support. The easiest way to build one is to build the pillars right against the wall on each side of the hearth, so they stick out farther than the stone fireplace, then lay the mantel across this. However, this can be clumsy-looking and too large.
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