How to Build a Country Mantel

Turn a log into a striking country mantel.

Give your fireplace a rustic look with a country-inspired mantel. Construct a one-of-a-kind mantel from a natural wood log to create a country-inspired look that will surely make your fireplace the focal point of the room. Choose a strong wood -- such as cedar, pine or maple -- to ensure durability of the piece. To preserve the mantel and protect it from the harsh heat of the fireplace, treat the mantel with a polyurethane sealant.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Log
• Chainsaw
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Block plane
• Heavy-, medium- and fine-grit sandpaper
• Polyurethane sealant
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the top of the fireplace opening and add 6 inches to each side.

2. Lay the log on its side and cut it with a chainsaw to the dimensions taken in Step 1.

3. Stand the log up and cut through the center of it with a chainsaw, making a cut that is parallel to the length. Cut the log so that you have an 8-inch-wide section to work with.

4. Cut 2 inches off the back of the log to create a flat surface to hang against the wall.

5. Hammer a chisel gently between the bark and the wood to remove the bark from the surface of the log.

6. Run a block plane across exposed interior of the wood on the top and back of the log, smoothing and leveling out the surface.

7. Sand the wood with a heavy- to medium-grit sandpaper. Sand the sections again with a fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface.

8. Apply a coat of polyurethane sealant to the entire surface of the log mantel with a paintbrush. Allow the sealant to dry for 12 hours and apply a second coat. Allow the second coat to dry for 24 hours.