How to Build Wooden Fireplace Mantels

A fireplace mantel creates a cozy, classic look that is inviting and attractive. If you have basic knowledge and skill in woodworking, building and installing a mantel is a good project for a weekend do-it-yourself practitioner and can be completed in about a day. This is a project that gives big results for the time and money you will spend. It only takes basic power tools and is fairly straight-forward if you stick to the basics. Create your own design based on your skill level.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure Wood glue Level Nail gun Lumber Crown molding 1-inch molding (optional) Table saw Miter saw Router Paint or finish

Instructions

1. Design your mantel on paper. Always work from a sketch that includes dimensions.

2. Measure and mark the layout lines for the mantel around the fireplace box and surround, if there is one. The surround is the stone or tile area that borders the fireplace box. Add 3/4 inch to all your measurements to account for the thickness of the boards and use a level for both the vertical and horizontal marks.

3. Cut backing cleats for the legs. Each leg will be formed with 3 boards nailed together as a box against the wall.

4. Cut the side wall and front pieces of each leg and glue and nail them together by attaching the sides to the backing cleats and then attaching the front to the sides.

5. Measure and cut horizontal cleats along the top for the mantel. Nail them to the wall.

6. Cut furring strips to the desired height of the mantel and attach them to the wall vertically.

7. Measure and cut the front face or the mantel, or the frieze. Nail it to the furring strips, using a level.

8. Measure and mark the line for the bottom of the mantel's crown molding. This forms the front edge of the mantel. Nail several pieces of molding together in layers to build up the height of the mantel. Use a miter joint at the corners and install molding around the sides of the legs.

9. Measure and cut the top of the mantel, the shelf, and nail is to the cleats you installed in step 5.

10. Finish edges with a router.

11. Attach 1-inch molding for decoration, if desired.

12. Apply paint or finish to the entire mantel.

Tips & Warnings

• Use safety equipment and caution when working with power tools.