How to Build a Wood Fireplace Mantle

The mantle is the crown on the fireplace surround, and building one can be done in many different ways with many different designs. Here is a basic design for a fireplace step mantle that will look good the way it is or that can be decorated to suit your own preferences.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Decorative wood (three boards, 1-by-8, 1-by-6 and 1-by-4 Belt sander with various grits from 60 to 200 1 1/2-inch screws, self threading Wood glue Screw gun Circular or table saw Wood stain

1. Pre-cut all of the boards using the circular or table saw. Measure the width of your fireplace surround. This will be how long your 1-by-4 board will need to be cut. Cut your 1-by-6 board 2 inches longer than that, and cut your 1-by-8 board 2 inches longer than your 1-by-6.

2. Sand all the wood. Sand the boards with the belt sander, starting at 60 grit and progressing to 200 grit, which will make them glass smooth.

3. Assemble your mantle. You will do this on the floor or other flat surface before mounting the mantle over the fireplace surround. Lay the 1-by-8 down and position the 1-by-6 directly on top of it. The rear edge should be flush, and each side should be 1 inch short. Glue and screw them together. Place the 1-by-4 directly on the 1-by-6. Make sure the rear edge is flush and that each side in 1 inch short. Glue and screw it down. When you turn the three boards over, you will have a step fireplace mantle that is ready to stain.

4. Use a stain that best matches the color already on your fireplace surround. You can use natural colors or alter the tint of the wood if you prefer. Let the mantle dry for at least 48 hours before mounting it over your fireplace surround.

Tips & Warnings

• If you enjoy woodburning, then you may wish to decorate the front of your mantle in this manner for a unique, custom look.
• Be sure to wear safety glasses when operating the saw and to stain the wood in a well-ventilated area.