How to Make a Mantle for an Electric Fireplace Insert

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By writedesign
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Making a mantel for an electric fireplace insert is fun and easy!

If you want to put a mantel over your electric fireplace insert, but don't want to spend a lot of money on it, consider making your own fireplace mantel. Making your own fireplace mantel is easier than you might think. Adding a piece of rustic reclaimed wood above your electric fireplace insert can give the room the extra warmth you're looking for. Not only will the mantel give the room a dramatic effect, it can also be a special place to showcase photographs, pictures and objects. Here's how to make a mantel for an electric fireplace insert:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

piece of reclaimed wood
large chain
hammer
chisel
saw
sand paper
pencil
nails
wood glue
wall stud finder
mounting brackets
stain color of your choice
fire resistant wood sealant

Step 1

Find or buy a long beam (square or rectangular) of reclaimed wood and cut it to match the width of your electric fireplace insert. Keep in mind this will be a mantel you will display pictures and objects on, so the top side should be completely flat.
Step 2

Cut a long strip of wood out of the back of the wood beam. The width should be at least half as long as the beam. The notch should be cut in straight lines (either a rectangular or angled notch). This 'notch' will help you securely mount the mantel over the electric fireplace insert.
Step 3

Carry the wood beam outside to the street and beat it up. Drag it back and forth and throw it on the pavement. Roll it around and beat it with the chain. Hit it with the hammer sporadically across the surface. Dig into with a chisel to create small random grooves. This will give the fireplace mantel a rustic look when finished.
Step 4

Carry the wood back to your work area, sand down any rough edges and remove any splintered wood. Make sure all edges of the fireplace mantel are rounded or thoroughly sanded.
Step 5

Stain the wood beam the color of your choice. Apply two coats for a richer color and allow it to dry for several hours. If you prefer your fireplace mantel to look more rustic, you can leave the wood beam unstained.
Step 6

Screw a piece of scrap wood over the electric fireplace insert where you want the center of the mantel to be located. Make sure the scrap wood is the same size and depth at the 'notch' you created earlier.
Step 7

Use a pencil to mark the locations where the nails and mounting brackets will be attached, then screw them into the wall and beam. Use a level to make sure the horizonal measurements for the fireplace mantel are correct.
Step 8

Apply glue inside the 'notch' of the wood beam and slide the wood mantel over the piece of scrap wood already mounted over the electric fireplace insert. Be sure the mantel is also securely attached to the mounting brackets.
Step 9

Decorate the fireplace mantel with pictures, photos, candles, vases and other objects.