Do It Yourself: Mantel

Homeowners install mantels around real and artificial fireplaces.

A new mantel frames and enhances a fireplace while providing functionality as a shelving unit for home décor. Assembling a mantel can be time consuming -- it takes several hours to complete -- but the actual assembly steps and tools are simple and familiar for most. The most difficult part of assembling a mantel is lifting the heavy pieces; this project may go more smoothly with a helper's assistance.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Mantel kit
• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Paintbrush
• Phillip's head screwdriver
• 2 by 4 wood planks
• Hand saw
• Hammer drill with ½-inch carbide-tipped masonry bit and driver bit
• 2-½-inch concrete screws
• 2-inch finish screws
• Edge molding
• Hammer
• 4d finish nails
• Putty
• Paint

Instructions

1. Measure your fireplace before choosing a new mantel -- fire regulations require a 6-inch clearance all around the fireplace opening. Additionally, combustibles such as wood must be located 1 inch away from the fireplace opening for every 1/8 inch of thickness.

2. Sand the visible parts of the mantel pieces and prime them in preparation for painting. If the mantel is already painted or decorated, you can skip this step.

3. Lay the top shelf part of the mantel shelf-side-down on a soft, even surface. If possible, work close to your fireplace to avoid carrying the heavy, large mantel through multiple rooms.

4. Slide the mantel side pieces onto the ends of the shelf piece, attaching them with the included wooden dowels or screws.

5. Lift the assembled mantel and place it around the fireplace. Center it so there is an equal distance from the opening to each side piece. Use a measuring tape to make sure the sides are placed equally.

6. Mark the exterior outline of the mantel onto the fireplace with a pencil.

7. Remove the mantel from the fireplace and lay it upside-down. Using your measuring tape, measure and record the interior length of the shelf. Then measure the interior length of each side piece.

8. Using a handsaw, cut three 2 by 4 wood planks according to the measurements you recorded in the last step. Position these planks inside the mantel to ensure an accurate fit, and adjust the cut as necessary. It's not a problem if the planks are slightly shorter than the lengths of the shelf and sides.

9. Position the planks on the outside top and side edges of the brick around the fireplace, with the widest side facing you. Attach a masonry bit to the drill and make four equally spaced starter holes through each plank into the brick.

10. Remove the masonry bit and drill concrete screws into the holes.

11. Fit the mantel over the planks. It should be even with the wall.

12. Attach a driver bit to the drill.

13. Drill finish screws through the shelf into the wood plank at 16-inch intervals. Drill finish screws through the outside edges of the side pieces into the wood planks at 16-inch intervals.

14. Close the gaps between the inside of the mantel and the brick with edge moulding. Attach the molding with a hammer and finish nails.

15. Conceal screw and nail heads with putty.

References

• This Old House; How to Install A Mantel; Harry Sawyers