DIY Fireplace Mantel
There are many different styles of fireplace mantels, from a simple piece of weathered wood to an ornately carved custom molding or hand-hewn stone or marble. You can choose from a variety of styles and materials depending on the kind of mantel you want and your dexterity when it comes to doing it yourself. Whatever type of mantel you choose, you will want to make sure it is securely installed.
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Parts of the Mantel
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The only essential parts of a mantel are the mantel shelf and the materials needed to secure it firmly to the wall. A breastboard, which goes under the mantel, may be large and decorative or merely function to help hold the mantel in place. There may be pilasters or legs supporting each side of the mantel. The parts of the mantel should be of complementary styles and materials, designed or chosen to work together. The materials should be easy to clean and able to withstand the high temperatures surrounding the fireplace. There is also generally some facing material around the fireplace opening, which should be considered when choosing a mantel.
Install a Purchased Mantel
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You can purchase a finished mantel from a number of companies and install the mantel yourself. When installing a mantel, follow the manufacturer's directions. You will generally need a variety of common tools including a hammer, level, screwdriver, drill, tape measure and stud finder. Necessary hardware may come with the mantel, or the manufacturer may include a list of hardware you need to purchase. An assistant will come in handy when you are installing a mantel.
If your purchased mantel consists primarily of a mantel shelf, you will first attach a backboard or other support to the studs of your wall. Take your time with this step to make sure the support is properly anchored and level. The shelf will then attach to the support. If your purchased mantel includes a breastboard and pilasters, you will again install the support mounts first. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully, as you may need to assemble the rest of the mantel before hanging it.
If you are staining or painting your mantel, it may be easier to do so before you hang the mantel.
Make Your Own Custom Mantel
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You can build your own custom mantel using commercially available or existing mantels as inspiration. The most basic mantel would be three pieces of plain wood forming the legs and shelf, but you can purchase any number of moldings, brackets and decorative elements to make your mantel truly unique. You can purchase stone or marble to top the mantel shelf if you like. If you construct your own mantel from scratch, you will want to consider the weight of the mantel you are building, and consider adhering a backboard to the wall studs to help support the weight of the mantel.
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