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There are many types of
fireplace mantels, but one that is custom made can fit your home to
a tee
Custom fireplace mantels give you the power to decide exactly what you want.
Have you considered installing your own custom
fireplace mantle? It is really easier then it sounds. If you’re
looking for a way to improve the look and quality of your home,
without spending too much money or time, then a fireplace mantle is
the way to go!
Here’s a quick overview of one way to do this:
You will need:
A drill, with drill bits and a Phillips driver bit
A hammer
A circular saw or table saw
A miter saw
Wood screws
Finish nails
1"x12" boards
1"x6" boards
2"x4" boards cut into wedge-shaped blocks (90-degree triangles)
Fluted wood molding
Crown molding
Base cap molding
Joint molding
The first thing you’ll want to do is install backing boards to the
wall around the fireplace. You’ll want to make sure that they are
secured into studs, or something else as stable, and not just into
drywall, as this is what you will be securing your mantle to. Use a
1”x2” board for the top backing board, and screw it into the studs
(or secure it safely to the wall by some other means, such as toggle
bolts)
The next step is to attack fluted molding to the upright backing
boards. Attach them in the center with wood glue, then secure them
with finish nails.
Then attach another 1"x12" board directly above and flush with the
outside edges of the fluted molding.
After this, the base molding should be secured to the bottom of the
fluted molding, ten the base cap molding to the top of it. (If
you’re going for an extra personal touch, you can use the base-cap
molding with mitered corners around where the mantle meets the
fireplace.
Now install the joint molding (2-1/4”) above the fluted molding to
break up the flat surface between the fireplace and the top of the
mantle.
Now you’ll be putting the shelf on. Cut a 1”x6” board (this will be
the shelf itself) and nail it to the 1”x12” backing board. Level the
shelf using the wedge blocks. This will secure the shelf, for when
you nail the crown molding.
Cut and assemble crown molding to be placed under the shelf of the
mantel. Using the finish nails, Attach it to the wedge blocks,
backing board and shelf.
Now, feel free to be creative and attach whatever kind of molding
you think will look best around the edge of your new mantle shelf.
The last thing you have to do, now, is finish it, fill in the nail
holes with wood putty, or something you choose, sand it, and you can
chose to finish it with just a sealant, or use wood stain to enhance
the natural beauty of the wood.
Take a look at
some beautiful mantels today and find the perfect one.
There are many types of mantels for your
fireplace:
Stone mantels
Wood fireplace mantels
Modern fireplace mantels
Fireplace mantles contemporary
Colonial mantels
Victorian mantels
French mantels
Rustic fireplace mantels
Concrete fireplace mantels
Precast mantels for the fireplace
Marble mantels
Antique fireplace mantel
Custom mantels
Helpful articles and common questions regarding
fireplace mantels:
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