Building A Mantel For Gas Fireplace

Building a fireplace mantel is a great beginner building project that anyone can handle.

Building a mantel for gas fireplace.

This is also a budget project that you can do for just 50 and in a few hours time. Attach the brace to the wall using 10 inch masonry screws. Nail the mantel shelf into the cleats along the back. Cut three poplar boards to size to form the vertical pilasters and horizontal frieze of the fireplace mantel.

Use a circular saw to cross cut cutting across the grain pine wood to the length of your mantel columns. Join the boards together with glue and pocket screws. Fasten mdf cleats to the underside of the mantel to give it more height the height of the cleats will depend on the size of the molding you are using to wrap the mantel. Make sure that both sides are the identical.

This old house general contractor tom silva helps a homeowner build a custom fireplace mantel. Fireplace framing and firebox flanges often cause bumps along the wall which the mantel shelf must fit. All combustible mantel surrounds and shelves must be kept at least 12 inches from the opening of your fireplace top and sides. You ll need just a few supplies and tools to get the job done.

Use a level to make sure the brace is perfectly horizontal. Legs should extend from the floor to the bottom of the mantel shelf. Steps for building a custom mantel. See below for a shopping list tools and steps subscribe t.

Rout a rabbet into. Level the cleats with shims and secure the new mantel to the top of the old mantel with finish nails. Mark and predrill holes to line up with the mortar joints. Use a router to shape the edges of the mantel shelf.

Use a table saw to rip the edges of your legs at about 1 1 5 on each side. Use a power planer to remove the wood to the scribe marks. Spread a canvas drop cloth onto the floor in front of the fireplace. Store the firewood for your fireplace in one of these diy firewood racks.