Building A Mantel For Gas Fireplace

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Building a mantel for gas fireplace.

This old house general contractor tom silva helps a homeowner build a custom fireplace mantel. This is also a budget project that you can do for just 50 and in a few hours time. Spread a canvas drop cloth onto the floor in front of the fireplace. Use a router to shape the edges of the mantel shelf.

Nail the mantel shelf into the cleats along the back. Attach the brace to the wall using 10 inch masonry screws. Use a level to make sure the brace is perfectly horizontal. Use a table saw to rip the edges of your legs at about 1 1 5 on each side.

See below for a shopping list tools and steps subscribe t. Cut three poplar boards to size to form the vertical pilasters and horizontal frieze of the fireplace mantel. 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. Fireplace framing and firebox flanges often cause bumps along the wall which the mantel shelf must fit.

Rout a rabbet into. Test the mantel shelf in place and scribe it to the wall if necessary. Join the boards together with glue and pocket screws. Position the 2x4 mantel brace on the line at the center point.

Level the cleats with shims and secure the new mantel to the top of the old mantel with finish nails. Use a circular saw to cross cut cutting across the grain pine wood to the length of your mantel columns. You ll need just a few supplies and tools to get the job done. Use a power planer to remove the wood to the scribe marks.

In addition if the side panels of your mantel project more than 1 1 2 inches from the fireplace facing you will need additional clearance equal to this projection. Make sure that both sides are the identical. All combustible mantel surrounds and shelves must be kept at least 12 inches from the opening of your fireplace top and sides. Legs should extend from the floor to the bottom of the mantel shelf.