Building A Mantel For Gas Fireplace

Steps for building a custom mantel.

Building a mantel for gas fireplace.

See below for a shopping list tools and steps subscribe t. Mark and predrill holes to line up with the mortar joints. Use a table saw to rip the edges of your legs at about 1 1 5 on each side. Building a fireplace mantel is a great beginner building project that anyone can handle.

Rout a rabbet into. Use a router to shape the edges of the mantel shelf. This is also a budget project that you can do for just 50 and in a few hours time. All combustible mantel surrounds and shelves must be kept at least 12 inches from the opening of your fireplace top and sides.

Position the 2x4 mantel brace on the line at the center point. Use a power planer to remove the wood to the scribe marks. Level the cleats with shims and secure the new mantel to the top of the old mantel with finish nails. Spread a canvas drop cloth onto the floor in front of the fireplace.

Nail the mantel shelf into the cleats along the back. Attach the brace to the wall using 10 inch masonry screws. This old house general contractor tom silva helps a homeowner build a custom fireplace mantel. Store the firewood for your fireplace in one of these diy firewood racks.

Make sure that both sides are the identical. Test the mantel shelf in place and scribe it to the wall if necessary. 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. Cut three poplar boards to size to form the vertical pilasters and horizontal frieze of the fireplace mantel.

Legs should extend from the floor to the bottom of the mantel shelf. Use a level to make sure the brace is perfectly horizontal. 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. Use a circular saw to cross cut cutting across the grain pine wood to the length of your mantel columns.