![]() For this mantel you will need to allow about 2 inches for the high point of the arc, which is cut out of the frieze board. Measure from both sides of the firebox out, as well as from the top of the firebox up. The extra 3/4 inch allows for the thickness of the boards, which will make up the sides of the mantel legs. Mantel with both side legs in place.īeginning at the firebox, measure and mark the width of the desired surround, plus 3/4 inch. Do a little research to confirm that the masonry you wish to use will work in the proportions you have planned. If you are using stone it can be cut as well. Keep in mind that tile can be cut to width. If you plan to use tile around the firebox, you can space the legs away from the firebox according to the tile width you want to use. It’s a good idea to start your project with a rough sketch, which is more or less to scale so you can get an idea of the proportions you think would look best. Right: Nail the front faces to the mantel leg sides. Install the front faces on the mantel legs. Left: Apply glue to the edges of the leg side boards. The homeowner wanted a substantial sized crown molding, so we got the look by building up (or layering) two different moldings. The mantel design for this particular project is built around a zero-clearance firebox with a stone surround, but it will work as well with any number of surround treatments like brick or tile. Nail the sides of the mantel legs to the backing. This is because the corbels and crown moldings, which support the mantel shelf, extend to the sides proportionally to the depth. Use a router to ease the edges.Īs the mantel shelf extends beyond the face of the legs, the wider it will be. Sand the saw marks off the edges of the leg face pieces. Intimate spaces, on the other hand, should not be overpowered by a bulky mantel. If the room is large and has high ceilings, you can and should build a larger mantel. Also, determining the mantel size is the size of the room. Cut the leg face pieces to length, and then rip the leg face pieces to width.īesides being sturdy, the mantel shelf itself must be deep enough to accommodate the items you wish to display there. Rip the side wall pieces for the mantel legs. Do so as long as it doesn’t violate the required clearances for combustible materials. If there is no wallboard up, you have an opportunity to add some framing to help anchor the mantel. Horizontal blocks can also serve as backing for the legs depending on framing location. While mantels are decorative in themselves, they also function as a display shelf for the most precious of family heirlooms, so we have to make sure they are sturdy and well anchored to the house. No matter the design or sequence of the mantel install, it must be built and installed with strength in mind. The legs should extend from the floor to the bottom of the mantel shelf. This doesn’t mean that the mason or stone setter should call the shots, but if they have a preference you might as well ask them before ignoring them. Some stone masons prefer to have the mantel in place before setting any surround materials while others would like to set the masonry first and then have the mantel built around it or installed over it. If you are building a mantel on a new fireplace install, check with any other trades for the order in which to do the job. How you attack your mantel job depends on your starting point. Mantels are either built in place or built as a unit (on or off site) and installed. Measure from both sides of the firebox as well as above the firebox. Measure and mark the width of the granite plus 3/4″. Use a level to mark the vertical lines plumb and the horizontal line level. ![]() Mantels can be as rustic as a log set in river rock or as refined as the most elegant piece of furniture. Raised or recessed panels can also be incorporated into the design. Surface design options include appliqués, fluting or surface designs. Some mantels extend all the way to the ceiling and include alcoves for displaying art or housing video screens. ![]() Sketch out the plan for the mantel to get an idea of the proportions you want. It can include legs (pilasters) or may even incorporate a bookcase or other storage on each side. A fireplace mantel can be natural wood or painted. Mantels alone include a whole array of choices. You have many options when it comes to fireplace design, like fuel types, locations, firebox liners, ventilation systems and masonry treatments. ![]() This classic mantel features an arched frieze and can be built using basic carpentry skills. Alternative Heating & Fireplace InsertsĪrticle Written and Photographed by Larry Walton.
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