Building A Mantel For Gas Fireplace

Mark and predrill holes to line up with the mortar joints.

Building a mantel for gas fireplace.

Building a fireplace mantel is a great beginner building project that anyone can handle. Use a level to make sure the brace is perfectly horizontal. Rout a rabbet into. All combustible mantel surrounds and shelves must be kept at least 12 inches from the opening of your fireplace top and sides.

Use a power planer to remove the wood to the scribe marks. Join the boards together with glue and pocket screws. Test the mantel shelf in place and scribe it to the wall if necessary. This is also a budget project that you can do for just 50 and in a few hours time.

Make sure that both sides are the identical. This old house general contractor tom silva helps a homeowner build a custom 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. Use a circular saw to cross cut cutting across the grain pine wood to the length of your mantel columns.

Legs should extend from the floor to the bottom of the mantel shelf. Spread a canvas drop cloth onto the floor in front of the fireplace. You ll need just a few supplies and tools to get the job done. Use a router to shape the edges of the mantel shelf.

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. 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. Store the firewood for your fireplace in one of these diy firewood racks.

Steps for building a custom mantel. Nail the mantel shelf into the cleats along the back. Position the 2x4 mantel brace on the line at the center point. Fireplace framing and firebox flanges often cause bumps along the wall which the mantel shelf must fit.