It is always easier to hire someone who is able to build us a wooden fireplace mantel – but it is not cheaper. This is the one material that, with the right tools and instructions, you are able to work with on your own. Why not try your hand at building a wooden fireplace mantel. It will help to save money and is a fun project for the whole family.
- First off you need to remove any molding that is already above the fireplace. Use a pry bar and a wide putty knife to remove it directly from the wall.
- Measure the area of the space that you wish to place the new mantel. Use the wood that you have purchased for the project and cut it to the proper dimensions. You can use almost any type of wood and can purchase it from your local home improvement store. You will use a power miter box to crosscut the wood against the grain and a table saw to cut lengthwise or along the grain.
- Now it is time to put the surround together. Apply wood glue to each piece of the mantel. There should be three pieces. One for the top mantel and two for the surround that will sit on either side of the fireplace. To make sure they are firmly in place you will need to use long nails to secure them together.
- Use a stud finder and mark the location of the studs on the wall. Now attach the three pieces of the surround to the fireplace. Have on person hold the top piece in place while you draw a straight line across. This will help to keep it level.
- Do the same with the surround and then nail them all to the wall and into the studs. The studs are important because they will provide the support for the entire mantel.
- Use a decorative piece of molding that will be attached to the front of the mantel. This piece can be glued and nailed onto the mantel. For decoration you can also use plinth or corner blocks.
- You don’t want the wood to look like it did when you bought it. Use spackle and putty to fill in any holes that you made. Then use a wood finish or paint to give it some much needed color.