DIY Mantel Project: How to Make a Mantel for a Fireplace

A mantel is a lintel or horizontal shelf above a fireplace. A fireplace mantel can also incorporate crown molding or an extended fireplace surround. A mantel can be both functional and decorative—you can display art, family pictures, or holiday ornaments above a mantel to create a focal point in the room.

If you’re in search of a creative DIY project to refresh your home’s aesthetic, consider a fireplace makeover or fireplace mantel installation. A mantel can overhaul the look of your family room and draw attention to a specific point along a wall. Here are four types of fireplace mantels you can install yourself:

1. 1. Faux fireplace mantel: Build a faux mantel to frame an electric fireplace insert and tie these appliances into a wall. Place these mantel-like structures in central locations to fulfill the same purpose as traditional fireplace mantels and to provide additional shelf space.
2. 2. Floating shelves: Install this wooden mantel option to accent any fireplace or wall material. Utilize barn lumber, live-edge slabs, or a reclaimed wood beam to give your mantel an aged, natural appearance. If your walls cannot hold the weight of a solid beam, construct a hollow wood beam mantel to imitate the rustic mantel appearance of an aged beam or railroad tie. Floating shelf hardware is commonly available for purchase at local home improvement stores and is relatively easy to install.
3. 3. Shiplap: This wood mantel style creates a rural-chic aesthetic with clean horizontal planks. You can design your shiplap fireplace mantel to frame the fireplace or extend it to the ceiling above the mantel shelf. The latter option is one choice for homeowners who want to mount a flatscreen TV above the fireplace.
4. 4. Stone: If you desire a floating wooden mantle to complement your stone surround, you could install floating shelf rods with masonry anchors and fasteners. Keep in mind, a fireplace could be load-bearing—especially in older houses—so take precautions to avoid damaging these structural members. Furthermore, a stone remodel project can require considerable skill and specialized tools to complete safely and efficiently. If you need guidance, consult a mason or contractor before attempting to replace old mantel materials or repair an existing mantel above a stone fireplace or brick fireplace.

Follow this step-by-step woodworking tutorial to build an easy DIY floating mantel for your fireplace:

• Measure your target wall location. Use a tape measure and sketchpad to illustrate a rough plan for your mantel design. Lightly mark out the location of corbels or other visible support elements to ensure you install them level and centered above the fireplace. Notate lumber dimensions on your sketch for reference while you’re at your cutting station.
• Collect the tools, materials, and hardware. You can use hand tools to build a new mantel, but power tools will expedite the process. It can also be helpful to have extra lumber or other materials on hand in case of any mistakes. Acquire a floating shelf bracket if you plan to build a hollow shelf or a rod bracket if you plan to install solid lumber.
  
• Cut and sand the lumber. Use a circular saw, table saw, or miter saw to cut each piece of wood to the proper length. Run an orbital sander with fine-grit sandpaper across each board until the outer face is smooth. Clean the boards of any dust before you apply wood stain or polyurethane sealant.
• Build the shelf. Start securing the boards together with a nail gun. Use a brad nailer and finishing nails to create smaller nail holes in the corners of your shelf. If you are using a solid piece of lumber, drill holes large enough to fit the floating bracket rods. Hide large nail holes with wood glue and sawdust. Your final product should resemble a long, thin planter box with one open side.
  
• Secure the shelf brackets. Install support hardware directly into framing studs or masonry anchors if you plan to place heavy items on your mantel. Once you’ve secured your brackets with fasteners, slide your shelf or beam into place. Use a level to confirm the evenness of your brackets and the mantel sides. Consider the weight capacities of your anchors and brackets to avoid stacking too much weight on top of the mantel.

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