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You can build your own fireplace mantel in an assortment of styles, themes, and colors.<\/p><\/div>\n
This article will show you how to build a fireplace mantel from scratch<\/strong>. Remember, you can add your own special touch by altering the design with trim accents to appease your taste. This will give you give you an understanding of the correct steps and structural foundation needed to build your own fireplace shelf. Let\u2019s jump right in! Fireplace mantels are decorative surrounds that add style and beauty to the home. They can transform the hearth from basic and flat to stunning and eye-catching. Although they improve the aesthetics of the home dramatically, it\u2019s important to keep in mind that mantels must be functional as well.<\/p>\n When building your own fireplace mantel, make sure that strength and durability<\/strong> are a priority. The fireplace shelf will hold various novelties, picture frames, and other decorative items. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to build your own fireplace mantel.<\/p>\n Begin by sketching your design on a sheet paper. Take measurements of your firebox and work around that. Think of how wide you want your mantel to extend around your fireplace, what colors you would like to use, style of molding\/accents, and the depth of the mantel shelf.<\/p>\n If you plan on placing larger items atop your mantel shelf, try a 6\u201d mantel so you have ample space for d\u00e9cor. You can browse through a gallery of fireplace mantels<\/strong> here <\/a>to get some ideas on how you would like yours to look.<\/p>\n First we are going to start off with the legs of your mantel. The legs refer to the two columns on either side of the mantel that travel vertically to support the mantel shelf. Legs should extend from the floor to the bottom of the mantel shelf.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Remember to sand all pieces of wood before nailing them to the wall. This will create a smooth finish and also help painting in the final steps.<\/p>\n The breast plate is the middle piece that is located above the firebox, in between the legs, and beneath the mantel shelf.<\/p>\n Now that we have the skeleton of our homemade mantel set up, we can start adding crown molding to the top of the mantel beginning at the breast plate. You can layer your mantel using multiple molding to fashion an ornate design.<\/p>\n Now for the finishing touch. Add surface molding to accent the mantel. Surface molding creates a beveled face and gets rid of the flat look that your mantel once had. You can add base molding to the feet of the mantel legs to give it an elegant and complete finish from head to toe!<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Remember to cut all trim corners at a 45 degree angle so that perpendicular pieces will fit flush. Do this with all trim accents that will come to a corner.<\/p>\n Select paint in the color and finish of your choice. Use heat resistant paint<\/strong> to accommodate the high temperatures associated with the hearth.<\/p>\n \n Building your own fireplace mantel from scratch can be a rewarding project. Not only can you save lots of money, you get to create your own custom design unique to your home! We\u2019ve included this Instructional Video<\/strong> that will go along with the Homemade Mantel Guide we\u2019ve provided above. Make sure you watch it to see how you will apply each of these steps to build your own fireplace mantel!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" You can create your own custom homemade fireplace mantel all from scratch. You don\u2019t need to be a carpenter to tackle this DIY project! All you need are the right tools, a little know how, and the right attitude! This … Continue reading
\n<\/p>\nDIY Fireplace Mantel<\/h2>\n
Supplies for Your Homemade Fireplace Mantel<\/h2>\n
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Step by Step: Building Your Own Mantel from Scratch<\/h2>\n
Step 1 \u2013 Sketching<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.portablefireplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/figure-g9d2284cd2_640-pixabay.jpg\")
<\/p>\nStep 2 \u2013 Legs<\/h3>\n
![\"Build](\"https:\/\/www.portablefireplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/build-your-own-fireplace-mantel-legs.jpg\" "\\"Build")
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Step 3 \u2013 Breast Plate<\/h3>\n
![\"Fireplace](\"https:\/\/www.portablefireplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/fireplace-mantel-from-scratch.jpg\" "\\"Fireplace")
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Step 4 \u2013 Attach Molding<\/h3>\n
![\"Fireplace](\"https:\/\/www.portablefireplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/fireplace-mantel-molding.jpg\" "\\"Fireplace")
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Step 5 \u2013 Install Mantel Shelf<\/h3>\n
![\"Build](\"https:\/\/www.portablefireplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/build-fireplace-mantel-shelf.jpg\" "\\"Build")
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Step 6 \u2013 Decorative Accents<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.portablefireplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-anna-shvets-5710836l-pexels.jpg\")
<\/p>\nStep 7 \u2013 Painting Your Mantel<\/h3>\n
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DIY Fireplace Mantel Video Demonstration<\/h2>\n