Your fireplace is often the focal point of your living room or bedroom, and can also serve as the central design feature that sets the tone for the entire room.
Laid carefully across the mantel are family pictures or keepsakes or any number of decorations that give guests a glimpse into your life and style preferences. The wonderful thing about your fireplace mantel is that it can be designed in any way you like, and can even be updated or revitalized to accommodate your changing sense of style. In today's era of doing-it-yourself, you may be asking how to build a fireplace mantel. This article will set forth a few guidelines that will help you build the perfect fireplace mantel for your home.Most importantly, you must remember to use your own creative flair to create a distinct and attractive fireplace mantel. Take some time to consider your tastes and the overall style of your home before you build a fireplace mantel. Generally speaking, there are two methods you can take to building a fireplace mantel. You can hang a pre-built façade or stonework and make the job very simple. All you need to do is make sure you have the appropriate mounting brackets that will support the weight of both the mantel and the decorations you intend to display. Alternatively, you may decide to build a fireplace mantel from scratch. Such a mantel is usually a free standing unit complete with legs that support the mantel over the ground. This kind of fireplace mantel is also secured to the wall so that it will not come free, but will require a bit more work than a pre-fabricated fireplace mantel. Some of the tools that are commonly used to build a fireplace mantel include:Mitre saw - for cutting wood to length and at anglesBrad or finishing nailer - to fasten different parts of the fireplace mantel togetherSandpaper - to smooth edges in preparation for painting or finishingNails HammerCordless drill or screwdriverPaint brushIn addition, you will need a variety of building materials. As every fireplace mantel is different, it is difficult to determine which supplies you will need. As such, it is easiest to sketch out a design in advance so you have a sense of what the finished product will look like. You can visit your local hardware store and find all the materials you will need with the assistance of an in-store specialist. Most fireplace mantels will be constructed from 1 x stock, mouldings, wood putty, and stain, varnish, or paint.A stock of 1 x wood pieces will act as the base of your mantel's surround. You will need to determine widths and lengths based on the size of your mantel and your mantel design. Mouldings provide the finished look of your fireplace mantel and you can choose from a wide variety of styles. Wood putty should be used to fill holes made with nails. And obviously, stain, varnish, or paint will be used to give your fireplace mantel its final presentable appearance.
