How to Build a Fireplace Mantel Shelf
Mantels are necessary to complete a fireplace and they add a warm touch to the look of the room. There are many different types of wood used for making mantels, the most preferred choice these days is the oak wood. You should select a material which is strong, flexible and also resilient.
Oak wood contains all the above mentioned qualities and that what makes it the most widely used material for making of mantels. Analyse the design of your fireplace and inspect which colour you will use which matches perfectly with the background.
Things Required:
– Wood shelf
– Crown moulding
– Shelf brackets
– Power drill with 1/4 inch bit
– Tape measure
– Construction adhesive
Instructions
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1
Design the fireplace in computer software. There are many house decorating software that allow you to customize your fireplace in any way possible. Design a decent mantle and choose the colour of the wood according to your taste. Visit a wood store to buy high quality wood for the mantle, the quality of the wood should be really good as fireplaces tend to stay for time and they rarely repair and maintenance work.
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2
Calculate the weight that the mantle is supposed to bear and buy a wood strong enough to handle it. Plan out the mantle to determine which materials are needed for the project. You will have to assemble the shelf if it is not a one unit. If you want a fancy shelf, attach decorative pieces to the mantle.
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3
You will need to determine the type of wall behind the fire place so that you get an idea that how much load can the wall bear. Drill holes in the wall to gauge its strength. Locate the studs in the wall by using a stud finder. The location of studs determines the length of the mantel for the fire place.
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4
Use a sand paper to smoothen all flat surfaces and edges of the board. Round the edges till they are perfectly round. Remove dust due to sanding by wiping the mantle surface with a cloth.
Paint the mantel board if necessary. Apply a minimum of 3 coats to get the best results, there should be about 15 minutes break between each coat.
Set the mantel board on top of the mountings. Use 4 inch wooden screws and pass them through the triangular pieces to the wall studs. You may require the assistance of a helper during this step.
