How to Cut an Old Mantle Into a Shelf

A mantle is essentially a shelf with two supports. If you want to cut your mantle into a shelf, you'll first need to take down the mantle and then remove the supports, so that what remains is the shelf section. If you already have the mantle removed from the wall, then you only need to cut and finish the shelf portion of the mantle, so that you can then hang it wherever you want to use it as a shelf.

Pry bar
Hammer
Saw (circular saw, if available)
Wood putty
Spatula
Sandpaper
Vacuum

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the mantle from the wall by first prying off the trim with a pry bar, then use the pry bar to pull the mantle away from the wall. If the mantle is partly embedded in stone or bricks, use a hammer to gently knock the mantle free.
- 2
  Separate the top of the mantle -- the shelf section -- from the supports with the pry bar, if possible. If not, use a circular saw to remove the supports, so that only the shelf section remains.
- 3
  Patch the nail holes in the base, sides and other visible sections of the mantle shelf with wood putty and a spatula. Allow it to dry thoroughly before proceeding.
- 4
  Sand down the cut and patched areas of the shelf. Vacuum away any debris.
- 5
  Replace the decorative trim, if desired.

DIY: How to Mount a Fireplace Surround

How to Remove Brick From a Fireplace Face

Fireplaces