How to Build an Electric Fireplace Mantel

Cut three of the pine boards to surround your fireplace; cut a fourth board the width of the entire fireplace surround. Use the circular saw to make all the cuts. Sand any rough edges with the sandpaper.

Locate the wall studs behind the walls and around the fireplace with the stud finder; mark the location of the studs on the wall with a pencil. Apply construction adhesive to the back of the surround boards. Also apply adhesive to the top edges of the side surround boards and the bottom edge of the top surround board. Assemble them around the fireplace and affix them to the wall with the adhesive. Place the level against each board to make sure it is sitting evenly. Insert nails in the surround with the nail gun, making sure you drive them into the wall studs you marked.

Apply adhesive on the top edge of the surround. Also apply adhesive on the back edge of the mantel board. Place the mantel board on top of the surround and press it against the wall so the board adheres to the wall and top of the surround. Hold the level against the mantel to assure it sitting level. Drive nails through the mantel from the top into the surround board using the nail gun.

Cut pieces of trim to face the mantel board; miter the ends at a 45-degree angle with the miter saw and box so the ends will abut at the corners. Apply construction adhesive to the back of the trim and affix it to the mantel board. Hold the level against the trim to assure it is even. Hammer finishing nails through the trim to secure it.

Use the nail punch to sink all the nail heads. Place the tip of the punch against the nail head and tap the end of the nail punch with a hammer. This will drive the nail below the surface of the wood. Apply spackling to the nail heads with the putty knife. Sand it when dry. Paint or stain the mantel as you wish.