How to Build a Mantle

Measure an area, where you'll be placing the mantle. Using a piece of wood that is at least 1 ½-inches or more, draw a straight line using a ruler and pencil to create a box shape on the wood that measures 4-feet long by 6-inches wide.

Place the wood on the table saw and begin cutting the wood along the lines you drew. Remove the wood and use either a sander or sand paper to smooth the wood. Make sure to pay special attention to corners and edges. Round the corners with either a sander or the table saw and continue smoothing the wood.

Use the wood stain to properly stain and treat the wood. This will help if anything ever gets spilt on it. Feel free to paint the wood to your liking, otherwise let it dry for one day. If you paint be sure to use several coats, letting each one dry for one day.

Use nails to hammer together the bottom of the mantle to one side of the triangle supports. You can use screws instead if you like. Just be sure the two are securely attached together.

Hold the mantle up to where it will be hanging to make sure it is straight; it is best to have someone's help when doing this. Once the mantle looks straight to the other person, use your pencil again to faintly mark the wall directly under the mantle every inch. On each triangle support there should be two holes on the side that is not attached to the wood. Line the mantle up to the marks made earlier and then use nails and a hammer to attach the supports to the wall so it is straight.

Be careful about what you place on your mantle. The heavier the object, the more stress is added to the supports. You may want to test the strength of your mantle beginning with a small, light object and working your way up to heavier ones. When things begin to move the mantle, even slightly, then it's time to take note of the approximate weight the mantle can handle.