How to Build & Create Mantels

Use a pencil and tape measure to determine exactly where you want your mantel to go. Having someone help you, run your tape measure from the place where you want the mantel to start to the spot where you want it to end. Note the length of the mantel on a piece of paper. Also determine how deep you want your mantel to be.

Draw your fireplace or wall where the mantel will be installed to scale on a piece of paper. Add in the mantel to get an idea of what it will look like. By catching any potential mistakes on paper, you can save yourself some time and effort as you complete your project.

Cut a piece of wood to the size that you have determined, using a table saw. A mantel can be made from anything, from an inch-thick piece of maple to an old railroad tie. It all depends on the materials you have available and the effect you are trying to create.

Go over the wood with coarse and then fine-grade sandpaper. Wipe off the sanding dust, using a tack cloth.

Finish the mantel by painting it or covering it with several coats of clear polyurethane, using a paintbrush. A painted finish can create a formal and traditional effect, while a clear finish brings out the rustic beauty of the wood.

Install the mantel by laying it in place and securing it to the structure beneath it with finish nails. Fill the nail holes with wood filler that matches the wood.