Building A Mantle Around A Gas Fireplace

Store the firewood for your fireplace in one of these diy firewood racks.

Building a mantle around a gas fireplace.

Fasten mdf cleats to the underside of the mantel to give it more height the height of the cleats will depend on the size of the molding you are using to wrap the mantel. For a built in book shelf find the studs to which you plan to attach the book shelf. Sand the corners and joints smooth with 100 grit drywall sanding paper. This is also a budget project that you can do for just 50 and in a few hours time.

Locate and loosen the brackets that secure the old fireplace doors. In this video you will learn how i made the shaker fireplace surround and mantel. Cy started the project by building a frame above the mantle ledge to create a flat surface between the two places where the brick stuck out. Fasten cleats for a fireplace mantel and surround.

If replacing the grate remove that now too. If you are building a mantel on a new fireplace install check with any other trades for the order in which to do the job. Those rules apply to custom work whether a homeowner or a contractor performs it. Measure the space around your fireplace and on either side.

Cut your wood to the measurements you want for the top bottom sides back and shelves. Building a fireplace mantel is a great beginner building project that anyone can handle. Use the height and depth of the crown molding to determine the size of the mantel. Some stone masons prefer to have the mantel in place before setting any surround materials while others would like to set the masonry first and then have the mantel built around it or installed over it.

I have documented the tools and materials on my website and social media ch. How to build a fireplace mantel with reclaimed timbers. Remove the fasteners and lift the old fireplace door unit out. Fill the area between corner beads with joint compound.

You ll need just a few supplies and tools to get the job done. If you don t own a drywall screw gun rent one for this job about 25 per day. Ours was originally a wood burning fireplace converted to a gas log fireplace. Place a drop cloth on the floor around the hearth to catch falling soot and debris.