How To Build A Mantel For Electric Fireplace Insert

How to Build a Mantel for an Electric Fireplace Insert

An electric fireplace insert is a great way to add warmth and ambiance to your home without the mess and hassle of a traditional wood-burning fireplace. But to make your electric fireplace look its best, you'll need to build a mantel around it. Here are the essential steps on how to do just that:

1. Gather Your Materials

You'll need the following materials to build a mantel for an electric fireplace insert:

1x12 pine boards (for the mantel shelf and legs)
1x4 pine boards (for the trim)
Wood glue
1-1/4 inch wood screws
2-1/2 inch wood screws
Level
Tape measure
Miter saw
Drill
Countersink bit
Paint or stain (optional)

2. Cut the Mantel Shelf

The mantel shelf is the horizontal piece of wood that will go above the electric fireplace insert. To cut the mantel shelf, measure the width of the fireplace opening and add 12 inches. This will give you the length of the mantel shelf.

Next, cut two 1x12 pine boards to the length of the mantel shelf. Then, cut a 45-degree angle on both ends of each board. This will create the mitered corners for the mantel shelf.

3. Assemble the Mantel Shelf

To assemble the mantel shelf, apply wood glue to the mitered corners of the two 1x12 pine boards. Then, clamp the boards together and secure them with 1-1/4 inch wood screws.

4. Cut the Mantel Legs

The mantel legs are the vertical pieces of wood that will support the mantel shelf. To cut the mantel legs, measure the height of the fireplace opening and add 6 inches. This will give you the length of the mantel legs.

Next, cut two 1x12 pine boards to the length of the mantel legs. Then, cut a 45-degree angle on the top of each board. This will create the mitered corners for the mantel legs.

5. Assemble the Mantel Legs

To assemble the mantel legs, apply wood glue to the mitered corners of the two 1x12 pine boards. Then, clamp the boards together and secure them with 1-1/4 inch wood screws.

6. Attach the Mantel Legs to the Mantel Shelf

To attach the mantel legs to the mantel shelf, apply wood glue to the top of the mantel legs and the bottom of the mantel shelf. Then, clamp the legs to the shelf and secure them with 2-1/2 inch wood screws.

7. Trim the Mantel

To trim the mantel, cut two 1x4 pine boards to the length of the mantel shelf. Then, cut a 45-degree angle on both ends of each board. This will create the mitered corners for the trim.

To attach the trim to the mantel, apply wood glue to the mitered corners of the two 1x4 pine boards. Then, clamp the boards together and secure them with 1-1/4 inch wood screws.

8. Finish the Mantel

Once the mantel is assembled, you can finish it by painting or staining it to match your décor. You can also add decorative elements such as corbels or molding to give the mantel a more custom look.