How To Make Oak Fireplace Mantel

How To Make An Oak Fireplace Mantel

An oak fireplace mantel can add a touch of warmth and elegance to any home and can be a great way to update your fireplace without having to replace the entire surround.

Building an oak fireplace mantel may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and materials, it is a project that can be completed in a weekend.

Materials:

Oak boards (1x12s or 1x10s)
Mantel shelf brackets
Wood screws
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Wood stain or paint
Polyurethane

Tools:

Circular saw or miter saw
Drill
Screwdriver
Clamps
Level
Sander or sanding block

Instructions:

Cut the oak boards. The length of the mantel will depend on the width of your fireplace opening. Once you have determined the length, cut two oak boards to that length. The height of the mantel is up to you, but a good rule of thumb is to make it about 1/3 the height of the fireplace opening. Cut two more oak boards to that height.

Assemble the mantel. Apply wood glue to the edges of the two shorter oak boards and clamp them to the inside of the two longer oak boards. Make sure the edges are flush and the corners are square. Wipe away any excess glue that squeezes out.

Drill pilot holes. Drill pilot holes through the mantel shelf brackets and into the underside of the mantel. This will help to prevent the wood from splitting when you drive in the screws.

Attach the mantel shelf brackets. Drive wood screws through the pilot holes to attach the mantel shelf brackets to the underside of the mantel. Make sure the brackets are evenly spaced and that the mantel is level.

Sand and finish the mantel. Sand the mantel until it is smooth. You can then stain or paint the mantel to match your décor.

Apply polyurethane. Once the stain or paint has dried, apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the mantel from wear and tear.

Tips:

If you are using a circular saw, be sure to use a sharp blade to prevent the oak from splintering.
When attaching the mantel shelf brackets, be sure to use screws that are long enough to penetrate the mantel and the wall studs.
If you are staining the mantel, test the stain on a scrap piece of oak first to make sure you like the color.
Allow the polyurethane to dry completely before using the fireplace.