How to Make a Unique Mantel
- 1). Remove old trim or mantel shelving from around your fireplace mantel using a pry bar.
- 2). Measure the current structure around your fireplace. Cut pieces of pine dimensional lumber, such as 2-by-4s, to the right measurements with a circular saw to create a fireplace surround. The size of the lumber you use and how your surround is constructed will vary depending on the size of your fireplace or the current structure.
- 3). Put your basic mantel and surround together using glue, nails and a hammer. Attach dimensional lumber for the sides of your mantel to the wall first, creating a boxlike structure. Glue and nail additional pieces for the front and the surface of the surround to the frame to create the full shape of your fireplace structure. Place the mantel shelf on top of the structure. Glue and nail it down until it's secure.
- 4). Create a unique mantel by adding unusual details. Cover the surface of the mantel with historic decorative tiles, or create a mosaic out of broken tiles. Purchase or create hand-carved wood details for the surround or mantel, or paint the surface an unusual color, such as bright red or bold blue.
Source...