Every home needs a gorgeous fireplace mantel! You can liven up your home with the simple addition of a DIY fireplace mantel, and I am more than happy to show you how my husband and I installed one in our home. Follow our method for the most gorgeous DIY fireplace mantel!
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own fireplace mantel:
-crown molding
-trim
-2×4 board
Step One: Get ready to begin the project! Lay a drop cloth around your work area to catch falling debris and dust.Remove your current mantel. Once removed, use a measuring tape to mark a line that is 60 inches off the floor. This is where your new mantel will rest on the wall. Mantels are almost ALWAYS 60 inches off of the floor.
Step Two: Use your 2×4 board as the “brace” for your new mantel. Use 10 inch masonry screws to attach the mantel brace.
Step Three: Next, you will want to cut a breast plate from a 1×12 board. This should fit perfectly around the mantel brace. Secure the breast plate with 2 inch long masonry screws.
Step Four: After you have made 45 degree miter cuts on the corners of your new mantel piece, attach the crown molding to the mantel brace with 1 inch nails. Make sure your mantel fits tight before securing it with nails.
Step Five: Fill any nail holes or cracks with nail putty or tile sealant. Paint and prime the fireplace if desired.
Step Six: Reattch the fireplace doors and be sure to tighten the screws by hand.
