Building A Mantle Around A Gas Fireplace

For a built in book shelf find the studs to which you plan to attach the book shelf.

Building a mantle around a gas fireplace.

Building a fireplace mantel is a great beginner building project that anyone can handle. 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. Any parts of the mantel that stick out more than 1 1 2 inches from the face of the wall over the opening must be at least 12 inches from the top of the firebox opening. Those rules apply to custom work whether a homeowner or a contractor performs it.

Sand the corners and joints smooth with 100 grit drywall sanding paper. Ours was originally a wood burning fireplace converted to a gas log fireplace. You ll need just a few supplies and tools to get the job done. Store the firewood for your fireplace in one of these diy firewood racks.

Remove the fasteners and lift the old fireplace door unit out. I assume the vents were needed when it was first used as a wood burning fireplace but now i have no ideas as to whether or. In this video you will learn how i made the shaker fireplace surround and mantel. Fasten cleats for a fireplace mantel and surround.

Locate and loosen the brackets that secure the old fireplace doors. 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. Apply paper tape embedded in a layer of drywall joint compound to joints without corner bead. Place a drop cloth on the floor around the hearth to catch falling soot and debris.

I have documented the tools and materials on my website and social media ch. 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. Measure the space around your fireplace and on either side. This is also a budget project that you can do for just 50 and in a few hours time.

If replacing the grate remove that now too. Cut your wood to the measurements you want for the top bottom sides back and shelves. 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. If you don t own a drywall screw gun rent one for this job about 25 per day.