Building A Mantle Around A Gas Fireplace

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.

Building a mantle around a gas fireplace.

Remove the fasteners and lift the old fireplace door unit out. Measure the space around your fireplace and on either side. For a built in book shelf find the studs to which you plan to attach the book shelf. 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.

If replacing the grate remove that now too. 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. This is also a budget project that you can do for just 50 and in a few hours time. Apply paper tape embedded in a layer of drywall joint compound to joints without corner bead.

Cut your wood to the measurements you want for the top bottom sides back and shelves. 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. Sand the corners and joints smooth with 100 grit drywall sanding paper.

Locate and loosen the brackets that secure the old fireplace doors. Those rules apply to custom work whether a homeowner or a contractor performs it. 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. Fasten cleats for a fireplace mantel and surround.

Use the height and depth of the crown molding to determine the size of the mantel. Store the firewood for your fireplace in one of these diy firewood racks. You ll need just a few supplies and tools to get the job done. 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.

Fill the area between corner beads with joint compound. If you don t own a drywall screw gun rent one for this job about 25 per day. How to build a fireplace mantel with reclaimed timbers. Ours was originally a wood burning fireplace converted to a gas log fireplace.