Have you always loved  the look of fireplaces and just did nt have extra money to build one in your home? Well this project will give you the look and feel of a real fireplace, mantel included.


Time to Complete:
experienced:2 hrs
Handy: 3 hrs
Novice: 4 hrs

Stuff you'll need:
Tools:

  • stud finder
  • pencil
  • level
  • tape measure
  • liquid glue
  • variable-speed drill and bits
  • hammer
  • nail set
  • sandpaper

Materials:

  • mantel kit and mantel cap
  • construction adhesive
  • drywall screws
  • molly bolt anchors
  • 2" finishing nails
  • wood putty
  • paint/stain

Step one:

Mark the position of first leg:
Use the stud finder to mark studs, then mark where you want the first leg of the mantel to go. Try to position the legs over the studs. Check for plumb and draw a line on the wall where the outside of the first leg will be positioned.

Step two:                
Measure for mounting board
Measure in 1/4" from the outside of the first leg. This marks the position for the mounting board. Check for plumb using a level and draw a line marking placement of the mounting board. Determine the position of the other leg and repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other leg.

Step three
Apply liquid glue:
To secure the mounting boards, apply liquid glue to the back of the board. Follow manufacturer's insructions. Attach the board to the wall where you marked.

Step four
Secure Mounting board:
Drive screws though the mounting board and into studs for the most secure attachment. If the mounting boards are not positioned over studs, use molly bolt anchors to secure the boards to the wall. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other mounting board.

Step five
Attach firelace leg
Position the first leg over the mounting board. Drill pilot holes trough the leg and into the mouning board. If desired use construction adhesive to hold the leg in place.

Step six
Countersink Nails
Drive a finishing nail through each pilot hole and into the mounting board. To keep from marring the surface of the leg with the hammer, use a nail set to countersink the nails. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the other leg.

Step seven
Attach Skirt
The skirt will rest in place on the leg. Secure it by applying a thin bead of construction adhesive to the top of each leg where the skirt wil lrest on it. For a stronger connection drill pilot holes through the skirt into the leg support. drive finishing nais through the skirt into the leg support.

Step eight
Mark the position of the matel
Rest the matel cap on top of the skirt check for level. Using a pencil mark the top of the matel cap on the wall.

Step nine
Measure for mounting board
First measure the top board of the mantel cap to verify where to position the mounting board, from the mark you made for the top of the matel cap measure down 1/4" and mark.

Step ten
Attach mounting board
Apply a thin bead of construction adhesive to the back of the mantel cap mounting board. Position the mounting board on the wall and check for level. Drive screws through the mounting board and into the wall. Be sure to drive at least 3 screws into studs.

Step eleven
Secure mantel
Rest the mantel cap on the mounting board. Drill pilot holes through the mantel cap and into the mounting board. Drive finishing nails into the pilot holes, through the cap, and into the board, use a nail set to countersink the nails.

Step  twelve
Fill nail holes
Attach the decorative caps to the bottom of each leg using finishing nails. Fill nail holes with putty and sand for a smooth finsh. Apply paint /stain as desired and allow to sry. If desired apply a decorative technique - such as the tiles on the finished project - the firebox area.