Fireplace mantle

[Sigarms]

Well, after a couple of years, I'll be replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump. Decided that I'm going with a ventless fireplace insert for backup heat. Since we've been here, the missus always wanted a new mantle for the fireplace (which we never use).

Since I know nothing about fireplace mantles, any sugestions on what to look for or ideas for bolting somthing in?

Thanks

 

[woodstick]

There are a number of woodworkers on E-Bay who will size a mantel to fit your particular application and ship it to you. Try doing a search for "mantel" and see what styles you like and what type of wood you want.

I do a little woodworking as a hobby, but knew I could not produce the tight joints you would want in a nice mantel. I ordered one from a guy near Cleveland, and bought some fluted oak moldings online to make pilasters. The project came out great.

Check around a little, you may be surprised what is available. Good Luck!

 

[mjfox6]

I always liked the look of these:
Mantles

 

[firefighter9208]

The Mantel Shoppe, LLC: The best thing to happen to fireplaces since firewood.
They built one for us and we love it.

Chris

 

[bigshovel]

Look at apieceofthewoods.com the have some awsome stuff and technique's their video is usefull as well.

Brad

 

[TheKid]

Here's a couple of pics of one that I made for my best friend. The mantle was built using several different oak moldings tacked to a frame. Basicly a box with the back open. The mounting support is a 2X4 trimmed down a little so the mantle can slide over it. It's attached to the fireplace with some Tapcons.

The back of the fireplace is three different shades of oak flooring tacked and glued to 1/2" plywood. Best part was that I had all of the materials so it didn't cost anything to make.