Fireplace Woodwork Design

Determine the type of wood that you would like to use for your fireplace mantel; red oak, poplar, #2 white pine or MDF medium density fiberboard. Next, determine the size of the fireplace mantel that you wish to build or install.

If you have the skill and tools to design and build your own fireplace mantel, all the necessary materials can be purchased from home improvement stores like Lowe's, Home Depot and any lumber yard.

If you don't have the skill you can order a kit from a home improvement shop or online from a merchant.

Place the backer board to the wall with screws or adhesive, pre-drill the backer board, if you use screws use a concrete drill bit when you drill into the wall, and always drill into the brick its self and not the mitre.

Build a squared-off horseshoe shape that is 5' high x 5' wide, and is formed out of three boxes made of MDF, making sure that the box opening fits the the backer board.

The box is simply made with a horizontal piece and two vertical pieces held in the back with two blocks of wood, then you cut pieces to enclose the box. Apply glue to hold the pieces in place, then clamp and finish with nails for added strength.

Using a router to smooth and soften the edges adds decorative molding details and corbels. Fill all nail holes with wood putty.

Then sand the mantel, wipe off all the dust, then paint or stain this piece. If you choose to paint used a water based latex paint.