Fireplace Woodworking

Fireplaces are usually the main focal point of nearly any room. If it’s an ugly thing, it can bring the whole room down. If you'd like to build your own decorative shelf or mantel, you can choose from a wide range of materials such as red oak, poplar or white pine. To build your mantle, start by placing a backer board on the wall. Then attach molding to the bottom of the backer board. Set crown molding in front of the molding, and set the shelf on top. You will want to use decorative molding to finish the edge of the shelf. For a different look, place decorative molding directly above the molding. If you'd rather not deal with the compound miter cuts necessary for installing crown molding, dress up the backer board with prefabricated brackets or stamped wooden decorations. Another option for beginners is a precut, premitered mantel kit.

Don't leave your mantel unfinished. Wood stain makes a big difference to any fireplace. It's generally best to paint pine. If you want to get really creative, try tile around your fireplace. Some other ideas are mirrors, glass, stones, or brick.

If you are not crafty enough to build your own fireplace surround or mantle there are many places that you can custom build your own. You will need to know the measurements for the project and they will help you to custom design your mantle or surround. If you don’t have a fireplace, there are many free standing electric and gas fireplaces that look and sound real.