Fireplace Trim

In this modern day, remodeling of old houses has become normal activity. Even with a remodel, there needs to be a focal point to any room. The fireplace in a room should almost always be the focal point. If you have remodeled the room with new wainscot or changed the other casing work in the room, perhaps the trim around the fireplace needs to be updated also. There are several ways to change the appearance. If funds are limited, you might be able to remove the finish on existing trim and repaint or stain. A new dark coating on the mantle may enhance it as the focal point.

If the budget allows, removal of the old and installation of new may be in order. The first order of business is to decide on a design that compliments the balance of the room. This usually includes choosing the type of wood. There many types to choose from including poplar, pine, maple, red oak, alder, birch, cherry wood, butternut, mahogany, choi, and basswood.

There are three portions to the trim around a fireplace. The vertical pieces on each side are referred to as the pilasters and the horizontal piece immediately above the firebox is termed the frieze. All of the trim pieces are referred as the mantle, not just the large wood ledge above the fireplace. The frieze can consist of several rails, separated slightly to leave room for expansion.

Simple tools are all that are required to accomplish the task - table saw, power miter saw, router table, and a tool to drill for dowel joints. For the do-it-yourselfers, basic carpentry skills will be beneficial.