DIY Fireplace Mantels

Best of all, there are few activities more relaxing than sitting in front of a warm fireplace on a cold winter night.

If you have been thinking about replacing your old fireplace mantel or installing one in new construction, consider doing it yourself. It’s never been easier to install a fireplace mantel, thanks to all-in-one kits that include the shelf, breastplate, legs and your choice of ornamental designs.

“Mantel kits are especially appealing for new homes that have an unfinished fireplace, because you can choose the design and personalize your space,” says Sasa Jankovic, of Rockler Woodworking and Hardware. “And, because you do it yourself, you’ll save at least 30 to 40 percent versus having a contractor build and install a mantel. Building a mantel is very labor intensive.”

For anyone with basic woodworking or do-it-yourself skills, the installation of a fireplace mantel kit is a simple project. “If you can trim a board and hammer a nail, it’s pretty easy,” Jankovic says.

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware carries two different lines of hardwood fireplace mantels; each includes all the pieces needed to assemble a classic, inviting look.

The American Series of hardwood fireplace mantels lets you choose from six pre-assembled styles. Featuring a cam lock system that makes assembly a snap, each mantel comes with a pre-assembled shelf and breastplate, pre-assembled legs, pilasters with blocks, and ornamental moldings. Using a newly developed adjustable trim system, the mantels adjust to fit 48-inch to 58-inch width openings.

Available in unfinished oak or paint-grade poplar, these mantels are carefully crafted to provide years of beauty, durability and style to your home. “The great thing about these mantels is the details,” Jankovic says. “For example, the Smithsonian design features dentil molding detail on the shelf, a 16 1/2-inch high breastplate, and decorative wood appliques above the legs and on the breastplate.”

A less expensive option is Rockler’s line of mantels with universal adjustable breastplates. Like the American Series, these mantels include everything you need to assemble a mantel and offer great options, such as dentil molding and your choice of ornaments that let you create up to eight different looks.

The adjustable mantels -- also available in unfinished oak or paint-grade poplar -- come with 6-foot wide shelf, legs, and adjustable breastplate in either 44 to 48 inch or 50 to 54 inch width openings, pilasters with blocks, rosette and plinth style ornaments, and dentil molding.

Rockler also carries four styles of mantel shelves, which look great above the fireplace or in any room of your home. These heavy-duty mantels measure 6 feet wide and have 8 1/2 inch shelf depth -- available in unfinished oak or paint-grade poplar.