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Fireplace Mantel Help!
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Posted by claga (My Page) on Tue, Jun 30, 09 at 6:00
Hi,
We are going to make an attempt to DIY a fireplace mantel surround.
The design we are trying to achieve will be recessed panels with molding around inside of the stiles on the legs and horizontally piece above the fire box with crown molding surrounding the top shelf of the mantel.
Is there any rule of thumb, as far as the portion of high of the legs vs. the piece running horizontally above the fire box?
Also any suggestions in wood type too use, the mantel will be painted?
Thanks |
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RE: Fireplace Mantel Help!
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| I built a mantel and overmantel in my living room which has 13 foot ceilings. It is made out of MDF, and various MDF moldings. I too used a decorative crown molding on the horizontal mantel shelf. Make sure that you observe the required code clearances from the forebox opening, both on the sides and top. It's typically 12 inches, but you should check your local code. I used MDF because it is straight, cuts well and provides a smooth finish for the paint. As far as the proportions, I would suggest you make some posterboard cutouts in different lengths and tape them up so you can see what you prefer, it also depends on the size of your firebox opening. I don't remember how to post a picture although I did post it in the fireplace forum a few years ago - you might be able to find it, but if you email me I'd be happy to send you one and answer any questions. |
RE: Fireplace Mantel Help!
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| Sounds very familiar. We did the same recessed paneling, crown molding, self designed thing, although the carpenter who was building out the wall built it. I agree with ventupete. Do a mock up. Generally speaking, the fireplaces that I find most attractive have the top plate no narrower (top to bottom) than the legs are wide. Same with the surround. Two suggestions. Think hard about the size of the crown molding you will use. We used the molding we used on the wall. I thought it would tie it together. I now believe it is too large for the overall size of the fireplace. Second, I wish we had run a bead across the bottom of the top plate and continuing across the legs, as is usually done with the panelled approach. I thought I was being cool. I now think it looks slightly unbalanced and unfinished. If it sounds as if I don't like what we have, that's not true, but it could have been better. Good luck |
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