We received a fireplace insert for free from family, and I knew I wanted to build a fireplace mantel to go around it. Thankfully we have a barn full of old wood, and I was able to salvage a few boards to use for this diy fireplace mantel and storage.
We have been enjoying this mantel so much, especially around the holidays. It’s so fun to have a spot for the stockings and focal point to decorate. I am so happy with how it turned out, and if this is a project you are thinking of taking on. I hope that I can help you in that process. Or at least give you some inspiration to go off of for your diy fireplace mantel and storage.
DIY Fireplace Mantel Materials
- Wood
- Screws
- Sandpaper
DIY Fireplace Mantel Tools
- Tape Measurer
- Screw gun
- Miter Saw
- Sander
How I Built This DIY Fireplace Mantel
- First, I had to base this whole mantel off of the size of the fireplace insert. So I measured that
- Then I checked what wood we had in the barn to work with. After choosing some pieces I thought might work and measuring them I got to drawing it up to scale, and seeing how it would come together. This also helped me to see what size to cut the boards to.
- So with that to scale drawing handy I used that to cut my boards accordingly. Starting with the face/front of the fireplace.
- After cutting the front boards to size and laying them out I went ahead and cut the side boards
- I wanted to make sure the top board was a thicker piece, and overhangs a couple of inches on either side. A statement and sturdy piece.
- I used finishing screws and just screwed right through the front of these boards. They are already so rough so it seems to be ok with that rustic vibe. If you wanted you could totally use a piece of blocking in the corners behind the front and side pieces. This way it hides the screws
- I then built the inside part of the fireplace. I didn’t have a piece of wood wide enough for that back inside pieces so I used an extra piece of paneling, and I think it looks fine.
- I painted the inside piece before attaching it to the front/main part which I think was the way to go. Especially since there is a chunk missing from the front board
- Finally I was able to cut a hole in the back inside board for the cord to go through and place this fireplace mantel in it’s home
Things I learned
Like I said before I love how this turned out. One thing I advise is to attach it to the wall. Especially if you have little ones running around.
Another thing I think would have been great is to poly it. I still might do that at some point I just don’t really want it to change the color too much. I know it would make it easier to clean, but I have been enjoying it in this rougher/less finished state.
These were some of the first cabinets I built, here on either side of the fireplace. There are some things I would change and maybe will down the road. Cabinet doors are no joke.
I have other diy projects you can find here. Like the diy daybed that also can be found in our living room. There are other rooms that I have renovated which you can find here. Plus some design plans I have made for other rooms. Stick around for more diy, design and renovations.