Welcome to Update My Cape

Well, this started ut as a project for our living room and turned into one for our Airbnb. I had been working down in the basement when I realized the fireplace mantel fit the space far too well to go upstairs. With that said, here's how I whipped up a DIY fireplace mantel with a craftsman's feel, using almost all materials we had on hand (including a childhood shelf).

• 2 in. x 6 in. x 4 ft.
• 1 in. x 8 in. x 10 ft.
• 1 in. x 4 in. x 4 ft.
• 1 in. x 2 in. x 12 ft.
• x15 - 1.5 in. Screws
• x26 - 1 in. Brad Nails
• 220 Grit Sandpaper
• Wood Filler
• Minwax Special Walnut Stain (or any stain of  your choice)
• Briwax Limewax (optional)
• White, Paintable Caulk
• Raw Silk Fusion Mineral Paint (or any paint of your choice)
• Construction Adhesive

• Measuring Tape
• Pencil
• Miter Saw
• Drill
• Nail Gun
• Sander
• Sanding Block
• x3 Clean Rags
• Paint Brush
• Caulk Gun
• x2 Clamps

1. Use a measuring tape and pencil to measure and mark each board to length.

2. Use a miter saw to cut each board to the appropriate length. The dimensions I used are outlined below.

Main Frame

• x2 - 1" x 8"  Cut to 34" 
• x1 - 1" x 8"  Cut to 36"
• x1 - 1" x 4" - Cut to 38" (not pictured)
• x1 - 2" x 6" Cut to 40"

Trim Pieces (not pictured)

• x4 - 1" x 2" Cut to 26.75"
• x4 - 1" x 2" Cut to 4                                                                                                             
                                                                                      "

3. Lay your 1" x 8"x 36" board horizontal, with the front facing down. 

4. Perpendicularly line up the two 1" x 8" x 34" boards, face down, on each end of the horizontal board. You will want to make sure the two boards are level on both sides.

I'd suggest using a scrap 1" thick board on the other end of the board to make it level, for the time being.

 5. Using a drill, screw in four 1.5" screws on each end.

6. Carefully, flip the entire piece over.

7.  Layout 1" x 2" trim pieces, to form a box on the two side panels. Attach to structure using a nail gun and 1" brad nails. Be sure to align trim pieces with the edges of the side pieces.

8. Carefully, stand the unit up and center the 1" x 4" x 38" piece on top. Align the back to be flush with the bottom portion. Attach piece using 5-9 1.5" screws and your drill. 

I'd suggest positioning the piece of wood into place then use a couple of brad nails to hold the board in place while you screw.

9.  Use your hand sander to sand down entire piece, including your 2" x 6" x 40" board that has not yet been attached.

10. Using your trusty finger and some wood filler, fill any spacing, nail holes or imperfections in the wood. 

11. While the wood filler is drying, stain your 2" x 6" x 40" board using your stain of choice and a clean rag. I used Minwax Special Walnut found HERE.

12. I ended up wanting a warmer, more neutral look so I added a layer of Briwax limewax using a clean rag.

13. Use a sanding block to sand down any area covered with wood filler. This will create a smoother finish once painted.

14. Next, apply caulk to any corner areas with spacing. I applied it to the top where the 1" x 4" x 38" meets the front facing 1" x 8" x 36" board as well as inside the trim pieces. Follow the directions provided on the caulk. You will want to have a clean rag handy to wipe off your finger and any excess caulk.

* The top board has not yet been attached. I was just doing a quick dry run to get a feel for what it was going to look like. 

15. Paint the entire unit (not the stained board) using the paint of your choice. I used Fusion Mineral Paint in Raw Silk, found HERE.

16. Using a caulk gun spread a construction adhesive on the top piece. Be sure to not get to close to the edges as it will squish out when you place the final board on top.

17. Carefully center the top board and align the backs. Use clamps to secure the board in place while the adhesive dries.

18. Tada! Your DIY fireplace mantel is complete. Since the base of the mantel is small, it will not stand on it's own. I would recommend using a french cleat to attach to the wall.  

Faux Vintage Metal Insert 

A couple panels of THIS faux metal tin would create the feel of a vintage insert. 

Wood Herringbone Insert 

Layering a herringbone pattern on a thin piece of plywood would create a beautiful statement.

Faux Brick Insert

Consider following THIS faux brick blog post to create an insert on a piece of plywood. 

Faux Shiplap Insert

I used plywood remnants from THIS faux shiplap wall project to create an insert. Full disclosure, the pieces of plywood I used were not cut in straight lines. As you will see, this insert turned out less than ideal, however, it was free so can't complain!

I simply cut five pieces of plywood to 24 inches, this left a two inch over hang on either backside of the opening. I attached the five pieces of plywood using two vertical pieces of plywood (one on each side) and ten 1/4 inch screws. I primed and painted the shiplap and then placed it behind the fireplace mantel. I plan on nailing the insert to the back, but wanted to make sure I could handle the rustic, uneven shiplap. We will see!

Do you have a faux fireplace mantel in your home? I'd love to see how you styled it! Be sure to tag me in your pictures on Instagram, @updatemycape.

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