Help With Fireplace Mantle?

[cv3]

I am getting ready to start on what will be my first real cabinetry type of project. I am going to build a new fire place mantle. I will be doing some carving on the front. I am not sure what yet. I am not looking for any thing ornate, kind of country simple. With a area to hang the fire place tools on one side and maybe some shelves on the other. I have been looking on line for some plans but have not found any basic how to plan. There are many web pages of fire place mantels but so far the all seem to be premade mantels. I have found some good ideas. It seems simple enough but I want to make sure I do it right. Any one have a recordation on a how to book on Mantles?

[jgrounds]

Check with local building codes first.

John

[heathicus]

I followed a very simple design for our fireplace and mantel. I made a post about it at Lumberjocks here:

http://lumberjocks.com/projects/11449

Based on your work I've seen so far, I think yours will end up being a LOT better!

There are some things I wish I had done different. For instance wish I had sanded the mantel a bit more. Now that I have a little more experience, tools, and knowledge, I hope I can rebuild it with real wood either this summer or next. It's not just real beautiful, but it has served us well so far.

[shydragon]

Uh, I don't know, Heathicus. It looks really nice to me. This is the one I just did recently.

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=4233

[cv3]

Thanks, I will check with the code dept. I like the ones you all have done. We just redid this wall, I still have to take the old paint of the brick. I may tile over it. As you can see the fireplace is not centered. It would be easier if it was. I think I want to go from door to door. Building a inset for the fire place tools on the right. Old house. Nothing is square! I will post as I go.

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[bucksaw]

Just make sure you meet the local fire codes. When I built my mantel, I used MDF for the main structure and used different off the shelf moldings from Home Depot. Mine was painted.

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[kd6vpe]

Here is another example for you. I built this out of poplar and have since painted it. Started out using sketchup for SHMBO to approve of the design first. She ended up loving it. I did not know about codes about fireplace mantles?? In the country I don't think it is a problem but I am curious about the things they are concerned about. Mine is free standing the spindle legs sorta hold it in place.

[bucksaw]

Iowa fire code....

Section R1003.12 Mantel and trim.

Woodwork or other combustible materials shall not be placed within 6 inches (152 mm)
of a fireplace opening. Combustible material within 12 inches (305 mm) of the fireplace
opening shall not project more than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) for each 1-inch (25.4 mm)
distance from such opening.

My interpretation is that the first 6 inches left, right, above have to be a non-combustible material.

Check with a local inspector for your area. (Jim's may be in violation if it is a wood burning fireplace --- for gas inserts or stove, check the mfg specs as well as the fire code).

When you go to sell your house, the buyers lender my require a fireplace inspection. If you don't pass, you will have to replace the mantel in order for the buyer to get financing.

[cv3]

I took a picture and a rough drawing done to the building department. They said I was OK. From the open hearth there is 8"of brick on either side and at the top.

[------------------------]

Heath,
I like your mantle! I do think if you covered the bricks with stone or tile, it would bring the whole thing together.
Mark