Building the Mantel StepbyStep
Begin by preassembling the foundation board and laminating the plinth blocks, you can move directly to installation. I chose to preassemble some of the molding elements as well. The foundation board is the backdrop of the mantel. It provides a flat surface for the mantel proper, and bridges any gaps or irregularities between the masonry and the adjacent wall surface, while exposing only the neatest brickwork. The mantel foundation was designed with the lintel section fitting between the...
Simple Federal Mantel 1
PROVING THAT SIMPLICITY DOESN'T PRECLUDE ELEGANCE, this mantel design is anchored by ideal proportions and perfect symmetry with the brick firebox opening it adorns. Built with readily available materials and moldings, it's easy to build as well.
Simple Federal Mantel
This mantel is typical of those found in many rural farmhouses in the early 19th century. Almost always made of wood and painted, the style was taken directly from classical architecture and imitated the design of basic shelter columns supporting a beam and roof. The simple moldings and joinery indicate that it could have been built by a local carpenter instead of by a furniture joiner. But its simplicity doesn't diminish its appeal in any way. The mantel's flat relief and plain treatment...