DIY Floating Mantle

Fireplaces are one of my favorite things in a home, and if was so glad when we moved in here that we had a fireplace! Unfortunatly it doesn't put out enough heat, in fact it kind of let's in a draft, so we never turn it on. The one thing I was really bummed about was that it didn't have a mantle. For the last two Christmas's I've bugged the Hubster for a mantle and finally this year he came through for me! It helped that he was on block leave and had LOTS of free time! Now this mantle is HUGE! And I LOVE IT!

It was perfect for Christmas and now I have the fun job of decorating it the rest of the year! Oh the possibilities! As you can see from the first picture it's a little bare right now I'm still trying to decide exactly what I want on there! 

Here's what you'll need:

2 boards 1ftx6ft.

1 piece of Moulding

2 8ftx2 1/2 in boards

Nails

Glue 

And L brackets

Here's how you make it:

Mantle:

Cut your molding to length (in this case 1- 6ft piece and 2- 1 ft pieces). Then cut each end of the molding at a 45 degree angle. Then dry fit (match up) the Molding and the 6 ft Boards making sure they are the same length. Then glue and clamp the top board to the front Molding. Let dry for the required time on the Glue directions. Then nail front piece on. Repeat for both sides, and then the bottom.  Sand and then Paint, or Stain. 

Support Frame:

Cut one of the 8ft x 2 1/2 in boards into a 5ft 11 3/4 in long piece for the back plate. Out of the 2nd 8 ft x 2 /12 in board cut 7-11 3/4in pieces for supports. Attach the support pieces to the back plate using the L brackets every foot on center. Mount the back plate to the wall using dry wall screws. (Try to secure to a stud) 

Slide the Mantle Piece onto the Support Frame. Now your Mantle is ready to decorate.

Enjoy