NotchLoading plan…
Loading plan…
This mantel is a self-contained applied shelf, not a framed structure built around an actual firebox — it's sized and built to mount to a wall on its own, giving a room a mantel shelf even where no fireplace exists. Lay out the top board and legs first, joining them on the back side with pocket holes if you have a jig, or glue and finish nails if not.
Stacking several 1x3 front decorative pieces is what gives the face its layered, built-up look rather than a single flat board — glue these on rather than nailing, since nails are likely to split this thin trim stock. A 1x8 board and short 1x3 blocking pieces added to the back bring the mantel out to its full depth, and this is also where you'll set the reveal: lay the crown moulding against the front assembly to check where the 1x4 trim piece lands, aiming for about a 2-1/2" reveal below the crown once it's mitered on.
Crown moulding wraps the top with mitered outside corners, and an optional inset square of edge moulding on the front face — glued in place — adds a final decorative detail if you want it.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| 1x12, 8 ft | 1 each |
| 1x10, 6 ft | 1 each |
| 1x8, 6 ft | 1 each |
| 1x6, 10 ft | 1 each |
| 1x4, 4 ft | 1 each |
| 1x3, 8 ft | 3 each |
| Small crown moulding, 6 ft stick | 1 each |
| Edge moulding, 8 ft stick (optional inset) | 1 each |
| Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4" (optional) | 16 each |
| Wood glue | 5 oz |
| Brad nails, 1-1/4" | 40 each |
| Sandpaper | 3 sheet |
| Primer and paint, or stain and poly | 1 set |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Top board1x12, 8 ft | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 48" |
| Legs1x10, 6 ft | 2 | 3/4" × 9 1/4" × 32 3/4" |
| Side trim1x6, 10 ft | 2 | 3/4" × 5 1/2" × 44" |
| Front decorative pieces1x3, 8 ft | 4 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 44" |
| Front trim, upper1x4, 4 ft | 1 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 33 1/4" |
| Front trim, lower1x3, 8 ft | 1 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 33 1/4" |
| Back depth board1x8, 6 ft | 1 | 3/4" × 7 1/4" × 51" |
| Back blocking1x3, 8 ft | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 7 3/4" |
Buy 8 boards at 8 ft.
1 board
1 board
1 board
1 board
1 board
3 boards
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Attach the legs to the top board on the back side, using pocket holes if you have a jig, or glue and finish nails if not.
Attach the back depth board and back blocking pieces to bring the mantel out to full depth.
Lay the crown moulding against the front assembly to check placement, then attach the front trim pieces to reveal about 2-1/2" below where the crown will sit.
Glue the front decorative pieces in place rather than nailing them, since nails can split this thin stock.
Nail the side trim boards on, keeping outside edges flush.
Cut the crown moulding to fit and attach around the top, mitering the outside corners.
Cut the edge moulding to fit the inset square on the front face and glue in place.
Sand all surfaces and apply primer and paint, or stain and poly.
No reviews yet
Sign in to review this plan or share your build.
No reviews yet. Be the first to build this.