Replies

1. 
   jeffwoodwork | Dec 09, 2003 12:27am | #1

   "Building Fireplace Mantels"  By Mario Rodriguez is not bad has some good ideas.  Gives you 9 different styles to choice from.  First part has the basics of a mantel and detail on how to put it together.  There is another book but I can not come up with the title right now.

1. 
   blackcloud | Dec 09, 2003 01:41am | #3

   Jeff, RW,

   Thanks for the replies, should give me a start.  Maybe I will even find something the better half likes.

   JasonIf it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have Any!

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Dec 09, 2003 04:10am | #7

   For some pictures to show your other half, check out http://www.mantelsdirect.com. 

2. 
   RW | Dec 09, 2003 01:21am | #2

   Gary Katz's Finish Carpentry has a chapter on mantles as well.

   "The child is grown / The dream is gone / And I have become / Comfortably numb "      lyrics by Roger Waters

1. 
   Piffin | Dec 09, 2003 02:57am | #5

   Gary has a strong intrest in Fireplaces and I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't write a whole book on the subject someday..

   Excellence is its own reward!

3. 
   NickNukeEm | Dec 09, 2003 02:39am | #4

   When designing mantles and surrounds, I leaf through architectural millwork catalogs; they're usually filled with time-tested designs.  

   Another design inspiration tool is to take tours of houses in the period that you're interested in, if you're looking for traditional designs.  I've toured many old houses and admired the craftsmanship that produced such great stuff using primarily hand tools.  A dying, if not lost, art.

   I never met a tool I didn't like!

   
   

   ---

   Edited 12/8/2003 6:41:34 PM ET by NickNuke'em

1. 
   blackcloud | Dec 09, 2003 03:35am | #6

   Nick,

   Problem is I built a colonial, but live on the west coast, real hard to find a 300 year old house.  great idea about architectural books.

   JasonIf it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have Any!

1. 
   Piffin | Dec 09, 2003 08:45am | #8

   Would colonial styl e out there be an adobe ranchero with a beehive adobe fireplace in the corner?

   Ha!.

   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   blackcloud | Dec 09, 2003 09:54pm | #12

   Funny guy Pif,

   In my case I think they call it a really tall Douglas ranch.

   JasonIf it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have Any!

   
1. 
   MisterT | Dec 15, 2003 02:32am | #18

   Thats one big fireplace if it has room for lawn chairs inside!

   Mr T

   Do not try this at home!

   I am an Experienced Professional!

2. 
   blackcloud | Dec 15, 2003 03:10am | #19

   Mr. T

   Well you now that when its colder than a well digger's butt that fire sure does feel nice, especially when the sunshine is liquid.  The unit is only 36" but does a great job of heating the whole house in a short amount of time.If it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have Any!

3. 
   shedhappens | Dec 15, 2003 06:21pm | #20

   kinda unrelated, but you reminded me.  I started going out with this girl and she said that her dad was a well digger.  I said 'I bet his #### is cold'.

   wouldn't you know, she'd never heard that one.

4. 
   AndyEngel | Dec 09, 2003 05:57pm | #9

   Don't forget the code! The 2000 IRC says that "Woodwork or other combustable materials shall not be placed within 6 in. of a fireplace opening. Combustable material within 12 in. of the fireplace opening shall not project more than 1/8 in. for each 1 in. distance from such opening."

   Andy Engel, The Former Accidental Moderator
1. 
   stonebm | Dec 09, 2003 08:32pm | #10

   Just curious when I read your comment on building codes and fireplace mantles.  Are all fireplaces treated the same way with respect to adjacent wood trim (i.e., are direct vent gas, vent-free gas, and wood-burning units all treated the same way?).  I would think that those with a fixed glass plate, such as the vent-free units are not lumped in with open front units.  Thx in advance.

1. 
   blackcloud | Dec 09, 2003 09:14pm | #11

   I do not believe the code is the same, I believe it applies only to an open hearth style fireplaces.  And yes Andy I am following the manufacturers directions for proper installation.  I should have said in my original post that this was for a zero clearance gas fireplace.  I attached a picture of the box frame and fireplace for better explanation.If it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have Any!

   
1. 
   AndyEngel | Dec 10, 2003 05:05pm | #13

   The code I quoted was for mantels and such. I'm pretty sure that for the installation of zero-clearance units like yours, the code defers to the manufacturer's instructions. You should check those instructions for trim specs, too. In a former life, mantels were a good part of my business, so I'm not without experience in these waters. In NJ, at least, the inspectors wanted the manufacturer's instructions followed.Andy Engel, The Former Accidental Moderator

1. 
   jeffwoodwork | Dec 10, 2003 07:49pm | #14

   The last zero clearance insert I did the Manufacturer info was for mantels 1:1.  So every 1" out it had to be 1" up from the actual body of insert.  I don't recall but the sides are different.

2. 
   blackcloud | Dec 11, 2003 12:02am | #15

   Andy,

   I stand corrected, I forgot about the overhang requirement because it is not an issue with my fireplace. (DW wants 6" granite surround before the mantle.  Still needs to be considered, it would be real bad to burn the place down.

   Thanks for the info.

   JasonIf it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have Any!

3. 
   AndyEngel | Dec 11, 2003 12:20am | #16

   You could do a concrete mantel, kind of like a concrete countertop. That wouldn't require any clearance. (Understand that I'm mentioning this only because my wife won't let me do it, and I really feel the need to talk someone else into it so that I can vicariously experience the joy of making a concrete mantel)Andy Engel, The Former Accidental Moderator

4. 
   blackcloud | Dec 11, 2003 02:00am | #17

   Andy,

   DW thinks the idea is cool, what is the process for concrete?

   JasonIf it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have Any!

5. 
   AndyEngel | Dec 15, 2003 08:01pm | #21

   Cool! Never having done it myself, I can't supply much other than inspiration. If I were to tackle a concrete mantel, I'd begin by reading the three articles we've done on concrete countertops. I think that would be enough for me to be able to do it. If you wanted more info, you could get Fu Tung Cheng's book on concrete counters, published of course by Taunton.

   The fun thing about concrete is that it's cheap. Mistakes shouldn't cost you much more than your time.

   Good luck, and post pictures.

   Andy Engel, The Former Accidental Moderator