Replies

1. 
   OldGuy | Sep 13, 2007 12:46pm | #1

   A start is "Making Mantels" by David Getts, Linden Publishing, ISBN 0-941936.

   I probably bought it at Lowes.

   Try Google.

2. 
   DougU | Sep 13, 2007 02:01pm | #2

   any help on designing, framing and building them?

   I've built hundreds of them but usually had more info then you provided!

   What style you or the customer have in mind? Is there a budget? ...........

   Doug

1. 
   user-223998 | Sep 14, 2007 03:53am | #5

   Have come up with a few basic ideas, some plain box mantles to some made with built up trim. Like i said, i have never made one so any advice especially on the framing of them would help. The builder has asked me to come up with a few ideas, so i need to show him that i have some idea

1. 
   DougU | Sep 14, 2007 06:41am | #6

   I dont have any pictures of mantle building/construction but I'm sure there are some really good books out there on the subject. Have you checked out Tauntons book dept? If not give it a looksee.

   I bet that you could check out Home Depot or Lowes books, or maybe even Barnes and Noble, and find what your looking for. Have you checked any of those places yet?

   Is this mantle going to have tile/granite around the fire box? A hearth? Are you aware of the code  issues that you need to adhear to?

   You will probably have better luck finding a book that has some good pictures/illustrations regarding the subject  then reading about how to do it - give that a try and if you dont have any luck check back.

   Doug

    

3. 
   FatRoman | Sep 13, 2007 02:24pm | #3

   There was an article in FHB March 2004 (#161) that should help you get going. Three styles, Federal, Craftsman and eclectic.

4. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Sep 13, 2007 05:36pm | #4

   Code: wood within 12" of the fireplace opening cannot stick out more than 1/8" per inch that it is away from the opening.

5. 
   BUIC | Sep 15, 2007 10:20pm | #7

     Try this for ideas and styles...buic

    http://www.mantelsdirect.com/wood-mantels.html