Many home improvement stores or centers offer pre-assembled fireplace mantels. However, you can also customize a fireplace mantel of your choice. Building and installing your own fireplace mantel also proves to be a great money saving idea. Moreover, you can also add a touch of your creative and imagination to enhance the look of your fireplace.

Materials Required

* Paint
* 4-inch paintbrush
* 2-inch paintbrush
* Primers
* Light fixtures
* Sandpaper
* Fireplace doors
* Circular saw or table saw
* Miter saw
* Wood screws
* Finish nails
* Fluted wood molding
* Crown molding
* Base cap molding
* Joint molding
* Screw gun
* Screws
* Nail gun/nails

Steps for Fireplace Mantel Installation

1. Install the backing boards around the fireplace and position the new mantel accordingly. Mark the position of the sides and the top of the mantel carefully. After measuring the pin point positions of the hollow spots at the back oh the mantel, transfer the measurements onto the wall. Using a stud finder, identify and mark the positions of the studs behind the wall.

2. Adjust a 1"x 2" wooden board t act as the top backing board. Fix the board to the wall using three-inch all-purpose screws. Follow the same procedure for the side pieces. If studs are absents, use toggle bolts to fix the pieces.

3. Adjust and fix the fireplace mantel on the wooden strips. Ensure that the leveling is perfect.

4. On the top and the sides, drill pilot holes about 8" to 10" apart. Using finish nails, install the fireplace mantel onto the wooden boards. Use wood filler to cover and fill the nail holes. When the filler dries, smoothen the surface using sandpaper. Fill in all the gaps and apply the paint of your choice to suit your taste.

Extra Bits:

A fireplace can be warm and inviting, but a fire can be extremely dangerous. Many tools you use for your fireplace will be going directly into the fire, so you need to make sure they are fire-resistant and safe for you to handle. Obviously, anything that does go into the fire should be made of a durable material, such as wrought iron. But if you don't like the look of wrought iron, there are plenty of other materials you can choose from that include brass, copper, bronze, nickel, graphite, stainless steel, pewter, and more. In addition, a good pair of fire-resistant gloves will prevent your hands from burning.

Fireplace Tools and Your Home Décor

Safety and functionality are key components to choosing the right fireplace tools for your fireplace, but these tools are also decorative pieces that add style to your fireplace and your home. As a result, you don't want to just choose the first set that you see. There are many different styles available, from traditional to contemporary, that can complement the current design of your home. Use your current home décor as a guide when you choose the look of your new fireplace accessories. If you're looking for something with an antique feel, don't buy the sleek stainless steel fireplace tool set. Wait until you find the set that works for you.