Mimi's Faux Mantle

Difficulty

Beginner

Build your own faux mantle with free DIY plans from Ana-White.com!

Good luck building! I hope if you build this mantle, you'll take a second to come back and share the photos with us!

Have you looked out your window and noticed fall happening around you yet? Up here in Alaska, the leaves have turned bright colors of orange and reds, and are starting to fall off the trees. It's frosting on some nights, and the sun is setting while we are still awake. Fall is definitely here for us in Alaska.

And although we are a long way from the Holiday season, I'm already thinking of the festivities to come.

As a builder, we need weeks if not months in advance to DIY our gifts and Holiday projects, so thinking of where to hang the stockings in September is not too early.

Like many of you, I live in a house without a mantle. And each year, finding a spot to hang the stockings is a challenge. So when my friend Mimi from the Blue Roof Cabin wrote me, asking to draw plans up for her much loved faux mantle, I had to say YES!!!

Mimi built this mantle out of 1x boards, and reached out to me to share the plans with you so we can all have a beautiful mantle this Holiday season.

Are you excited? Mimi took step by step photos of building her mantle, and also shared the details on this so beautiful finish - so please take a second and stop over and visit Mimi. PS - Mimi has lots more projects that I think you will love too!

Thank you Mimi!

And of course, we got you covered with free plans right below!

Dimensions

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x10 @ 6 feet long
1 - 1x8 @ 6 feet long
1 - 1x6 @ 10 feet long
1 - 1x4 @ 4 feet long
3 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
1 - 6' long stick small crown moulding
1 - 8' long stick edge moulding (for inset square - see last step)
Optional 1 1/4" pocket hole screws

Common Materials

2 inch screws

1 1/4 inch finish nails

2 inch finish nails

Elmer's Wood Glue

Elmer's Wood Filler

120 grit sandpaper

Cut List

1 - 1x12 @ 48"
2 - 1x10 @ 32 3/4"
2 - 1x6 @ 44"
4 - 1x3 @ 44"
1 - 1x4 @ 33 1/4"
1 - 1x3 @ 33 1/4"
1 - 1x8 @ 51"
4 - 1x6 @ 3/4"
2 - 1x6 @ 7"

Cutting Instructions

This plan assumes the following

1x12 is 11 1/4" wide
1x10 is 9 1/4" wide
1x8 is 7 1/4" wide
1x6 is 5 1/2" wide
1x4 is 3 1/2" wide
1x3 is 2 1/2" wide

All are assumed 3/4" thick.

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Lay out the top board and legs. If you have a pocket hole jig, you can attach together on the back side as well.

Step 2

Then add the front decorative pieces. NOTE: If you have a PH jig, see step 4 first.

Step 3

Then to give the mantle depth, add the 1x3s to the back. You can also block between the 1x3s with 1x3s @ 7 3/4" long.

Step 4

Now we'll add the front decorative pieces. You will want to lay your crown moulding on to adjust where the 1x4 is attached so 2 1/2" to match the 1x3 is revealed on the front.

Step 5

Step 6

I recommend just gluing these guys on. Nails will split out.

Step 7

But you can nail these on.

Step 8

Cut moulding to fit, mitering around the outside corners.

Step 9

And then if you desire, cut moulding to fit inset and glue in place.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Project Type

Wall Projects