DIY Network

Fireplace Mantel and Facing From "Kitchen Renovations" episode DKTN-503

The fireplace receives a new mantel as well as a new stone veneer facing.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Materials:

Fireplace Mantel

tape measure
safety glasses
cordless drill
impact driver
coarse thread screws
1x8
wood glue
finish nailer
level
shims

Refacing Fireplace

wire brush
sponge
wet saw
segmented diamond blade
chipping hammer
safety glasses
ear protection
rubber gloves
trowels
mortar bag

Custom Fireplace Mantel

1. Disconnect sconces and cap off the wires with wire nuts (figure A).

2. Measure to determine desired dimensions of mantel. It's best to build the mantel right into the stone, rather than refinishing the fireplace first.

3. Clamp a 2x4 to the existing mantel and pre-drill holes through both pieces of wood (figure B). Drive in 2-1/2" screws to secure the 2x4 (figure C).

4. Cut 1x8 to length and add wood glue to the ends. Fasten the boards together with a finish nailer.

5. Place new mantel on existing mantel (figure D), add shims (figure E) and secure with a finish nailer. Trim the top shims with a jigsaw (figure F). The bottom ones can just snap off.

6. Mark level line on box and fasten the crown molding to the top of the box with finish nails (figure G). Add wood glue to the end pieces for extra support.

Refacing Fireplace

1. The paint on the existing fireplace needs to be roughed up using wire brushes so that the mortar will adhere (figure H). Wipe off the dust with wet sponges.

2. Lay out stones to determine desired layout (figure I). The stones in each box tend to be close to one another so it's best to mix the boxes.

Figure H

Figure I

3. Mix up a batch of mortar. Use the type recommended by the stone manufacturer (figure J). In this case, it's type "S".

4. Place a piece of wood on the ground to act as a spacer.

5. Cut stones using a wet saw with a segmented diamond blade (figure K). Use a chipping hammer to rough up the edges.

Figure J

Figure K

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