Presenting the Long-Awaited Finished Project Photos
Notice the door surround reflected in the mirror above the fireplace. Nice touch, Greg.
[This post is part of our How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 for $162.00 series.]
Sometimes the task of taking a few nice pictures of a finished molding installation project gets neglected in the mad rush to finish one project and then move on to the next.
That’s exactly what happened when I finished building and painting this fireplace mantel.
But thanks to Greg, who took the time to take some nice photos and send them to me, I now present to you his Federal style fireplace mantel with its applied appliques and final coats of paint.
Benjamin Moore oil-based trim paint, Satin Impervo, goes no like liquid porcelain.
About the Project
I built this fireplace using simple materials I bought from local lumber yards and molding retailers. The only special order items were the resin corbels and the compo appliques.
The left side capital with square rosette and Colonial style resin corbel.
The condo has an open floor plan and a vaulted ceiling, which lends itself perfectly to dividing up the main floor with moldings.
The first phase of the project was to build the mantel, and then later we added a flying crown molding, entablature over the master bedroom door and baseboards.
A compo applique from Decorators Supply is the fireplace focal point.
This wheat and ribbon motif was popular during the American Federal Period.
A Neoclassical style corbel supports the mantel frieze and shelf.
These beautiful resin corbels were very affordable. Unfortunately, the company I bought them from no longer carries them.
The right side capital and corbel.
A compo resin applique from Decorators Supply.
The fireplace is paint color is Benjamin Moore White Dove, OC-17.
We painted the fireplace box a dark sage green as an accent against the lighter sage green in the rest of the living room area, below the flying crown molding.
A cozy fire is all this fireplace mantel needs now.
Resin corbel from Outwater Plastics.
This was such a fun project, as is always the case when working with friends.
A Federal style applique for the frieze for a friend who loves all things from the Federal period.
Wheat and ribbon compo applique from Decorators Supply in Chicago.
I’ll be posting a summary of this entire project, complete with a total for what it might cost for you to undertake the same type of project.
You can build a fireplace mantel like this one, it’s really pretty easy. Here are links to the entire step by step process.
Good luck!
How to Build FIREPLACE-102 Series Posts
1. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 for c. $162.00: Part 1
2. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 Part 2: Make the Pilasters
3. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 Part 3: Make the Collar & Capitals
4. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 Part 4: Make the Frieze
5. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 Part 5: Make the Hood
6. FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 Gallery
Ken,
I couldn’t have said it better myself. Glad you can use the photos (and I am going to miss that crown)!
That’s beautiful, Ken! Well done.
Thanks Jim!
I really like the mantel but I also love seeing how you have the crown molding with the vaulted ceiling.
Great job & thank you for posting these for us to enjoy.
Glad you like it Joel!
Ken,
Thanks so much for sharing all you do here. I have started my projects with much enthusiasm.
I live in Houston and I understand completely “never paint before installation” but does this mean I should not paint the back side of the molding? I am concerned with the humidity changes.
Guy, thanks for pointing that out. Yes, prime or paint or do both to the backs of your moldings if you’re concerned with the humidity. That’s what I do for all of my bathroom molding installations.
We’re so glad you’ve found the site helpful. Keep us posted on your projects!
Hello Ken,
Pardon my ignorance, but
1) How to you cut perfectly 45degre angled edges on the whole length of your pilasters boards to make a perfect square?
2) What is the advantage of using angled cut instead of just having the front board overlapping the back boards?
Hi Stephane,
1. I cut the 45 degree angles on a Bosh contractor table saw. Any good quality table saw can do the job.
2. I did not want to see a seam on the pilasters, so I took the extra time to cut the 45 degree pieces. But you can certainly build a frame on top of the pilaster box if you want.