[This is Part 5 in my How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 series.]
One of the design features that make this fireplace surround Federal in nature are the proportions of the mantel top, or hood.
Federal period moldings are marked by finer, more delicate features than their more purely Neoclassical cousins. And since the friend I made this mantel for loves the Federal period (a relative of his owns a Federal townhouse in Boston), then I made sure the hood had this certain grace to it.
But before I could come up with the proportions for the hood, I had to sketch out the crown projection as shown below.
The capitals get their own hood. Below I’ve worked out what I think will look good.
Once you figure out your hood dimensions you can assemble them on a very flat surface using biscuits and wood glue.
Clamping the pieces like this ensured a tight fit.
I used this cove molding to wrap the hood in because I love how delicately it terminates — good for the Federal period.
I assembled my hood and did some of the prep work, including running my palm sander over the mdf board joints, on a separate work bench. Then I tested the fit one more time before gluing and nailing in place.
See how far the hood projects from the capitals and frieze? That’s a very Federal style proportion.
You don’t want to use a large crown molding under the mantel. Use a crown that is smaller, more delicate. The larger crowns look too bulky, unrefined, top-heavy.
All that’s left to do now is finish wrapping the crown around the top of the right capital and the installation will be finished.
The appliques in the capitals and center panel I installed after prepping the fireplace for paint. The same techniques I used to prep this are the same that are outlined in our very detailed How to Paint Moldings page. So check that out if you need some ideas of how to paint the fireplace.
Do you see how simple it was to make a well-proportioned, Federal style fireplace mantel? You don’t have to make yours exactly like this one, you can use whatever moldings or corbels you want to.
If you have any questions about how I made this mantel, then please ask in the comment section below. I’m happy to help.
Good luck making your own mantel!
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
thank you this made my current less scary, and im ready to get this project under way, again thanks
Very nice detailed project with excellent results. Thanks! ST
Sure thing Scott. Glad you liked it!