Step-By-Step to a Classic Fireplace Mantel

If you are fairly new to woodworking and need a mantle, this is the book for you. I just finished our mantle and it looks great. All the materials used in the book can be found at Lowes or Home Depot and the entire mantle and surround cost me around $85. It does call for a table saw, biscuit joiner, brad nailer and miter saw, but if you are wanting to get serious about building, you will need these tools anyway. This book will lead you through every step so there are no questions. Save yourself $200-300 and buy this book and build it yourself!

This is a very good book with some basic designs. If you are a beginning woodworker or have some basic tools, you can build one of these. As pointed out, the design is simple, but it is flexible and you can customize your own design. I build a surround from stain grade birch with pine trim and moulding. It was finally painted white and primed. We are very happy. I give the book 4 stars, ...

Great instructional book for building a traditional style fireplace surround (title a bit misleading - the mantel is only the shelf above a fireplace - the surround is the mantel, columns, etc.) Limited, though in that it only covers one style surround with different variations. If you like the style of fireplace surround on the cover of the book, then buy it. It steps you through building that style in "great" detail.

this book cleared up a lot of questions i had about building a mantel.written clearly so that most anyone could understand the sequence to get a very professional job.this was money well spent.

We just completed our fireplace mantle construction using the techniques outlined in this book, and I must say I'm thrilled with the outcome. A detailed layout guideline, what to measure and how, and what to buy made the project come together more effectively. Although a fairly complete woodworking shop will be needed to complete your project, the instructions and closeup pictures will aid even a novice in reaching the ultimate goal of an attractive centerpiece of the home to be admired for years to come.