• Shop the Store
  • Best Sellers
  • eBooks
  • Books
  • Plans

  • Videos
  • Tools & Workshops
  • SketchUp

  • Finishing
  • Turning
  • Joinery
• Books
• Plans
• Videos
• Magazine
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Give a gift

  • Current Issue
  • Digital Issue
  • Online Extras

  • Magazine Index
  • Contact Us
• Subscribe
• Renew

• Blogs
• Knots
• Gallery

Free Woodworking Plans

Free Plans: Federal Fireplace Mantel

Fine Woodworking Editors, 

82 users recommend

CLICK HERE for the free project plans to make this Simple Federal Fireplace Mantel.

CLICK HERE for the free project plans to make this Simple Federal Fireplace Mantel.

Add Comment
Print

You might say Mario Rodriguez is the master of the fireplace mantel. He wrote the book on the subject, and has authored two articles for Fine Woodworking magazine on the subject.

In this excerpt from his book Building Fireplace Mantels, Mario provides step-by-step advice on how to create a classic mantel for your fireplace. His advice can also be modified to match a design of your own.

The supplied free woodworking plans detail how to choose materials, prime the parts, install the mantel, and finish it. This structurally straigh-forward plan can built in a weekend. Three boards joined together with biscuits form the foundation which is fastened to a wall. Add vertical pilasters, a horizontal architrave, a mantel shelf and a few moldings and you're ready to paint

CLICK HERE for the free project plans to make this Simple Federal Fireplace Mantel.

P.S. Want more mantel ideas? Try these two mantels articles from Fine Woodworking magazine also designed by Mario Rodriguez: A Mantel with a Mission and Build a Fireplace Mantel.

Add Comment Print

Free Plan: Folding Vineyard Table

Back to List

Free Plan: Portable Kitchen Work Station

Comments (5)

Alan_Turner writes: Actually Mario wrote 3 articles for FWW on mantels. One was a Federal period mantel for his Warwick home. Another was an abbreviated Arts and Crafts mantel in oak. The third and last was a traditional looking mantel in walnut.
Posted: 9:45 am on December 21st

woodworksexperts writes: Very nice artcle, Woodworks is my hobbies thats why I feel at home in this site.
I try to visit on this, soon.
All about Good Woodworking Plans


Posted: 7:27 am on November 16th

woodworksexperts writes: Very nice artcle, Woodworks is my hobbies thats why I feel at home in this site.
I try to visit on this, soon.

Posted: 7:26 am on November 16th

4545 writes: It's a nice looking mantel, but does it meet code? Many localities will use a code that reads, "Exposed combustible mantels or trim may be placed directly on the masonry fireplace front surrounding the fireplace opening providing such combustible materials shall not be placed within 6 inches (152 mm) of a fireplace opening. Combustible material within 12 inches (306 mm) of the fireplace opening shall not project more than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) for each 1-inch (25.4 mm) distance from such an opening." It didn't look to me as though this plan satisfies the conditions of the second sentence.
Posted: 4:04 pm on October 21st

VintageInfoNET writes: I just found your site by accident - and I'm glad I did :)
Wow! What a beautiful mantle. Definitely simple, yet elegant.
Thank you for sharing these plans. I'm going to send some visitors from my site over to yours.
I have some vintage woodworking plans on my site for free too.
http://vintageinfo.NET
Posted: 9:36 pm on December 23rd

You must be logged in to post comments. Log in.