Customize a fireplace surround – Canadian Woodworking

Building the foundation

The fireplace insert plugs into the wall for power, and fortunately there was a plug behind the location we chose for the fireplace mantel. The first step was to build a platform to set the fireplace insert on, at the correct height, using 2x8s and plywood. The sec­ond step was to frame the structure to support the fireplace mantel shelf and the quartz surround on the front, using 2×4s and ply­wood. I also made a black plate for the bottom of the fireplace insert to make the fireplace box appear larger.

I waited to cut and install the quartz surround until I had the fireplace mantel built, to ensure I measured and installed the pieces correctly.

Four sections

The mantel is designed in four separate sections so it could be moved easily, as I would be transporting it to another workshop for spray finishing. It’s also easier to build and handle separate pieces, especially if you’re working alone.

The first section to be built is a header for directly…