Mantel build - Australian Red Gum

[Hills Hoard]

Have been meaning to build a mantel above my insert for a long time. Here is the final product I was really unsure about the look and design I wanted, and not being the most handy person when it comes to building and construction I was really stumped for ideas and how to execute this project. After a few Youtube clips and a few phone calls to friends who are tradesmen I came up with this .

I had a length of red gum that i cut to length.





i sanded for about 3 beers then used linseed oil.



I didn't like the idea of brackets to support the mantel and i didn't want a full mantel with supports surrounding the insert. 1 because I couldn't have built it, and 2, because i just wanted a clean looking shelf. We don't have a big space in the lounge room so a large ghastly mantel would have been to invasive. So a builder friend suggested a floating mantel which only involved drilling holes for rebar, using construction adhesive and setting them in place. easy, even for me.



Next I just drilled corresponding holes in the mantel and (thank f***) it slotted straight on.



Really happy with the result. now i have a place to rest my beer while keeping warm by the fire!

 

[Lake Girl]

i sanded for about 3 beers then used linseed oil.

Interesting method of estimating sanding time ... If I tried that, I would be done for the day but I'm a light weight anymore

 

[Apprentice_GM]

i sanded for about 3 beers then used linseed oil.

I would have just stayed with beer - hate the taste of linseed oil . . .

Nice job! Here's a tip for "next time" based on the "thank **** the mantel holes lined up" comment;

Next time, drill the holes in the mantel first, put the bar in them, then tap the mantle against the wall. You'll have a very accurate mark for where to put the bars into the wall . . .

 

[Hills Hoard]

I would have just stayed with beer - hate the taste of linseed oil . . .

Nice job! Here's a tip for "next time" based on the "thank **** the mantel holes lined up" comment;

Next time, drill the holes in the mantel first, put the bar in them, then tap the mantle against the wall. You'll have a very accurate mark for where to put the bars into the wall . . .

thanks for the heads up. Hopefully there wont be a next time though!. haha...my construction work around the house either works out really nice or is an absolute disaster.

 

[kennyp2339]

i sanded for about 3 beers then used linseed oil.

Glad to know that even though you live in a different part of the world, we tell time the same way..Keep up the good work.

 

[Smoked]

I like the milling/tool marks left on the slab! Also, beer may make sanding much less of a burden so I may have to try that some. Nice work!