A decorative electric fireplace inside the home never ceases to capture attention. Aside from its ability to provide warmth during cold seasons, this fire feature's aesthetics adds a touch of class to its visual appeal. Though the simulated fire and music are what makes an electric fireplace attractive, its mantel is also an important element that makes it stand out from the rest of the furnishings inside the home. However, as it isn't economical to purchase a new mantel, it would be more ideal if you could create one yourself.

Before we start with the steps on how to make a mantel for your electric fireplace heater, it would be more appropriate to identify what mantel is. Basically, mantel is a shelf-like fixture attached to the wall, sitting on top of the fireplace opening. This fixture is integrated in order to widen the space where the fireplace would be situated, and also serves as a decorative feature for the fireplace. Commonly, the mantel is available as a separate piece from the fireplace, but can also be bought already assembled with the fire feature.

Even though you can simply purchase the mantel of your electric fireplace heater, it would be much better to build or customize your own mantel to further improve the character of your fire feature. By doing your own mantel, you would be able to create a unique piece that would best represent your personality and style. Though this project might require more than a DIY ability, your efforts would surely pay off as this is a cheap way to get quality mantel without purchasing. To start your mantel project, be sure to have the following tools: saw, nail gun, crown molding, wood glue, router, level, wooden boards and paint.

Measure the length and width of your fireplace along with the location where you would install your fireplace mantel. Ad 3/4 of an inch to your measurements as these additions would correspond to the thickness of the boards you are about to use. Make sure to use a level when marking to achieve straight lines. Now, begin creating your mantel design based on the theme you want and be sure to draw it on a sketchbook and scale down its dimensions based from the measurement you did for your fireplace.

Make the legs of your fireplace mantel by making an incomplete box from three boards, which you would eventually mount on the wall. Cut the side and front pieces of each leg and secure them together by gluing and nailing. Attach the box to the wall by securing the sides of the legs to the wall with nails. To highlight the appearance of your mantel legs, place pieces of crown moldings around the sides of the legs.

Now that you have your fireplace mantel legs in place, create the top and shelf of the mantel by using a frieze board and then place it on top of the legs. To ensure that the mantel shelf and top are strong, nail them to the wall and place crown moldings around its sides for decoration. To achieve smoother edges, use a router to scrap of tiny particles on the edge of your mantel. Finally, paint the mantel with your desired color but be sure that your chosen hue would complement your home's color scheme.