Mantle design

[linquist13]

I need help designing the mantle I am going to build. The mantle will be going on a stud wall above the fireplace. The stud wall goes from the floor to the ceiling. All of the front of the wall is covered with stone except a 7" strip across for the mantle. My problem is how to do the mantle on the ends. I'm going to put a 1 x 10 on top, a 1 x 8 on the bottom and a 1 x 6 for the face. There will be trim in the corners between the 6 and 10 and between the 6 and 8. I don't want the mantle to just stop at the ends and I can't wrap it all the way to the back main wall because that is too far (or can I without making it look bad?). Hopefully I've described my problem well enough. I'd appreciate any help. Thanks.

[woodmannie]

Ok, one question. Is the stone just the width of the fireplace? Oh, another one. How thick(face of stone to stud wall) is the stone? Reason I ask is that I'm a mason by trade and have seen all kinds of mantle setups. Yes, you can "rap" the mantle around the sides. It doesn't look bad and gives more room for the knick knacks. But if its two foot return to the wall, that's a little much. I would sugest trying different ideas with some pine material. It's cheaper than say cherry, and easy to work with. You can get the design that you like( as this is a personal preference) and than get the "good stuff". Hope this helps.

[linquist13]

Ok, one question. Is the stone just the width of the
fireplace?

The stone is on the entire front face.
How thick(face of stone to stud
wall) is the stone?

The mortar is about an inch thick with the stones about 3 - 5 inches (it varies - fieldstone)

But if its two foot return to the wall, that's a little
much.

It is about a two foot return.

I would sugest trying different ideas with some pine
material. It's cheaper than say cherry, and easy to work
with. You can get the design that you like( as
this is a personal preference) and than get the "good
stuff". Hope this helps.

That is a good suggestion, the mantle is going to be oak and I don't want to mess it up.

Thanks.

[woodmannie]

Just a thought, Try rounded corners on the front sides, run back a little piece, and then slant it at a loose angle, like a 65 degree. Just an idea.

[jeff]

The sides of the mantle require a box design. You would have a side panel of 6 inches cut at a 45 degree with a face panel of 45 cut on both edges. that encloses a three sided box. The back will go against the wall. The box can be trimmed starting at the base with a wide molding and install additional chair rail a few feet up. When you place the mantle top on, you can crown mold from the top onto the facia. There are excellent mantle books on the market to guide you along.

[linquist13]

I ended up running it back along the wall a little. I made a cut on the back of the 1 x 10 and the 1 x 8 so the wood will stop an inch behind the plastered wall. I also extended them both past the sides the same distance they are going to overhand the 1 x 6 on the front. This way it will look the same all the way around. Thanks for all the suggestions.