Can I make a mantle for a beehive fireplace?

Mary Ker
by Mary Ker
I love mantles, but a round fireplace has me stumped on how to make one. Any ideas?
  7 answers
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Aug 12, 2015
    I do not have a lot of woodworking experience,but,I would buy a cheap hula hoop from the dollar tree as a template,cut it to open it up,open up a wire hanger and thread it through the hula hoop to get the right curve.Then you can put it on a piece of wood and trace the curve,cut it with a saw that can cut curves,and hang it with regular brackets.Hope this helps! You could also use a pool noodle if it is long enough
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Aug 12, 2015
    Just remembered,you should also use a level,if you have someone to help that would also help
  • Renae Breskovich Renae Breskovich on Aug 17, 2015
    Hi - consider the shape, I'd not do a mantle, but side shelves perhaps top to bottom in a contrast?
  • Jeani Miller Miner Jeani Miller Miner on Aug 18, 2015
    You can absolutely do a mantle. First you need a template. An old flat curtain rod (the old white ones with an L at each end) will do nicely. mark off the elevation, making sure it's level and place the curtain rod on your tape or pencil line. Use a rubber mallet to shape the rod, contouring it to the surface. Transfer this arc to a piece of ply and cut out the shape of the arc. Test fit and adjust as needed. Now you have a good sturdy template from which your mantel can be cut. Expect to need some caulk, use the paintable type so you can paint it to match your mantle. Drill holes into the arc edge of the mantel to correspond with a series of long masonry bolts installed so they protrude from the face of the fireplace and slide the mantel in place.
  • Mary Ker Mary Ker on Aug 18, 2015
    Thank you, Jeani! I was stumped on how to have a template, but I'll bet your curtain rod idea will do it!
  • Sheila Sheila on Jan 02, 2016
    @Mary Ker I also have this problem, would love be to know how you solved it