how to make an mdf fireplace mantel step by step

[This is Part 3 in my How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 series.]

How to Make the Collar

Building the collar involves little more than finding out the dimensions of each section, and then cutting the parts.  Lay them all out on a very flat surface (old doors work great for this), then join all the pieces with glue and biscuit joints.

Let it dry a long time before you ever move it.  I let this one dry for several hours while I worked on the capitals.

how to build a mdf fireplace mantel

The molding I’m putting on this edge will cover the whole 3/4″, so there is no need to sand it.

how to make an mdf fireplace mantel

Apply Liquid Nails to all of the contacts surfaces and then nail the collar in place.

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If you’re building your mantel with no center panel, then you can omit this extension.

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The collar, though a small part of the design, draws the eye to it when looking at the finished fireplace surround.  So take your time installing the panel molding on the collar, and make sure it looks really nice.

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How to Make the Capitals

The capitals start off in life as an mdf core, just like the pilasters did.  Don’t forget to make a spacer to help keep your core square.

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Use a glue that is thinner than Liquid Nails to assemble all of these little pieces.  Elmer’s or Tightbond woodworking glues are both good choices.

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Installing the screen molding inside the capital is easy enough.

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I glued and nailed a nailer block to hold the capital in place with.

23 gauge Senco micro pinner in action

All of the contact surfaces on the bottom of the capital and the nailer get a smearing of Liquid Nails and  a few 23 gauge pin nails.

Senco nail gun in action

Below  I miscalculated the capital height so added a piece of 1/2″ mdf to make it up.

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This is the point I wanted to get to, where the collar and only one capital are installed, because I’m going to make the frieze and butt it up against that left capital and then install the right capital.

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How to Build FIREPLACE-102 Series Posts

1.  How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 for c. $162.00: Part 1

2.  How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 Part 2: Make the Pilasters

3.  How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 Part 3: Make the Collar & Capitals

4.  How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 Part 4: Make the Frieze

5.  How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 Part 5: Make the Hood

6.  FIREPLACE MANTEL-102 Gallery