fireplace mantel

[This is part of my FIREPLACE MANTEL-103 series.]

Step 1: Installing the Crown Molding

I’m using CM-010 for the crown molding that wraps around the top of the lantern. It is a simple ogee profile that you can buy most any place that sells millwork.

And although I’m calling it the lantern crown molding, it does run across the length of the frieze to the other lantern, and so rightfully belongs to the whole fireplace mantel.

The number of miter cuts may look intimidating, but they are no more difficult to make than all of those cuts we made for the smaller crown in Part 6 of this installation.

 

Important Note: My Mistake

Somewhere in my calculations I forgot to add the 3/4″ of extra length I needed to the lantern tops. This is where I would mount the crown molding, leaving an even reveal around all of the inset panels.

No worries, a few strips of mdf and I’m back in business.

decorate with moldings

mdf project

I wrapped the crown molding in the usual way, by making the outside corners as once piece and then assembling them in as single units.

small crown molding

Step 2: Installing the Collar

Use PM-014 or another molding of your own choice to wrap around the lower part of the lanterns.

Technically, you’d be just as correct if you called the collar the architrave. I use the term collar for moldings in this position on fireplace mantels.

mdf millwork

Of course, glue and nail all contact surfaces.

Home Depot moldings

Below  This molding will have to be run across the bottom of the frieze, so don’t permanently install the inner most pieces just yet.

Home Depot millwork

molding & millwork

Posts in this Series

1. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-103 for $333.08

2. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-103 Part 2: Materials Inventory

3. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-103 Part 3: Pilaster Cores

4. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-103 Part 4: Corbels & Inset Panels

5. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-103 Part 5: Shadow Pilasters

6. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-103 Part 6: Wrapping the Crown Molding & Base

7. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-103 Part 7: Pilaster Extensions

8. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-103 Part 8: Lanterns

9. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-103 Part 9: Lantern Crown & Collar

10. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-103 Part 10: Paneled Frieze

11. How to Build FIREPLACE MANTEL-103 Part 11: Making the Hood

12. Before & After: Great Room Fireplace Mantel with Overmantel

13. How to Make OVERMANTEL-100 for About $87.39