[This is part of my FIREPLACE MANTEL-103 series.]
In this post I show you how easy it is to add this third, and very dramatic, shadow pilaster to the fireplace mantel.
I call it a shadow pilaster because, in essence, that’s what it is: even though, when finished, it looks like a significant structural element to the overall fireplace surround.
Proper Width
After looking at historic pilasters and columns with this or a similar design, I decided that the pilaster reveals — the two behind the front, inset paneled pilaster — should be an equal width.
This is not a rule, deviate it if your design warrants it.
Below Cut a piece of MDF-300 to the proper width to act as a nailer/core, one that, once wrapped with its finished layer, provides the correct reveal for your design.
Wrap the Nailer Core
By now you should be skilled at cutting bevels like this on mdf board. This is done so that there are no exposed end grains on the mdf to deal with, a finer finish is preferred here.
Cut, glue and nail the wrap.
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
