Build a Rustic Faux Beam Mantel or Shelf

In this video I demonstrate how to build a rustic faux beam that can be used as a mantel or a shelf. It hangs by a French cleat and has a secret compartment for things you want hidden. I used a beam like this on a fireplace made of stone and reclaimed barn wood. That video can be found here: • Build a Fireplace Surr...
Be sure to check out my website: www.redneckdiy.com

[@skunkape5918]

A true southern gentleman. Thank you for taking the time to make this tutorial.

[@MONEYZ123]

French cleat is an A+ idea. Nicely done!

[@justsayin4632]

I don’t know what was better: the contraband bag actually LABELLED “contraband”, or the Archaeologist “dad joke”😂 Great vid.

[@ayehotah3887]

Definitely the contraband

[@xenidus]

"I'm gonna TEAR IT UP!" haha great video. I love when content creators are their genuine selves. The combination of comfortable unscripted communication, no nonsense approach to the project and the harbor freight sander was perfect.

[@cumbiedog]

This is a really awesome project and I love how you demonstrate your techniques.

[@tania7418]

Love watching videos like this And you made my day Easy and simple! I should’ve been a woman carpenter but instead I’m a mail lady! I just like building stuff. And the smell of the wood while you cutting it, reminds me of my dad when I used to help him build things for the house when I was 7

[@jburch8583]

Ah you have it better. Your job will keep you working year round, and you won't make the 1%, but you'll make enough to invest in some nice items for manipulating dead tree carcasses. Not bad looking, and i'll bet you're pretty cool. (most who enjoy carpentry are in my dealings) you have a receipe for a fine life there. Hope you're enjoying. Now I found an amazing deal on a de Walt 12" double bevel sliding compound miter saw. It's a fantastic tool for aforementioned purpose. Have an absolutely fantastic day ma'am.

[@JeremyWilson121]

I watched this video a few years ago and i have since built 9 different beams in varying sizes using your techniques. I even have 3 that are mounted to the ceiling with pendant lights hanging from them.

[@letsbereal5321]

My wife wanted to upgrade the fireplace with a small budget. Real mantles were pretty expensive so I went to you tube and found myself here. I already recently bought a cheap skill table saw and Kobalt miter saw for my attempt to install laminate flooring and needed a small project to get familiar with the tools and gain some experience. This was perfect. Had fun, took my time and although it wasn't as nice as yours we were still impressed with the result ( my poor cutting skills seemed to add to the rustic look lol ). Oh and it was cheap! I have forgotten how much I enjoyed wood shop class in junior high school. Thanks for the help.

[@POLLITOU2B]

Really beautiful job. Thanks for sharing sir.

[@jakegreen4454]

I just built one of these and hung it. It turned out gorgeous! I used some stainable wood filler to clean up some of the gaps (my wood was a bit warped) and it looks fantastic! Thanks for posting.

[@fredgermain6279]

Brother let me tell ya,...Not only is this rustic beam mantle a really cool and simple idea, the French cleat makes it extremely smart due to the amount of times wife's are wanting to "redecorate" the living room.* if you haven't been married for over five years, you just won't understand.So I ripped the crappy "builders" mantle off my fireplace facia and made the mantle you made here, but made it 86"x12"x12". Took me a little under a weekend to do it and it turned out awesome. I burnt mine, stained with a dark stain and poly. Wife thinks I'm a remodeling KING!!!!Also, my uncle looked, talked and acted the exact same way as blazingnailgun does.Subscribed.

[@garpikemike1]

This man and his laid back mannerism and accent always remind me of all the great ppl I've met from the states over the yrs vacationing here in Canada. We love having u folks up here.

[@CCampbellKC]

One cool thing for making rustic look is to take a wire brush and brush with the direction of the grain. It will REALLY make the grain come out and create a neat effect. Then use a blowtorch to burn off the fuzzy areas. Keep an old tshirt or something around to smother anything that ignites. Great project.

[@anotheridiotwind1201]

like scraped floors

[@vincetodero8239]

I just built a mantle using your tutorial and it came out amazing. your step by step was super helpful. thanks!

[@jlc55army]

Dad was a hobbyist finish carpenter doing side jobs for folks and built hidden doorways, bookcases and shelving with hidden features, etc. in wealth folks homes and I was the helper from a young age. Now as a special agent and doing warranty searches I get the task of seeking out the treasures (aka contraband, securities, etc.). Never ever require a dog. Gotta love it.

[@GotItMade]

Yes!

[@robpoole7356]

I followed this video step by step, and even with my questionable skills managed to make a beautiful mantel to go on our new ledgestone fireplace wall. Great video - thanks!

[@sethnoble610]

Great work, but I was physically anxious when you ran that piece through with the fence in place using the miter guage as a second point of contact. Kickback central!

[@akok5373]

Learn to spell gauge, Cry Baby

[@chrisandvonna2]

@@akok5373 👆real crybaby

[@gingerfannin3849]

love it. the look without the weight is a great idea

[@shwnp777]

Looks great!! I love it when people get on here and tell you a better way to do it.

[@michaelmoore8969]

Great video man! Love you’re personality and the way you explain everything. Well done

[@derickhonore2047]

Really loved this build! I just got into tinkering with wood projects so I'm excited to watch some of your other videos! Thanks for the ideas!!

[@Jodycleary190]

Very. Ice job. This is what I’ll try in my living room!

[@biged2226]

Thats what how-to videos should be shot. Well done sir!

[@SammyEddie]

Dated 200 years old. Love it! Just tore my mantel off the wall. Bought to buy stuff today. Thanks.

[@dennishuntsinger8811]

When you crosscut on the table saw you should not use the miter gauge and the rip fence! The danger of kickback is extremely high, it puts the wood in a bind.

[@JimJankowski5137]

My wife has asked me for a mantel for our fireplace for Christmas this year. THIS ABSOLUTELY FITS THE BILL! Thank you so much for the step-by-step instructions. What you've done here is EXACTLY what I was looking for in order to build my wife what she wants for Christmas. Thank you so much, and have a Blessed Christmas yourself.

[@johnhallman6848]

I just got done following this plan...except I made mine 88” wide, 5-1/2” high and 11-1/4” deep. I stained it dark walnut and installed it over an electric fireplace and under a 65” TV. Thank you for an AWESOME plan!!

[@kristian0285]

Probably one of the best explanations for this project that I've seen. Thanks for this

[@palabful]

I'm a fan straightaway. You had me at "just wanna tear it up". Thank you for the great video/idea. Ours is gonna look like this. A little bigger to fit "defense" contraband in it.

[@ToniM10]

His... Expressions are THE BEST!!! 🤗😂❤👍👍

[@snoopdoggydog5640]

Excellent video, thank you. You're a fantastic teacher--I love the way you explain everything so thoroughly, and showed all of the steps. The mantle looks great.

[@GotItMade]

+SnoopDoggyDog Thanks, Snoop!

[@FU-fn5yb]

Thank you for the simple explanations. I am going to give this a try. Money is tight.

[@braulioperez181]

Great beam. Looks old and solid.

[@GotItMade]

Braulio Perez Thanks, Braulio. I appreciate the compliment.

[@mikeeldridge637]

Looked really good. Job well done.

[@paulochavarin3168]

Amazing job. And the bonus at the end. Lol.

[@amantidolce3133]

I have seen at least 6 videos on mantels, yours is tge best. you have a talent for teaching and you are expliecit in a smooth, calm voice. You do beautiful work.

[@letmework6254]

I absolutely agree with Amanti Dolce, you are an excellent teacher Feddie. I have learned so much from watching your detailed videos, thank you.

[@tfox13ify]

Really nice job. You make those miter cuts look easy

[@liveinmyamerica]

Beam looks great, Really enjoy your videos and your sense of humor, and your shop, and your four wheeler.

[@GotItMade]

liveinmyamerica Thanks! I appreciate you watching and sending me some kind words!

[@amberandashley3820]

Love this man. His talent, passion, mannerisms, and humor.

[@ocpd1385]

Excellent! Just what I was looking to build. Great, simple explanation! Thanks a bunch

[@karens.9026]

WOW!!! I attempted to make a faux reclaimed wood rustic mantel last year...the pieces didn't come together like I wanted so I filed it in the garage with other "incomplete/misunderstood" DIY projects. In your video, all of the issues I encountered are addressed. It's clear, concise and the outcome is BEAUTIFUL! This will be my weekend project! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge, skills and experience; it's greatly appreciated!

[@GotItMade]

+Karen S. Thanks for the kind words, Karen! Glad it helped out.

[@danasarbulescu3878]

I would like to thank you for taking the time to post this tutorial. We followed your instructions and created a beautiful faux beam for our mantlepiece. THANK YOU!

[@GotItMade]

+Dana Sarbulescu You're welcome!

[@johnbell1012]

Definitely a motivating video. I tried my first big woodworking project this past weekend, and I realize I shouldn't have rushed it. It seems that taking time with each piece will yield excellent results. Thanks for the great video!

[@camdivx]

6 years later, how are the projects coming along?

[@JGM-vl6xb]

I know I’d be good at the distress part anyway ! 😅 Nice job !

[@kenberns5831]

You make it look so simple - thanks for the video. I'm redoing our fireplace and you've given me some great ideas. :)

[@GotItMade]

+Ken Berns Yes!!!!

[@garyeisele6522]

Really like the simple easy to understand video, on how to build a faux beam mantel.

[@robinsaunders6720]

That was fantastic! I can't wait to take on this project for my new home. Although your Granny's wisdom about the "pertties on the mantel"and your contraband made me chuckle, it's your gentleman's soft-spoken manner and southern accent that has me hooked. Thank you for sharing your skills and making my day.

[@jongrote6053]

watched it, built it, hung it, love it!

[@priscillaevans2589]

cartoon

[@ryanern18]

You perfectly summarized marriage through carpentry: "Two opposing yet mating pieces". Well done.

[@metalphobos3632]

And the old French cleat to finish it off. Love it. Great work, man.

[@GotItMade]

Thanks!

[@melcarpenter462]

Finishing our downstairs and we need a mantle…. You gave me a great technique that’s got American Classic written all over it. Thanks

[@abracadanielle9647]

This is so helpful! I found this video oddly soothing-maybe you just remind me of a really good dad. I can't wait to try this out. Thank you!

[@nickmoultrie2960]

favorite part was easily the distressed part! Love it man. I do a lot of the same stuff! #builtNotbought

[@torcmr]

Beautiful job, came out perfect!

[@francesbison1268]

Love this faux beam! Gave me a different approach to hanging it! Thanks for sharing! Very talented!

[@brandybryan9355]

I like the way you talk! ;)

[@billnoe8728]

I saw your fireplace surround so I appreciate you taking the time to cover this faux beam in depth. I'm going to use this concept for a floating shelf. I'm going to make it from 1x8 and 1x4 so it will end up 3 1/2" thick and 7" wide probably 2 foot in length. I think the french cleat will still work at this size. Any thoughts?

[@janicewoods3072]

I love listening to you talk, I also love this video. You’ve just saved me a large sum of money. Thank you so much.

[@cygnusx1864]

Watched your video a few times. I had replaced the "kit" mantel & fireplace surround with cultured stone & wanted a rustic beam as my new mantel. Saw a bunch online... really expensive & decided I wanted to try & make my own. The result is in my profile pic - first time I ever built something like this. You can't make out the distressing I did to the beam, but trust me - cracks, dents, worm holes - it looks very authentic. Thanks for the detailed video & tips - huge help!

[@Gcollie3810]

A great way to mate those mitres together is to lay the boards over some painters tape (flat with the edges you want mated together lined up), add glue and fold over. The strips of tape will also act like a clamp.

[@dymarke]

actually if you start with the miter facing down so you have the points of the miter on top you can control your miter much better while you tape and if you use better tape like the fiber packing tape it will hold a good bit of pressure and you can even roll the point a bit trough the tape. Once you get the miters taped just lift the center piece and the sides will fold in then just flip it over and lay it out to glue. Once glued fold up the sides and hold with tape, make sure to check for square. You might try hide glue, it is forgiving since a little water will soften it enough to rework the joint and clean up dried glue and it doesn't show through stain.

[@nouri241]

exceptional video and love your brown bag lol please keep posting

[@GotItMade]

Haha. Thanks for watching!

[@isabellaj.monroe9953]

blazingnailgun my husband has been a trim Carpenter for over 30 years. he says this is good work. he does something different. steaks regular plywood the junkies plywood he can find. any builds 20-foot false beams. did he gets 20 foot 8 inch wide laminate Oak Andy Irons at home cut it clean does a sides in the end. and then. he takes two colors of Spain and makes them together. 70/30. the darkest black stain he can find and then gold Stain 30% is the Golden State. he takes two brushes and he goes crazy with it.

[@TheAstroStick]

Excellent Video! Thanks.

[@davemotti4283]

I remember watching this awhile ago. Always good seeing you

[@brianreinhardt4050]

Thanks...now I have to go clean my garage... The wife has been on me for a "beam" in our living room for a year now. Got a supplier with some rough sawn cedar, now I know how to make it.

[@johnwaynebrooks]

"I'm not gonna annihilate it just beat it up a bit." I say that to the old lady often.

[@TheSuperjoffen]

'im gona tear it up!" excellent video man, iv just gotten more seriously into wood working and your definitely helping out in the uk here, cheers.

[@mattym2210]

Followed these instructions and could not have asked for a better outcome! Needed to make it a bit longer, but following the steps in the video made it simple, and fun! Thank You!

[@abelrodrigues5051]

This Man is a True Perfectionist Indeed! This Dude looks like he's cool enough to go out Ocean Fishing to Catalina, bet he's a riot with a few beers in him! So serious, but at the same time, shows a sense of humor, too cool.

[@jcarter4924]

A good way to glue up miters is to lay the pieces face up. Then tape the edges with painters tape. Once taped, flip the pieces over so the are now face down. Add your glue to the inside of the miter. Finally fold the pieces into place. The painters tape will hold the miters in place perfectly. Btw... Really liked the Harley sign video. One question... What in the world do you have hanging around your neck? Keep the videos coming.

[@michaelbacosa814]

This is exactly what I needed to see. I'm getting ready to build a mantel for the fire place I just got refinishing. This is exactly the mantel I want to build. Thanks for taking the time to post this video. It was excellent.

[@marcasma]

I love woodworking and I watch this video a few times absolutely it’s beautiful creative and easy to build thank you so very much

[@-bdl2696]

for the glue up, wrap it in painters tape before you apply glue and then unfold it with the tape on, that keeps it lined up and you add glue and fold her back up

[@GotItMade]

Good tip. Thanks for sharing!

[@vikings844]

BMAD Wrap what in painters tape,explain!

[@olivwire1182]

BMAD is saying to put all the pieces together - BEFORE YOU GLUE: Top / Face /Bottom - then before you glue - tape the corners like hinges. This ensures that you get the tips of the corners butting each other then you simply unroll the three pieces of wood to lay flat - VIEWABLE FACE DOWN - then apply the glue to your edges and roll it back up. The tape hinges will ensure that when you roll it back up the corners will match and you will get a clean seam. from there you continue with the nails to keep everything secure.

[@tessaend]

DA PIGS That's awesome. I bet the tape would also prevent glue ooze, and you could just shoot a few brads right through the tape. Brilliant!

[@jimfallowfield7028]

Great tip, thanks for sharing.

[@MrMhovis]

Thanks for the idea! I am going to build a mantel like this out of ambrosia maple I got from the sawmill. I will not show my wife the opening in the back!!

[@robertgoelz5035]

Just absolutely awesome! I can watch this magic all day!

[@trygve1]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to share such a quality video!

[@cslix]

I like the way you cut on a table saw btw very safe which is important

[@qigong1001]

Contraband? Hmmmmmm...I'll never look at a mantle the same way again.

[@GotItMade]

Slap Stick Ha! Thanks for watching!

[@wgramlich]

Search Warrant?

[@kauraloft5503]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 exactly what I thought

[@isaacrichardson1619]

@@GotItMade what length brad nails did he use to fasten wood together

[@normstorm22]

True craftsmanship!! Keep up the videos!

[@GotItMade]

+Josh Norman Thanks!

[@lesliebrooks5684]

Thanks for the clear demonstration and explanation. French cleat is sweet addition, going to use that for a ceiling faux beam.

[@joseluisdiazmeneses5150]

Nice Job, just a comment, I hope you've seen your mistake on minute 2:22, you should never use miter and fence at same time, you have one of the best table saw's on the market, It will care your Hands/fingers but from kickback you have to care your self. Best Regrds

[@MrTspalacio]

the was am extra precaution

[@GotItMade]

+Jose Luis Diaz Meneses Agreed. I wan't "in the moment" and just got in a hurry. Thanks for watching.

[@vikings844]

Jose Luis Diaz Meneses How would he cut it straight without using fence though?

[@petedarcy6255]

Can you please explain this type of cut and exactly what your talking about so I don't do this?????

[@jasonb4350]

Jose Luis Diaz Meneses you say when he was doing the 45 degree angle if so he was doing it correctly it was that first straight cut he made and didn't use a push stick or his hand to push it through was the mistake

[@ToniM10]

I LOVED THIS!!. 😉❤👍👍

[@margaretperara327]

Great video sir. Thank you for sharing.

[@mollyl7244]

I'm just here for the accent.

[@trillfaldon9983]

# Southside Alabama

[@tania7418]

Same here love that accent! Sadly he so far away from LA Cal. 😍

[@medusaeq]

If you want something distressed well, let your kids play with it for a day lol

[@GotItMade]

Mel Oliver Now that's funny.....and true. Thanks for watching.

[@anthonycaldi7056]

That looks amazing! Not at all overdone. Just the right amount of distressing!

[@peterbranson8018]

Loved it, building it for sure!!!! Thank you.

[@bobthetrooper7]

Awesome video, thanks! Just remember to never use your fence when you're making crosscuts.

[@oakley5]

did anyone else get nervous when he crosscut against the fence?? cool project though!

[@richardmann6991]

+Jason Beard Not good Jason. I just hope no else copies this method.

[@MrOso36]

+Jason Beard Oh, did I ever! Glad I'm not the only one who was bothered. I second Mann's warning. Please anybody watching this video do not cut small pieces on a table saw like in the video.

[@robvandermeersch9559]

what would be a safer way to make those cuts (I assume you're talking about the end caps he was mitreing?)

[@joelhaby8839]

You can do it on the tablesaw, you just don't want to use the miter gauge with the fence. Use the miter saw to cut the pieces just over sized and then run them through the tablesaw.

[@jameslong296]

I was cringing, just waiting for kick back when he was cutting those.

[@hackdandy4735]

That's pretty bad ass. Hell of a setup, too. "Contraband" ha!

[@GotItMade]

+Hack Dandy Thanks Hack. I appreciate the kind words.

[@jakejohanson6562]

Wow! Looks fantastic. Can’t wait to build this! Thank you

[@corypride]

182 dislikes? what the ....?

[@egypshun03]

maybe cops? lol

[@hotrodhog2170]

322

[@jerryjunoirmint]

awesome video ! oh wait I don't have a gigantic table saw to make this ! or gigantic shop !

[@beatthegov]

all you need is a circular saw and a guide if you know what your doing.

[@marshaturner2860]

jerryjunoirmint

[@vikings844]

jerryjunoirmint I guess your shit out of luck! How is that his problem!

[@tkt-eagle8482]

Awesome 👌 work. Thank you for the ideas.

[@texasbasementbuilds4543]

Awesome, perfect step by step instructional for dummies like me. lol. Great teacher too. Thanks for taking the time to make this. Our pretties will look great!.

[@purplealice]

There's just one problem: The ends of the "beam" are visibly _not_ *END GRAIN*, which spoils the illusion. I guess you'd need some scrap off an 8x8 (because a 6x6 isn't really 6"). And it might be difficult to miter them :-(

[@joey7422003]

For a minute there I thought he was going to glue up a bunch of cut-offs to make an end grain block for the caps. I imagine that would be a pain to work with though.

[@derekbolthausen1604]

I actually thought the same thing - an awesome piece with the wrong grain on the ends. But great job - beautiful over-all!

[@tomatha3713]

Only a woodworker or a carpenter is really going to notice that it's not end grain. Overall it looks good, the only thing I would suggest would be to ease the edges over a bit so it doesn't look so machine cut.

[@dwdrummer0129]

Another Great video! Used the plumbing manifold video as reference for my new house and worked great! Thanks for real, informative videos!

[@petergifford5872]

Thanks for taking the time doing this. I am going to try and make this and see how it turn out.

[@justryan7109]

You are by far the most entertaining person on KZbin. Not to mention you sound just like everyone I know. Love the contraband bit.

[@shawnsmith6236]

I really liked your how to on the beam. Very helpful, thanks!

[@Ducatista10]

Absolutely love this! great job!

[@geoff9746]

Love the simplicity. The tools I have suit the project just fine. Thanks.

[@AnnArborBuck]

I built this for my last house, came out great! The wife loved it. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@heatherlovesdeuteronomy]

Absolutely beautiful