Build a Rustic Faux Beam Mantel or Shelf

[@skunkape5918]

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

[@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.

[@MONEYZ123]

French cleat is an A+ idea. Nicely done!

[@hangdogit]

I've seen several video like this becasue I'm considering enclosing out distressed Cedar mantle -- but yours IS THE BEST -- by far. Very clear narration and details.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@beebetter-plz]

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!

[@jamesbickford4769]

GREAT VIDEO! That was a great video. I really liked the way you showed safety using the table saw, even though it was a saw stop you still kept your hands away from the blade. The cleat hanging method is genius and so was the distressing method. My only supportive suggestion is use blue tape while gluing it up. The contraband stash box is cool as well.

[@vincetodero8239]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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 !

[@bobosorio3473]

EXCELLENT VIDEO AND THE MANTLE IS EVEN BETTER THAN THE VIDEO. IN FACT, THE BEST LOOKING MANTLE I'VE SEEN; YOUR MANTLE CAME OUT LITERALLY PERFECT. I AM BUILDING ONE AT THE MOMENT THAT IS 93 INCHES LONG USING THE SAME COLOR STAIN RIGHT NOW AND I HOPE IT TURNS OUT LOOKING LIKE YOURS.

[@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

[@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.

[@40oakswoodcraft]

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

[@CMA1967]

@@akok5373 👆real crybaby

[@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!

[@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.

[@shwnp777]

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

[@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!!! 🤗😂❤👍👍

[@philip1522]

Been researching these for a friend who needs one. Your design, build and video are amongst the best I've seen so far - so I'll be stealing your ideas - thanks. I'll leave a thumbs up and subscription in payment however.

[@michaelmoore8969]

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

[@renobtankit6019]

Nice build, I just so have a customer who wanted a faux beam mantle built it following your video only changed one thing when connecting the french cleat to the mantel I used pocket screws on the inside this save me from having to drill screw holes and cap them with wood plugs. Thanks for your vids and keep up the good work.

[@nickberard701]

I just built this yesterday and then installed the mantle today. It come out great. I have pics to send to you if you want to see the outcome. Thank you for sharing this video!

[@cumbiedog]

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

[@valkyriesardo278]

I was very excited about the video until I noticed you used shop tools. I have only hand tools. Even so, I stayed to watch because you are an excellent teacher. I very much admire that French cleat. I bet that can support a lot of weight. And it greatly simplifies the work of cleaning or painting a wall. I think that would be a good anchor system for hanging outdoor planter boxes. Subscribed because of the quality of your presentation and your skill.

[@POLLITOU2B]

Really beautiful job. Thanks for sharing sir.

[@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!

[@amberandashley3820]

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

[@kristian0285]

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

[@ocpd1385]

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

[@anthonycaldi7056]

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

[@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!!!!

[@bux49]

I was a machinist for 45 years which is different from a cabinet maker. Grandpa's things are hanging in the kitchen and mine are circling the Earth. I need to construct a mantel for our home. I will be copying your design. My grandfather was a cabinet maker and I was to young to learn much from him. I think I got the talent to work with my hands from him even though we chose different mediums. I am lucky that my neighbor has woodworking tools and will let me use them. I decided to use popular wood for my mantel. Thanks for your site.

[@GotItMade]

+R. Johnson Thank you for watching, R. I really appreciate the kind commentary.

[@-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.

[@kimberlybellefontaine1215]

You have such a soothing, comforting voice .... I could listen to you speak all day ! And I love your sense of humor, too ;). I wish I had this beautiful mantle (or a great guy to build one for me lol).

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@tedfritsch3340]

WOW, you just saved me a ton of Money on a new home build. The plans called for a post and beam, but I can achieve the same look by using a conventional Tstud system, then attaching something like your product at the stud wall, to look like a post and beam Thanks much.

[@ryanern18]

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

[@elektrikman8834]

im in the process of building a faux beam mantel cover and this vid is is exactly how I want to do it minus the hanging cleat thanks for the details OBTW nice shop I wished I had that much room to work

[@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?

[@lesliebrooks5684]

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

[@jongrote6053]

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

[@priscillaevans2589]

cartoon

[@robertcornelius3514]

I don't give too many compliments, but you deserve the biggest one yet. It is super tough to work with knotty pine boards because of the constant twist in the boards. You made a very straight mantel out of not so straight lumber. Good job.

[@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!

[@muchograssyass1]

While I will agree that the faux beam turned out very nice I would only add one thing. I have done some of this very same kind of things. I do have a wood shop set up in my garage but he is correct you don't have to have one as elaborate as his or mine. The one thing I would add is that the edges of the beam, primarily the front edges, didn't have enough distress on them to look as old or as a solid beam would look. I have worked with a number of these types of beams out of old barns and the edges are typically more worn and or have marks on them from an old draw knife. Also the ends of the beam don't look like the end of a beam that has been cut off. For that I would recommend one of two techniques. Use a heavy grit sand paper, 60 or 80 grit, to make what would look like saw cut markings. This is a technique which takes a little work but looks very good once perfected, or find a piece of quatersawn lumber and cut a 6" square from that for the end pieces, it would then look more like an end cut from a saw. But as I said this beam did turn out very nice and does look very distressed. It all depends on how close to an actual cut off rustic beam you would like it to look.

[@brandybryan9355]

I like the way you talk! ;)

[@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.

[@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.

[@SammyEddie]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@garyeisele6522]

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

[@cslix]

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

[@cherylthompson8048]

Nice project! I ordered a Dewalt table saw after watching this. Been wanting one for a while, now I have a project that will justify it. Sadly, no contraband here, but nice to know I have great spot to hide it if the need arises. Thank you for great instructions and a beautiful project I am looking forward to building.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@CAiiN13]

Awesome video, your math was on point. Looks great. Tip: Use a small block between the boards to keep them spaced properly. Painters tape helps keep the boards lined up before assembly. Angle grinder, torch, and a wire brush adds a lot of depth to the aged look. Also laying a nail flat on the wood and hammering an indentation help make it look used.

[@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.

[@JeremyWilson121]

Thanks for a great video. Using your tips as a guide I just built a faux beam for the ceiling in my kitchen and hung three pendant lights from it. It turned out great and mt wife loves it

[@nickmoultrie2960]

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

[@slimjim7411]

Very nice, and simple build without a lot of specialty tools involved.

[@paulochavarin3168]

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

[@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!.

[@johnwaynebrooks]

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

[@davemotti4283]

I remember watching this awhile ago. Always good seeing you

[@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!!

[@jameshines4147]

Great build! Simple and step by step videos like yours are great and they are more helpful than those guys who spend too much time talking or to much money on making the video!!! Keep them coming bub and lighten up a little! Seem to serious when you don't need to be, we watch your videos bc of your skills so smile more! You helped someone today!

[@GotItMade]

Thanks James!

[@justsayin4632]

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

[@robertgoelz5035]

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

[@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. 😍

[@tfox13ify]

Really nice job. You make those miter cuts look easy

[@bobthetrooper7]

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

[@whatsupwithsteve]

Nice work! I'm with the other guys regarding that 6" piece on the table saw, stuff like that explains why most of the wood shop teachers in the old days were missing a finger or two! If I am in a situation where I have to make a cut like that I at least clamp a hold down piece on my fence to keep that thing from flying back at me and a wide chaser piece to push the thing through. Beam looks great though!!

[@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.

[@derekbolthausen]

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.

[@biged2226]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@karenbruce4187]

Brilliant idea. Great looking mantle. You are a great presenter ~ explain things easily and good sense of humour! Awesome video, thank you!

[@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!

[@qdog661]

I've used this technique for several projects in my home and they came out great. Thanks for the demo!

[@GotItMade]

Cool!

[@corypride]

182 dislikes? what the ....?

[@egypshun03]

maybe cops? lol

[@hotrodhog2170]

322

[@posit4249]

Great project. Excellent job explaining the process. Well done.

[@Azel461]

Really good job teaching; I may never make a mantle, but I like the idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@bryandenos101]

You are fantastic! Thanks for sharing your talents with us. You also have a great teaching style. Thanks!

[@chriskeenan1]

I don’t know how I got here, but I’m glad I did. Great video, and very well explained. Loved that accent too. Thumbs up from me.

[@francesbison1268]

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

[@charlesalready]

This is gonna be an excellent Christmas gift! Thanks so much!!