Building a Large Box Beam Mantel Is Easier Than You Think

#woodworkingtips #howtovideo #buildamantel
Join me in the shop as we build an attractive rift cut white oak box beam mantel. Using rabbet joints and mitre cuts I show how to assemble this simple but beautiful, defining addition to our client's fireplace wall. I also show you how a french cleat takes the hard work out of installation at the job site.
This video is part 1 and be sure to join us for the upcoming part 2 as we add floating shelves to complete this inviting space.

[@thethriftyfawn]

Wow! You did an absolutely AMAZING job Wes!!! Your client is very lucky to have you lined up for the job! I'll be back to see part two, can't wait to see the floating shelves and how you make and install them! 😊❤👍

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much...glad you enjoyed the video. Wes

[@BeeSimm1]

Love it, my husband and I covered our 86 yr old existing mantel with wood to make it look like a beam, stained it and it’s beautiful. We just brad nailed it to existing mantle, just in case someone would want to remove it in the future.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Sounds great...thanks for your comment. Wes

[@gurusekolah4318]

Love your finishing👍👍👍👍👍

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you! 😊

[@biglav6048]

Always excited to learn from you. Nice touch showing the job site for context prior to the fabrication to make it all come together!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you, I appreciate that! Wes

[@johnchurchill786]

Really enjoyed this build Wes! The finished mantle looks absolutely stunning. I’m really looking forward to seeing the shelves 👌👌👌👌👌🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks so much! Wes

[@patrickdunn8918]

Ha,,,thanks for not making us watch you sand Wes. I have followed every technique that I have learned from you, and they have served me well. And just like that , I now know how to build a mantle if I need to. I’m currently working on three projects, one of them is a large piece, and one of the others are outdoor benches. I’m now spraying the outdoor pieces with my fav outdoor poly thinned down a little. I have an outdoor spraying operation set up now. 😃😃😃😃. I learned much of what I’m now building from you my friend, and with special attention to prep and finishing. Thank you Sir !!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you Patrick...very kind! So glad I could be of help with the videos. Wes

[@ljones98391]

Gorgeous!! Timeless.

[@diynatertater]

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

[@tiaunajonline]

Dope Wes!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

😀

[@natalieswango7895]

Nice video! I'm about to make a box mantel. I hope the only reason you didn't wear PPE is that you were filming! Live long and prosper.

[@rezNezami]

great job.

[@landiiie5630]

Hi Wes, Great job on the work. I followed your directives however decided to do it without plywood. I suggest providing written raw material dimensions on the description of your videos. I got confused with the thickness of my material. Overall Great tutorial and thank you 👍

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks for the tips! I appreciate you visiting my channel. Wes

[@teresawesterlind1677]

I need help trying to figure out how to balance and update an irregular fireplace. My fireplace is not centered in the bricks/blocks. I have lived here 21 yrs and it has always been an eye sore to me and impossible to decorate. The ceilings are not vaulted and the fire place opening is raised about a foot (I’m guessing,) and has a raised hearth that extends the length of this oblong fireplace. I’d love to put up a mantle that is more than a stained piece of wood (shelf. If I could send a picture, I’d love some advice and ideas. I plan to do something with the block that has an almost flesh color that I hate. Thank you for sharing. I am going to start some restoration of the yellow oak wood in my home. I got some awesome ideas from you. However that fireplace is the elephant in the room. 😊

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

I would be glad to view a picture for you. Please send it to my email account... [e-mail]

[@DIY101]

Hello Wes, very nice piece, could you give us your mfg.& stain colour code? I worked for too many years in refinishing repairing and touch up furniture in a major hotel. Your use of the French Cleat is excellent.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Laurence...I used sherwood wiping stain from Sherwin Williams with a custom color requested by the client. Thanks for watching. Wes

[@johndouglas6079]

Amazing work Wes! Most videos I've seen on putting a mantel together are done so by just mitering all the edges. Why did you choose to use rabbet joints? Thanks.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi John...it gave me a stronger, straighter corner. Thanks for watching, Wes

[@ronaldtreitner1460]

i did a center beam for my ceiling running the length of our tiny house. stained it with a darker brownish/red stain, then over that i stained it black. result was you can see traces of color faintly showing throughout the piece, then i gave it three coats of poly, looks awesome. only thing is instead of cutting to fit the rafter lengths i mistakenly just started at one end and by the time i got to the other the ends didn't match up on the beam so i had a hard time getting it nailed up there right. but hey it's a learning process, right.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

It is a learning process...I have been there!! Thanks for your comment. Wes

[@Coachn8c]

amazing job Wes! How did you tighten it up in the end???

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Nate...the downward pressure on the french cleat holds it tight to the wall. So to tighten it, I just pushed down harder, making sure I stayed level. Thanks for watching. Wes

[@troyporter3825]

Just curious why did you opt for the extra of doing rabbit joints as opposed to using just mitred joints?

[@jenelleworkman7741]

Are you able to recall/share the custom stain color that was requested by the customer?

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Sorry...I wasn't given the color. Thanks for watching, Wes

[@georgeguerra6587]

Where did you get the white oak veneer plywood sir

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

I purchased my veneer sheet from a local hardwood supplier. You may have to check around to find one. Thanks, Wes

[@carlaswarts5524]

What is the wall covering made of...stone?

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

It is tile. Thanks for watching, Wes

[@ronaldtreitner1460]

nice job but one thing bugs me...... you left the blue tape on the wall when you hung it

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

The blue tape on the wall was to indicate the floating shelf installation.

[@Mario-yp9bw]

Wess how are you this is Mario I used to work for Dion

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Mario...great to hear from you. Hope you are doing well. Wes

[@Mario-yp9bw]

@@WoodworkingWithWes I am doing good thank you, I'm still here in Salt Lake, never left i work in west Jordan since I quit Richins.

[@Mario-yp9bw]

@@WoodworkingWithWes hot me up if you need some help on finishing or building.

[@johnneuberger3433]

Can you do all 3 sides ply and miter all edges?

[@timbooher9721]

just wish you didn't have to use nails and putty on the outside.