No woodworking project is more gratifying than making a beautiful fireplace mantel. There is no such thing as a “correct” mantel: they come in every conceivable shape and style, which leaves room for creativity. The 200 color photographs in this guide cover a broad range of possibilities for the craftsperson to consider. Plentiful examples of detailed plans guide the woodworker through the design, construction, and installation steps in mantel making. Also covered is essential information peculiar to mantelsfireproof materials, safety considerations, building codes.