DIY fireplace mantel

How to Build a DIY Fireplace Mantel With a Hidden Outlet! (updated 2025)

What’s a fireplace without a mantel? When I built my fireplace from the ground up, I knew a custom DIY fireplace mantel would completely elevate the look. It’s not just for everyday décor (although I do love styling it year-round)—it also becomes the focal point for holidays, especially Christmas.

In this guide, I’ll show you how I built my oak fireplace mantel from scratch, including a built-in outlet for Christmas lights!

This mantel was actually part of a larger project where I built the entire fireplace from the ground up. If you want to see how I framed the wall, ran the electrical, and added stone floor to ceiling, click here for the full DIY fireplace tutorial.

Why You’ll Love Making Your Own DIY Fireplace Mantel

✅ Customizable: Make it the perfect size and style for your space.
✅ Budget-Friendly: A beautiful mantel at a fraction of the cost of store-bought.
✅ Functional Design: Built-in outlet for lights, holiday décor, and more.
✅ Rustic Charm: Made from sturdy oak, it looks like a solid beam for a timeless look.

DIY fireplace mantel made from oak wood, installed above a stone fireplace, adding rustic charm to the living space.

Want to Watch the DIY Fireplace Mantel Build? Here’s the Step-by-Step Video

Prefer a visual guide? Watch my step-by-step video tutorial on how I built and installed this gorgeous DIY fireplace mantel. 👇

Tools You’ll Need to Build a Fireplace Mantel

Before you get started, here’s the exact list of tools I used for this project:

Materials You’ll Need for a DIY Wood Fireplace Mantel

Here’s what you’ll need for this project:

Step 1: How to Build the Frame for a DIY Oak Fireplace Mantel

When building my DIY fireplace mantel, I chose oak because it’s both sturdy and beautiful, especially when stained. I wanted the oak boards to look like a solid beam once the project was done.

Using a miter saw, I cut three pieces to the desired mantel length—one each for the top, front, and bottom. I also cut two smaller end pieces.

Cutting oak boards to size for building a DIY fireplace mantel, using a miter saw for precise measurements.

Step 2: How to Bevel Wood Edges for a Seamless Mantel Look

I adjusted the blade on my table saw to a 45° angle to bevel the edges of these boards.

Beveling the edges of oak boards with a table saw to create a seamless look for a DIY fireplace mantel.

The front piece got all four edges beveled, while the other pieces had only three beveled edges, leaving the side that would sit against the fireplace straight.

Step 3: Assembling the Mantel Box

Time to assemble this DIY fireplace mantel! I laid them out, beveled edges down, and taped them together for alignment.

After flipping them over, I applied wood glue to all the joining edges and folded the boards into a box.

Applying wood glue along the beveled edges of oak boards to assemble a DIY fireplace mantel.

A brad nailer came in handy to secure the corners, but be careful with the angle—if you shoot the nails in too steeply, they might poke through and then you’ll need to pull them out and fill the holes with wood filler. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!

Securing the corners of a DIY fireplace mantel using a brad nailer for a sturdy assembly.

You want to make the seams disappear when building a DIY fireplace mantel. I did this by gently pressing along the edges with the neck of my hammer.

Step 4: How to Stain and Seal a DIY Floating Mantel

After filling any gaps or nail holes with wood filler and sanding everything smooth, I stained the mantel in Early American, my go-to color for warmth and richness. It’s no shocker that I reached for it when building this DIY fireplace mantel. This is the same color I used on my stair railing and floating bathroom shelves.

Once the stain dried, I sealed it with Polycrylic for a subtle sheen and protection.

Coating a fireplace mantel with polycrylic to protect it from damage.

Step 5: How to Add a Built-In Outlet to a DIY Mantel

Since I wanted an outlet in the mantel, I traced the electrical box on the side. Then, I drilled starter holes big enough for the jigsaw blade to fit in at all four corners of my cutout. Then, I used the jigsaw to cut out the rest of the opening.

Step 6: How to Install a DIY Fireplace Mantel on a Stone Fireplace

With the mantel fully built, it was time to install it. Since I had built the fireplace in my dining room from scratch, I added a crossbeam during the framing process that would support the weight of the mantel. To further secure it, I installed another 2×4, attaching it through the sheeting to the crossbeam I had previously installed.

This new support beam sat just above the outlet wiring, and of course, I made sure everything was level before moving forward.

Installing a support beam above a fireplace to secure a DIY mantel in place.

Next, I set the DIY fireplace mantel on top of the 2×4 support beam. I fed the electrical wire through the outlet hole, then attached the mantel to the support beam using screws placed near the back. N need to worry about the screws being visible, as the stonework would eventually cover them.

How to install a fireplace mantel.

Once the mantel was secured, I wired in the outlet. We are done with building and installing this DIY fireplace mantel!

Wiring an electrical outlet inside a DIY fireplace mantel for added functionality.

Before and After: A Cozy Fireplace Transformation

After completing the stonework and installing the fireplace insert, I was proud of how everything turned out! This DIY fireplace mantel brings a cozy and inviting atmosphere to my dining room and serves as a stunning focal point.

Completed DIY stone fireplace with an oak mantel, creating a cozy focal point in the dining room.

Want links to anything you see here in my dining room? I have all the details for the decor and more listed here.

A rustic DIY fireplace mantel installed above a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in the dining room.
DIY fireplace mantel.
How to build a DIY floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace with a custom oak mantel as a stunning focal point in the dining room.

Want to See Another DIY Mantel Idea?

If you’re loving this project and want to try a different style, I’ve also built this DIY floating beam mantel that looks like a solid wood beam but is hollow and lightweight. It’s another great option if you’re going for a rustic modern look—or if you’re working with a different kind of fireplace setup.

Here’s a before photo just so you can see what a difference adding the fireplace made to this room. I have a full tutorial showing you how I built this floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace surround all by myself.

Before photo of a dining room wall before the addition of a DIY stone fireplace and mantel transformation.
What type of wood is best for a fireplace mantel?

For a durable and classic look, hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut are great options. Softwoods like pine are more affordable and easier to work with but may be less durable over time.

How thick should a fireplace mantel be?

The thickness of your mantel depends on the style you want. Most mantels are between 1.5 to 3 inches thick, but a chunkier look can be achieved by creating a faux beam using thinner wood.

Do I need to secure my mantel to wall studs?

Yes! For safety and stability, it’s important to attach the mantel to wall studs or a secure support beam. This ensures it can support weight, especially if you plan to decorate it with heavy items.

How high should a fireplace mantel be?

The height of a mantel typically ranges from 48 to 60 inches above the floor, depending on the size of your fireplace and the room’s ceiling height. For a custom look, consider the scale of the room and how you’ll decorate it.

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