This project was built and designed by Marcus from Salty Woodworking. It’s a clean and elegant walnut mantle that adds warmth and character to any room.
Walnut is known for its beautiful grain and rich tone, making it a great choice for standout pieces like this. The design is simple and modern, but the craftsmanship gives it a timeless feel.
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Preparing the Wood
Marcus begins by selecting walnut boards for the mantle. Since they come rough, he uses a planer to flatten and square each one.
This step ensures the boards are straight and ready for precise cutting. For those without milling tools, pre-surfaced lumber is a good alternative.
Making the Miter Cuts
After prepping the boards, the next step is to cut them to length. Marcus makes 45-degree miter cuts on three sides of the boards to form a clean, seamless box.
He uses a table saw and miter saw for this step, setting up a featherboard to keep the boards aligned during the cuts. Taking time to get crisp, clean edges is key to the final appearance.
Assembling the Mantle
With all the pieces cut, Marcus dry fits the boards to check alignment. Any slight warping is adjusted before applying glue.
Instead of clamps, he uses masking tape to hold the joints tight during glue-up. The tape method works well for mitered boxes and keeps everything square while drying.
The glued assembly is left to cure overnight. This gives the joints enough time to fully bond and hold shape.
Building the Support Frame
Once the mantle is dry, Marcus builds an internal frame to support it. He uses a 2×4 cut to size and adds support blocks inside the mantle box.
The blocks are glued and nailed in place with brad nails. This internal frame makes it easier to mount the mantle securely to the wall later.
Sanding and Finishing
Marcus sands the entire mantle, starting with a rough grit and moving to finer ones for a smooth surface. He then wipes the wood clean with mineral oil to remove any dust or residue.
For finishing, he uses a 3:1 ratio hard wax oil blend. It’s wiped on, allowed to penetrate, then wiped off for an even, low-sheen result.
The oil brings out the walnut’s natural tones while offering protection. After curing for a day or two, the mantle is ready for installation.
Mounting the Mantle
To mount the piece, Marcus attaches the internal 2×4 frame to the wall. It’s important to level it before sliding the mantle into place.
Once set, he secures the mantle with a couple of hidden screws. This ensures the piece stays in place and sits flush with the wall.
A Clean and Timeless Finish
The final result is a smooth, modern walnut mantle that anchors the room without being bulky. It’s a great weekend project that offers both visual impact and woodworking satisfaction.
Whether installed in a living room or above a fireplace, this piece adds warmth and detail to the space. With clean lines and a deep finish, it’s built to last and easy to admire.
See the Full Build
Please support Marcus by visiting his website: https://www.saltywoodworking.net/.