I was recently asked to build a custom fireplace mantel to cover up a painted brick fireplace with a wood top shelf. The existing fireplace brick was corbelled out to create a 6-in. shelf, and the ...

Fireplaces are indisputably cozy. They evoke fresh snow and hot cocoa, winter weekends spent holed up in rustic cabins, favorite stews simmering on the stove. While installing a real, wood-burning one ...