A custom fireplace mantel is surprising inexpensive to design and install. Live edge wood is transformed into a beautiful mantel. Read how in this step by step process to create a unique custom fireplace mantel. If you are not comfortable taking on this project, reach out to Clear Chimney’s mantel experts for help.
Here are the following steps to begin:
Find a local wood provider of live edge logs. These folks will take huge logs of various types and cut them to your exact specifications. We like any type of Oak and Cedar logs. It is important to tell them you are building a mantel and want a “live edge” on the wood. They will keep the outside bark during the cutting process.
Our original piece of raw live edge wood for the mantel
Ask local tree cutting companies or wood supplies for a local cutter to supply raw wood cut to your specs.
Once you have the wood needed in the correct sizes, it is time to prepare the wood with color and a protection. The next step involves sanding. Be sure to have an area that can take the dust for easy clean up. Also, use a mask when sanding. The particles fly in the air during sanding.
Sand the entire wood on all sides. Use a “tacky cloth” that picks up the tiny particles from the wood before they are sealed in.
We recommend the colors you want are tested first. We usually do it on the back side. You can also use a scrap of wood but be sure it is from the same provider. Colors vary a lot on different grains and woods.
Sand, tacky cloth, stain, steel wool, tacky cloth, seal the custom mantel
Custom fireplace mantel final installation:
A beautiful custom mantel completed ready for review. The screen was added for protection. A few thousand dollars created an artwork masterpiece for this fireplace. Many years of enjoyment are ahead.
Installing black pipe for gas logs is a precision operation. It is also dangerous if not trained in the proper threading and sealing operation needed to maintain a safe operation. This article will cover the reasons why black pipe is critical to successful gas log installations.
Black pipe is the workhorse for heating systems
The installation of this material is so critical, many organizations like the Tennessee Gas Association establish codes and regulations. The pressure delivered in this pipe is large. The gas is flammable. Small leaks can spell big troubles. You do not want to trust just any handy man to install this pipe.
It is expensive, too. The pipe alone is easily over $500 for a typical installation with a meter that is close by. The true cost is in the installation. The pipe goes together in a reverse thread operation. If any changes are needed, most of the pipe has to be unscrewed and redone for the upgrade. Also, unless the length of pipe is exactly in 10 foot sections and nipples or 90 degrees are used, most pipe must be cut to scale. Black pipe for gas logs require special pipe cutters and expertise by the chimney company.
Run away from this type of proposal for gas work...
If a company or individual is willing to install gas lines with flexible connections all over the site or can not provide references with pictures of the work, stop and find another contractor. If it were easy and safe, gas line would be installed using a garden hose. Remember, this is your house and family’s safety here. Only allow qualified companies like Clear Chimney to install, maintain and service your natural gas or propane gas lines. Finally, when your gas fireplace is not working, call us for service.
We are the best gas chimney repair in Knoxville TN because we show up, provide an honest opinion of your system and quote a fair price. So often, the biggest challenge in serving the gas chimney is having someone SHOW UP.
There are many times that homeowners told us no one answered a call or showed up after 6 or more calls! That is not right. For many, a gas fireplace is the sole source of heat for their home. With temperatures in east Tennessee routinely in the teens overnight, we must help everyone keep their gas chimney systems working.
See what many of our customers have to say about us on our testimonial page (click on the review below)
Best gas chimney repair Knoxville Testimonial
We are not showing you this to brag. Actually, we are so frustrated at the lack of service by so many others in the industry. Many won’t travel over 30 miles outside of Knoxville TN. Really? With all of the homes in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, this is not right.
Clear Chimney travels from Cookeville TN to Morristown TN and down to Chattanooga TN. We even go up into Kentucky for special services. We view this as a service to our fellow families. Heating in your home can mean the difference in surviving the winter.
