A TV Complicates the Mantelpiece

When Fine Homebuilding contributing editor Gary M. Katz undertook a project to build a fireplace mantel with room to recess a flat-screen TV, he knew he'd probably make some mistakes but also learn some valuable lessons. He highlights the ups and downs of this unusual project. Among the lessons Katz learned: always start a project with a drawing. Katz made excellent use of a new design tool, Google's SketchUp, in the course of this mantel project. He also did as much work in the shop as he could and modified existing molding profiles to create a custom look.