For the last 15 years we had a Stone fireplace with no mantel – for at least ten of those years I was told that we needed a mantel… it never happened. We bought the farm and it just so happened that both houses have stone fireplaces with no mantels. It was made very clear to me that I would not get away with ignoring her comments this time. Unfortunately for me, stone and concrete fireplaces are not the best surfaces for installing a mantel… Guess the total cost – it will be at the end – don’t cheat!
Jean got the Corbels at an antique store and refinished them – the support wood was a piece of wood from an old school house that Gene, our electrician, gave us. The facing wood is from the barn and matches the barn-wood on the support beam, exhaust hood and display shelves.
It looks good with a fire too 
Half Way finished and decorated for Christmas 
Note to self for future reference – Small masonry bit first …then larger bit…
Total Cost: about $40 including the drill bits… when we looked at costs for a mantel in our house in Vegas, the wood alone was hundreds of dollars.
Oh, this turned out BEAUTIFULLY! Kudos!
Thanks! Wehave really been enjoying it! My wife redecorates it every season.
Loved looking at your project. However, it makes me tired just seeing all the work you have done. Thanks for sharing. Lubbock, Tx.
Thanks! When we look back it makes us tired too!