Woodworker: Mario Rodriguez

Inspired by the 1801 Pierce-Nichols drawing-room mantel in Salem, Massachusetts, by master carver and furniture maker Samuel MacIntyre, this Georgian mantel by Mario Rodriguez is not as difficult to build as it looks. The flower and vine ornamentation and other embellishments appear carved, but it are actually made from composite materials (ordered from a catalog) and applied to a simple plywood foundation. The mantel is finished with water-based paint.

For a project plan and step-by-step construction information, see Mario Rodriguez’s book, Building Fireplace Mantels .

Photos: © 2002 by Bruce Buck and Mario Rodriguez

Launch Gallery