Easy Mantel Makeover

Cover up the ends of the bricks on both sides of the firebox with slate tiles cut 35/8 in. wide.

Use a rubber mallet to firmly set the slate into the mortar. Thin cardboard strips act as tile spacers.

Press the tiles into the thinset mortar above the firebox. The 1x3 support shelf wedged in the opening helps keep the tiles from sliding down.

It's in the bag: Fill a plastic bag with grout, then snip off one corner and squeeze the grout into the joints.

Wait about 20 minutes, then use a wet sponge to wipe off the excess grout from the surface of the slate.

Screw a 2x3 cleat to the wall above the fireplace. Position it so that the mantel will just slip over it.

Mark the cleats' positions with tape to indicate where to drive in the screws when attaching the mantel.

Tilt the mantelpiece into place, making sure it slips over all three cleats and fits tight against the wall.

Drill a counterbore hole, then drive a 2 1/2-in. screw through the mantel shelf and into the cleat