There is no single standard mantel clock woodworking plan: the available designs differ in size, style, joinery, and how much detail they provide. For a compact, straightforward case, WOOD’s plan is 10 × 6 × 13 inches; Kreg offers a free plan with a printable dial; and two taller designs provide Arts and Crafts or broken-arch styling. Choose one plan first, then use its own drawings and parts list to size the case and select a compatible clock movement.
Compare four mantel clock plans
The dimensions and features below belong to the individual designs; they are not interchangeable specifications. Review the selected plan before buying lumber or movement hardware.
| Plan | Size | What it includes or calls for |
|---|---|---|
| WOOD, Mantel Clock Downloadable Plan | 10 inches wide × 6 inches deep × 13 inches high | Mitered case, shop-made moldings, and an inexpensive battery-powered movement. Associated with WOOD Issue 194 (November 2009); the store page says it was updated January 5, 2024. |
| Kreg, Mantel Clock with Free Printable Dial | Not stated on the plan page summarized here | Free plan with printable dial; calls for off-the-shelf boards and a quartz movement with hands. The materials and tools list is plan-specific. |
| WOOD, Arts and Crafts Mantle Clock | 21 inches high | Plan identifies sources for the copper face, mechanism, and hands. Other dimensions are not stated here. |
| Bob’s Plans, Broken Arch Mantel Clock | Approximately 21 inches high × 12¾ inches wide × 5¾ inches deep | Free PDF described as approximately 25 pages, with drawings, parts dimensions, materials, and instructions. Uses a quartz battery movement, with optional Westminster chimes. |
Which design suits your project?
For a compact, simply shaped case
WOOD’s 10 × 6 × 13-inch design uses a mitered case and shop-made moldings. Its plan calls for a battery-powered clock movement. See the WOOD plan page for the design and access details.
For a free plan with a printable dial
Kreg describes its design as buildable from off-the-shelf half-inch and three-quarter-inch boards with an inexpensive movement. The plan includes a printable dial and lists a quartz movement with hands among its materials. Kreg also lists a 45-degree chamfer router bit and micro-pocket drill guide and screws, so check its complete materials and tool list before deciding whether the approach fits your shop. Open the Kreg plan for its drawings and instructions.
#1 Best Overall
For a taller Arts and Crafts look
WOOD’s Arts and Crafts design is 21 inches tall, and its plan identifies sources for the copper face, mechanism, and hands. Use that plan for the design’s remaining dimensions and construction details: Arts and Crafts Mantle Clock plan.
For a broken-arch case and optional chimes
Bob’s Plans describes a detailed PDF for an approximately 21 × 12¾ × 5¾-inch broken-arch clock. It specifies a quartz battery movement and offers Westminster chimes as an option. Those dimensions and features apply to this design only; consult the plan page for the PDF and its parts details.
Check movement fit before buying
These plans call for battery or quartz clock mechanisms, but they do not establish one movement model that will fit every design. The movement must suit the dial and the available space inside the case. Before ordering, compare the movement’s shaft length and hand clearance with the plan’s dial thickness and case layout, then follow the movement maker’s installation directions.
- Choose the plan and dial before selecting a movement.
- Check the movement shaft against the thickness of the dial and any material it must pass through.
- Make sure the hands can turn without touching the dial, glass, or case.
- If selecting optional chimes, verify the chosen plan’s mechanism and case requirements rather than assuming a standard quartz movement supports them.
Use the chosen plan’s own cut list and tool requirements
Do not combine dimensions or material lists from different designs. Download or review the complete plan before purchasing lumber, hardware, or a movement. Wood species, finish, build time, and difficulty are not established consistently across these plans, so follow the specifications and instructions for the design you select.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- PORTRAIT BOOK PHOTO FRAME: The folding front cover opens like a book to display a cherished photo, adding a personal, sentimental touch to any desk, shelf, or bedside table. Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices, this unique design makes the clock both a functional timepiece and a meaningful keepsake.
- REFINED DIAL DESIGN: Features a brushed brass-tone dial with bold black Roman numerals, a silver diamond-cut numeral ring, and a polished gold-tone waterfall-style bezel framed by a glass crystal face. The combination of classic materials and careful detailing gives this clock a distinguished, timeless look suited to traditional and transitional interiors.
- ACCURATE QUARTZ MOVEMENT: Powered by one AA battery (not included), the quartz movement delivers consistent, reliable timekeeping without the need for wiring or outlet access. Battery operation makes placement flexible — position the clock on a mantel, bookshelf, office desk, or nightstand without being tethered to a power source.
- SELECT HARDWOOD CONSTRUCTION: Built by Howard Miller from select hardwoods with a warm wooden finish, this tabletop clock is crafted for durability and lasting aesthetic appeal. The quality of materials reflects Howard Miller's long-standing commitment to fine clock making, visible in the solid feel and refined surface finish.
- HOWARD MILLER HERITAGE: Howard Miller has been a trusted name in clock making since 1926. Each piece is designed to meet high standards of craftsmanship and reliability, making this clock a confident choice for buyers seeking a well-made, brand-backed timepiece rather than a generic decorative item.
Tools also vary by construction method. WOOD’s compact plan describes shop-made molding, while Kreg’s list includes a chamfer router bit and pocket-hole equipment. These are requirements or options associated with those plans, not a universal tool list for building a mantel clock.
To compare other styles, including architectural and neoclassical clocks, browse WOOD’s clock plan catalog.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 🕗【Elegant Design】This mantel clock is a true testament to exquisite design, which adds a touch of sophistication and style to your living room, bedroom, shelf decoration, fireplace, or farmhouse decor. It seamlessly blends timeless grace with cutting-edge precision. The clock's elegant curves and rich wooden tones contribute to a sophisticated and classic aesthetic, making it a standout piece in any room.
- 🕗【Melodious Chimes Function】To enhance its charm, the electronic chimer plays a melodious tune on the hour. You can customize the chime volume to your liking. In addition to the traditional hourly chime, we offer a musical chime modes ( Westminster,other retro music) —please refer to the manual for setup instructions. Furthermore, we provide a nighttime mute mode for quiet evenings.
- 🕗【Ash Wooden Frame】Fashioned from sturdy ash wooden, this clock not only exudes beauty but also endures the test of time. It embodies a deep respect for time-honored craftsmanship. The meticulously hand-polished decorative beads on the base and the skillfully embedded golden brass metal ring surrounding the clock face showcase our commitment to detail. The gracefully curved top adds a hint of vintage charm and exquisite sophistication to this enduring timepiece.
- 🕗【Easy To Read】Featuring a vintage dial adorned with bold black numerals and hands, this mantel clock makes a striking addition to any room in your home. Its clear visibility from a distance allows you to easily check the time, making it suitable for placement in any area where you need to keep track of time.
- 🕗【A Gift From Nature】Share the beauty of nature with your loved ones. Our wooden mantle clock makes an exceptional gift for housewarmings, weddings, or any special occasion. Its blend of natural aesthetics and contemporary design will leave a lasting impression, cherished for years to come.
Rank #4
- SOLID OAK CRAFTSMANSHIP: The Mission Oak Mantel Clock is crafted of solid quartersawn white oak in our Onondaga finish, with a beautiful ray-flake grain that makes every piece unique.
- RELIABLE TIME IN A BEAUTIFUL PACKAGE: A Stickley clock keeps accurate time thanks to battery-operated quartz movement behind its vintage Arts and Crafts–style brass face.
- EASY TO SET TIME AND CHANGE BATTERY: The clock features a round back panel that twists off easily so you can adjust the dials and replace the included AA battery when needed.
- STAMPED WITH OUR MARK OF QUALITY: The burned-in Stickley logo and Als Ik Kan shop mark are trusted symbols of 125 years of timeless craftsmanship.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
