Honestly, back when I started, we often guessed based on the fireplace opening. A wrong guess once led to a brush getting stuck for hours. Now I always measure twice before even setting up.
It sounds odd, but heavy duty cardboard from old boxes works great for full size templates. I flatten it out, cut shapes with a utility knife, and it holds up for several uses. This saves a ton of MDF or plywood from getting tossed after one job. Plus, it's free and keeps waste out of the dump.
1d ago
Shoutout to the rise of gluten-free baking in my circle, my first attempt was a mess but second time nailed it
Really? For me, nailing it is what builds real confidence.