Does anyone know anything about steel protector plates for the underside of a mantel? Where would I purchase one?? Could I create something to be a makeshift mantel protector? Thanks for your help in advance!

I think the way forward is to have someone fabricate a steel protector plate. It would have to be cut the right size, and you will probably want to have it painted so it blends in. Maybe have it powder coated a black matte finish.

My concern would be that the plate will look out of place, and spoil the looks of the mantel and mantel shelf. I do not think the plate can be installed so it is not visible if it is to protect the shelf. But I would check that point with the manufacturer. For instance, if the shelf is, say, 10 inches deep, you might be able to get away with a plate that's 8 inches deep, and that might not be too conspicuous. But if the plate has to be the same depth as the shelf, it will show and might not look right.

I would consider going with a mantel and mantel shelf that is composed of noncombustible material such as metal, marble, slate, even glass. The possibilities are endless -- you can search them on the web.

The other concern is that if the shelf gets warm, you need to make sure that whatever you place on the shelf is not going to be damaged by the heat.

Yes, I was planning on a wood mantel shelf. I'm wondering if I could use something like ceramic or glass tile on the underside of the mantel instead--would that accomplish the same thing as a steel protector plate?

I will also consider going with a noncombustible mantel, but they seem to be more expensive than wood.