QA

Question: How To Build A Fireplace Mantel Over Brick

Can you put a mantel over brick fireplace?

Since wooden mantels are quite heavy, they need to be securely attached not only to the brick fireplace but to the wall studs behind the brick. You can attach a wooden mantel to a brick fireplace in an afternoon with common hand-operated tools.

How can I cover an old brick fireplace?

One way to update your fireplace is by covering it with tile. “Because tile requires a smooth surface, though, and brick is anything but, you will need to use a cement backer board,” advises J.B. Sassano, president of Mr.

What is a floating mantel?

Our mantels are hollow on the inside, providing an easy alternative to solid wood mantels. Live grain end caps maintain the look of a solid piece of wood. Each mantel is hand crafted from reclaimed longleaf pine, providing a unique look and character that cannot be duplicated.

How far should a mantle stick out?

A mantel should stick out at least 6 inches (15.24cm) from the wall. It’s the perfect depth that allows you to have a mantle effectively deflect heat without compromising aesthetics. You can extend it to have more depth for your decorative pieces, but we don’t recommend having it less than 6 inches (15.24cm).

What type of wood is used for mantels?

Walnut is a popular choice for fireplace mantels. It is a harder and heavier type of wood than most and is extremely durable. The rich dark brown wood is an excellent for an impressive fireplace mantel. Hickory is also a great choice for a fireplace mantel if you are going for a unique look.

What is the best way to drill into brick?

Begin by drilling a pilot hole using a small masonry bit. Then, attach the larger bit and drill again to make a bigger hole. Make sure the drill is perpendicular to the brick wall. Drilling through brick and mortar places stress on the drill, causing it to heat up.

How thick should a fireplace mantel be?

A depth of 7 inches is ideal for most mantels, as it allows plenty of room to accommodate decorative objects. Keep in mind that the top and the sides of the mantel should be the same depth.

How much weight can a fireplace mantel hold?

Combustible objects placed on or around the mantel must meet your fireplace manufacturer’s requirements for clearances to combustibles. DO NOT OVERLOAD MANTEL: THE MAXIMUM LOAD FOR ALL 60 INCH MANTELS is 150lbs. MAXIMUM LOAD FOR ALL 72 INCH MANTELs is 180lbs.

What can I put over brick fireplace?

There are a ton of options for things that you can do to change the look of a brick fireplace: Whitewash or paint the brick. Stucco over the brick. Add tile to the surround or whole fireplace. Add a new mantle to the existing fireplace.

Is a red brick fireplace outdated?

Red brick fireplaces used to be a staple in the 1970’s. Its warm tones complemented the flames, but not much else. If you want to update a red brick fireplace that has seen children and grandchildren grow up, try whitewashing it. Whitewashing brick turns it a pale-grey color that gives it a new, modern feel.

What kind of screws do I need for brick?

Self-tapping brick anchors, concrete block or concrete screws are used for fastening items to brick. Concrete screws are most commonly called Tapcon® masonry screws. The heavy-duty masonry screw has the versatility for use in brick, mortar joints, CMU, block or solid concrete.

How do you install a brick fireplace hearth?

Step 1 – Moving the gas fireplace insert. Step 2 – Cut half size bricks. Step 3 – Measure and stencil horizontal guide lines on the wall. Step 4 – Mix the mortar. Step 5 – Lay brick the fireplace surround (the wall) Step 6 – Brick over the fireplace insert opening. Step 7 – Lay the brick hearth (the floor).

How are mantels attached to the wall?

Since neither option is very sturdy, we recommend you attach the mantel to a cleat—a simple piece of lumber securely fastened to the wall. One cleat runs horizontally under the mantel shelf, and the others run vertically inside the legs (most mantels are hollow in back).

How do you attach wood to brick without drilling?

The best way to attach wood to brick without drilling is to use a brick wall hook. These hooks are designed for brick walls, even slightly curved ones. They are removable, adhesive-free, and strong (holds up to 25 lbs). You can install them in seconds and most importantly: no holes to drill.

What is the best adhesive for wood to brick?

The answer is simple – CT1. CT1 is the best glue for wood to brick because of its unique TRIBRID® Technology. It delivers fast and effective results and is the perfect adhesive for bonding wood to brick.

What is the best adhesive for brick?

There are only a couple of glues that are rated strong enough to use with brick: Gorilla Glue and Rhino Glue.

How far should mantle be above fireplace?

As a general rule, it’s important to mount the mantle an average of 12 inches over the fireplace opening, which is a general rule from the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) to ensure it’s up to code. The mantle can also be 4 1/2 feet above the floor.

How wide are most fireplace mantels?

For a quick reference, a 36-inch fireplace will probably have a mantel width of 48 inches. A 42-inch fireplace will probably have a mantel width of 54 inches. The mantel should not be so wide that it reaches anything else, like a wall, window or door.

How far above a fireplace should a TV be mounted?

Above Fireplace Mounting The rule of thumb is, if your mantel is less than four feet from the floor, you should mount your TV about 12 inches above it. This rule applies to a fireplace without a mantel as well.