QA

Question: How To Build Mantels

How do you build your own mantel?

What kind of wood is used for mantles?

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.

Is there a standard height for mantles?

Standard Mantel Height Again, “proper” height is relatively subjective to your fireplace, but average or standard fireplace mantel height construction is around 54” above the hearth’s floor.

How deep should I make my mantel?

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.

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.

Does Pine make a good mantel?

Woods to Avoid for a Fireplace Mantel Not all woods are suitable for fireplace mantel shelves. Softer woods like fir and pine look attractive when they have been sanded down and polished, but are known to crack easily with the passing of time.

Does cedar make a good mantel?

Cedar is a knotty softwood so it’s soft enough to work with easily but durable enough for a mantel shelf. Northern white cedar and aromatic red cedar is indigenous to North America and not endangered, so the wood is widely available in several forms suitable for mantel shelves.

Can you use timber for a fireplace mantel?

This reclaimed barn beam would be a true rustic fireplace mantel in your home or business. All mantels are surface washed and kiln dried, and have a variety of finish options and customizations to choose from. These solid wood timbers are cut to your specified length and finished with your preferred shade of finish.

How many inches above fireplace should mantle be?

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 should a mantel be?

Your mantel should be wider than your fireplace. Typically, a mantel should be a minimum of 3 inches past the firebox on each side. However, more can be better. The average mantel is approximately 6 inches wider than the fireplace on either side, and some can be even wider.

How many inches above a mantle should a TV be?

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.

How far should a mantle stick out from the wall?

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).

How far does a fireplace stick out?

It depends on the unit, but if we are talking a good quality EPA zero-clearance fireplace like the BIS Traditions then figure the chase (indoor or out) to be around 26 to 28″ deep.

How high is too high for a mantel?

A mantel that is at least 12 inches above the opening of the fireplace should be high enough away from the flames to keep you, your family, and your house safe.

How are mantels attached?

As with many other forms of mantle or shelf, a fireplace mantel can be commonly attached to the wall with screws or lag bolts. Bolts are screwed into the wall above the fireplace before a mantel is slotted straight onto it. A rubber mallet can also be used to help ease the mantel out of position if it’s stuck.

What are fireplace mantels made of?

What Are Fireplace Mantels Made Of? Standalone floating mantels are commonly made from wood, while mantels found as part of a complete fireplace surround can commonly be found made from wood, stone, concrete and marble.

Is Poplar a good wood for mantels?

A Poplar Fireplace Mantel is the most economical wood specie option due to its abundance. Our Poplar Fireplace Mantel Surrounds are available in both paint and stain-grade levels.

Is Poplar good for Mantle?

Poplar Wood Fireplace Mantels While poplar in its natural state is light in color and often contains brown or green streaks, it can be easily painted to achieve the desired finish. Our selection of poplar fireplace mantel styles offers an unbeatable combination of stability, aesthetic appeal and affordability.

Is Douglas fir good for a mantel?

Hand hewn Douglas fir mantels are one of the most popular fireplace mantels we offer. Using the same hand tools as the settlers, we can hand hew our reclaimed Douglas fir timbers. This removes all the patina and usually receives our wax finish applied to it after it’s installed to enhance its character.

Is a wood mantel safe?

The primary goal is to help you avoid creating unsafe situations that can result in a fire burning your home and possibly causing the loss of life. The National Fire Code dictates that any combustible material (e.g., wood mantel or similar trim) must be at least six inches from the firebox opening.

How much does a reclaimed wood mantel cost?

A reclaimed wood mantel can cost $250 to $1,750, depending on the finish options and colors.

How deep should a fireplace be?

The standard size of a fireplace is anywhere from 2 – 3 feet wide, 24 – 29 inches high, and always about 16 inches deep. Of course, the opening could vary depending on your style and design ideas, as well as where you are locating the fireplace.