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How do you support a heavy fireplace mantel?
The mantel needs to anchor to the studs in the wall above the fireplace. Drive 1/2- or 3/4-inch rebar rods or lag screws into pilot holes drilled into the studs. For best support, drive them all the way through the stud. Place one rod or screw in each stud behind the mantel.
How do you hang a heavy mantel on drywall?
Holding your drill at a 45 degree angle downward, drill a pilot hole through the shelf and drywall and into the stud. Install a finishing nail into each of the pilot holes with a nail gun or hammer; the nails must be long enough to penetrate at least 1 inch into the drywall. These nails will secure the mantle in place.
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 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.
How do you attach a mantel to an existing fireplace?
How to Install a Mantel Remove the old mantel. Add support by drilling holes for lag shields, then install lag bolts into the brick. Measure carefully and drill corresponding holes for the wood mantel. Push the wooden mantel carefully into place using wood glue for extra support.
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.
How do I attach a solid mantle to the wall?
Slide Over Bolts Method Locate the studs behind the brick, stone, or faux veneer. Drive 1/2in lag screws through each of the studs. Have a helper support the mantel while you mark the location of the support rods on the back of the beam. Apply construction adhesive into the holes. Slide into place, admire, and enjoy!.
How do you attach wood beams to drywall?
Covering the Beam Screw drywall to a wooden beam on the three exposed sides to cover them, using type W drywall screws, also called “coarse thread” screws. Add joint compound, commonly called “mud” in the drywall trade, at the inside and outside corners.
How long should floating mantel be?
The mantel should not be shorter than the length of the fireplace, and should leave at least 3 feet above the mantel for decor. Start by measuring the size of the fireplace.
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.
Why do fireplaces have mantles?
Why Do Fireplaces Have Mantels? The purpose of a fireplace mantel was traditionally to catch smoke before it entered the room from the firebox of an open fireplace, but mantels in more modern times are used primarily for decorative and aesthetic purposes.
How thick should mantle 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. First, use a measuring tape and pencil to measure and mark the mantel top to size.
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).
How far 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.
Can you put a TV on a mantel?
The short answer is – yes. However, to ensure your television isn’t damaged from the heat, care must be taken to ensure heat generated by the fireplace is redirected away from television. There are several ways to do this, such as installing a proper mantel and building an alcove for the television.
Can you set TV on mantle?
Ideally, televisions should be set at the eye level of seated viewers, but unless you have a very low mantel, this placement probably won’t be possible above a fireplace. Sit in your favorite chair and stare at the template for a while; if you experience neck strain, consider placing the TV somewhere else.
Can you change fireplace mantel?
While mantels come in a variety of styles, most modern mantels are not a single, solid piece of wood. You can replace a fireplace mantel with one that suits your home’s decor in a couple of hours with some basic hand tools.
How do you fill the gap between wood and drywall?
Buy an acrylic silicone caulk. Fill the gap with as much caulk as you can without letting any protrude from the gap. Use your finger or a narrow tool to press the caulk deep into the gap. Allow the caulk to dry. Embed paper drywall tape in joint compound over the drywall side of the joint.
