QA

Question: How To Install A Fireplace Mantel Shelf

How are fireplace 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 wood mantel to 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.

How is a mantle attached to a brick fireplace?

Half inch holes are drilled with masonry bits through the fireplace bricks and reaching the wall studs to correspond with similar drills, using a wood bit in the mantel mounting at 16” intervals. Rebar rods or large screws are inserted into these half-inch holes to securely attach the wood mantel to the brick firewall.

How do you install a floating mantel on a brick fireplace?

Make sure those marks are level, centered and extend far enough to cover the mantel’s length. drill holes at each mark. Drill Sleeve Holes. Drill holes at each mark using a drill and 3/4″ masonry bit. insert lead sleeves into holes. Insert Sleeves. drive lag bolts. Drive Lag Bolts. install the mantle. Install Mantel.

How deep should a mantel shelf 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 high should a mantel shelf be above a fireplace?

As a general rule, a mantel is placed about 12 inches above the fireplace opening. Add an inch to the distance for every inch that the mantel protrudes. So, a mantel 6 inches deep would be attached 18 inches above the firebox opening.

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!.

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 do you secure a mantel to a brick 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 far should a fireplace 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 much overhang should a fireplace mantel have?

A mantel should extend a minimum of 3 inches beyond the firebox opening. If the fireplace has facing around the opening, the mantel can also extend 3 or more inches beyond that. Do not guess when sizing the mantel to a room, or the mantel could wind up being too long or too short.

How far out should a fireplace mantel be?

As a general rule, the mantel is placed about 12 inches above the fireplace opening. Then adding an inch to the distance for every inch that the mantel protrudes. So a mantel 6 inches deep, would be attached 18 inches above the firebox opening.

Are wood mantels 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 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 far above the mantle should a TV be mounted?

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.

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.

Can you use a floating shelf as a mantel?

For those of you that haven’t opened up your Kreg Jig yes, this is a GREAT beginner project! The shelf is 60″ long making it a perfect mantle as well! I also think floating shelves are perfect for renters. Really you only leave a few screw holes in the wall that are very easy to fill and paint back over.

How do you build a fireplace mantel beam?

Instructions: Step 1: Cut 45• miter cuts at each end on two of your 1x8x6 boards. Step 2: Glue and nail the boards in place. Step 3: Measure and cut your end caps to size. Step 4: Distress your beam. Step 5: Fill the wood seam with wood putty. Step 6: Sand your beam.

How are fire surrounds fixed to the wall?

Fire surround attached with brackets Many modern fire surrounds use a hidden fireplace fitting bracket. One bracket is fit to the wall, while a corresponding second bracket is screwed to the fire surround. They then simply slip together without the need for any messy looking screws around the edges.