QA

Quick Answer: How To Install A Mantel Shelf

How is a mantle attached?

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 mount a mantel?

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 install a wood mantel on drywall?

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 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 do you attach a mantel to a stud?

Installing Support Rods 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.

Can you mount shelves on shiplap?

This mark was for the top of the bracket (see below). Then we put pilot holes into the wood and drywall, then drilled them into place with long screws into the studs. With these brackets you’ll just butt up to the shiplap directly. The shelf will still sit on top and you’ll screw it down when your brackets are set.

Can you screw in shiplap?

When using screws, you are more likely to split the material. This can lead to unsightly cracks and unusable material. You would also need to predrill the holes, which will add extra time and labor to the project. We don’t recommend using screws when installing shiplap to save yourself time, money and the headache.

How do you hang a mantel on a brick wall?

Lift the mantel and position it in place, aligning the holes in the back of the mantel with the support rods. Push the mantel onto the rods until the back of the mantle is against the bricks. Gently tap with a small hammer and a small piece of wood if necessary to completely align the mantel next to the brick.

How wide should a fireplace mantel shelf 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 high should a fireplace mantel be off the ground?

Mantel Height: We recommend installing the mantel 4.5′ from the floor. This allows room for stockings during the holidays. Most housing codes and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) state that the bottom of the mantel must be at least 12” away from the top of the fireplace box.

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.

Is it hard to replace a fireplace mantel?

A painted wood mantel is the easiest to install. It may need to be shimmed till it’s plumb and level; then it’s fastened to the wall studs with countersunk screws. Small gaps around the perimeter can be filled in with caulk and painted. If a wood mantel is clear finished, the job is much less forgiving.

How expensive is it to replace a fireplace mantel?

The national average materials cost to install a fireplace mantel is $236.47 per mantel, with a range between $212.16 to $260.79. The total price for labor and materials per mantel is $578.11, coming in between $483.53 to $672.69.

Can you replace 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.