QA

Question: How To Install Fireplace Mantel

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 is a mantle attached to a brick fireplace?

The mantel is lifted into its wall position by aligning the holes to the support rods. The mantel is pushed back into the rods and against the bricks. Secure attachment of a mantel to a brick fireplace is realized by tapping it in with a hammer and a scrap wood spacer.

How do you install heavy wood mantel on drywall?

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.

How do you attach a wood 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.

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 wood mantel to Brick?

Modern Timber Craft says to insert a lag bolt into each sleeve and tighten it with a screwdriver or drill until it is secure. Then, use an angle grinder to remove the head of each bolt. If a different set of hardware is provided with your mantel, anchor the hardware to the brick using screws in the inserted sleeves.

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.

How do you attach a heavy 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 heavy can a mantle be?

The maximum weight for all 60INCH MANTELS is 150 lbs. The maximum load for all 72 inch mantels is 180 lbs.

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 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.

Can you use pine for 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.

Is Cedar good for a fireplace 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.

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

How to build a floating mantel (or shelf): Prep your surface. For me, that meant staining our fireplace white beforehand. Create mantel support. Create a hollow box for your mantel. Finish the mantel. Attach your shelf support onto the brick. Fit your mantel onto the mantel support. Style your finished mantel!.

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.

How do you fill a gap between a wall and a fireplace?

You can fix gaps between brick fireplaces and sheetrock. Measure the size of the gap between the drywall and the brick. Use 1/4-round trim molding that’s wide enough to cover the space of the gap. Place a tube of acrylic caulk into a caulking gun. Replace the caulk in the caulk gun with a tube of construction adhesive.

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.

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 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.