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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.
Can you add a mantel to a brick fireplace?
Installing a mantel on a brick wall is a challenging but doable DIY project if you have the right tools and a little know-how. The following is a guide to installing a wooden mantel above a brick fireplace. Of course, the very first step in adding a mantel above your brick fireplace is to find the perfect shelf.
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 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 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.
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.
What is the best way to drill into brick?
Begin by drilling a pilot hole using a small masonry bit. Then, attach the larger bit and drill again to make a bigger hole. Make sure the drill is perpendicular to the brick wall. Drilling through brick and mortar places stress on the drill, causing it to heat up.
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 much weight can my 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 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 thick are mantels?
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.
Do fireplaces need a mantel?
Do You Need A Fireplace Mantel? A fireplace does not need to be furnished with a mantel, but a mantel can enhance the look of a fireplace either as part of fireplace surround or as a standalone mantel shelf.
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 install a heavy wood mantel on a brick fireplace?
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 the best adhesive for brick?
There are only a couple of glues that are rated strong enough to use with brick: Gorilla Glue and Rhino Glue.
Should you drill into brick or mortar?
We recommend drilling into the mortar instead of the brick for a few reasons. Drilling directly into brick is more difficult than drilling into mortar and runs the risk of damaging the brick. It is also easier to repair mortar if you drill into the wrong location or decide to remove your decorative item.
Can you drill into stone fireplace?
All in all, drilling to masonry is completely achievable for a do it yourself-er. I definitely think drilling into brick/stone is easier than concrete but you can do it!Sep 28, 2021.
How far should mantle be above fireplace?
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.
What does a drill bit for brick look like?
Masonry Drill Bits – Best for Stone and Brickwork Masonry bits look like larger twist drills with a slightly tighter corkscrew shape. You can identify them thanks to their wide arrow-shaped heads. They’re commonly used in hammer drills to grind masonry down as they cut through it.
Can I screw directly into brick?
The traditional way of fixing to masonry is to use screws, but you cannot screw directly into a brick wall, a block wall, or stone, so you need to drill a hole, and then provide a material that can be screwed into, but will also hold the screw firmly in place.
Why can’t I drill through brick?
However, if you have old, fragile brick and you’re mounting a heavy object that requires deep holes and expansion-style anchors, drilling into the brick may not be the best choice. Deep holes weaken the brick and expansion anchors can create enough circular stress to crack the brick.
