Table of Contents
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.
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 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 high above a fireplace should a mantle be?
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 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.
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.
What are fireplace mantels made of?
What Are Fireplace Mantels Made Of? Standalone floating mantels are commonly made from wood, while mantels found as part of a complete fireplace surround can commonly be found made from wood, stone, concrete and marble.
Does Pine make a good mantel?
Woods to Avoid for a 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.
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 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 much overhang should a fireplace mantel have?
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.
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.
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.
What is standard mantel height?
Standard Mantel Height Again, “proper” height is relatively subjective to your fireplace, but average or standard fireplace mantel height construction is around 54” above the hearth’s floor.
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 deep should a fireplace be?
The standard size of a fireplace is anywhere from 2 – 3 feet wide, 24 – 29 inches high, and always about 16 inches deep. Of course, the opening could vary depending on your style and design ideas, as well as where you are locating the fireplace.
Should mantel be wider than TV?
For the false wall options, generally there is a rule of thumb – always make sure the fireplace is wider than the TV. This allows the wall to frame the TV, while offering sleek lines for the edges of the fireplace. Having more space beyond the TV edges can sometimes make the TV look too small for the wall it is on.
Is Poplar a good wood for mantels?
A Poplar Fireplace Mantel is the most economical wood specie option due to its abundance. Our Poplar Fireplace Mantel Surrounds are available in both paint and stain-grade levels.
Does cedar make a good 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.
