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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 high should a fireplace mantel be mounted?
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.
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 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.
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 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).
What is a normal 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.
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 big should mantle 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.
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.
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.
Is Douglas fir good for a mantel?
Hand hewn Douglas fir mantels are one of the most popular fireplace mantels we offer. Using the same hand tools as the settlers, we can hand hew our reclaimed Douglas fir timbers. This removes all the patina and usually receives our wax finish applied to it after it’s installed to enhance its character.
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 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.
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.
