Table of Contents
How thick should a fireplace mantel 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.
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 far above a fireplace should a 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 far should mantle stick out from wall?
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 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 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!.
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 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.
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.
What is code for a fireplace mantel?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 do you attach a wood mantel to 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.
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 a floating shelf as a mantle?
For those of you that haven’t opened up your Kreg Jig yes, this is a GREAT beginner project! The shelf is 60″ long making it a perfect mantle as well! I also think floating shelves are perfect for renters. Really you only leave a few screw holes in the wall that are very easy to fill and paint back over.
How do you secure a mantel to Brick?
Mark where the anchors or brackets line up on the mantel and drill the corresponding holes. Lift the mantel and place it so that the lag bolts or brackets fit into the holes. For extra security, coat the tip of each bolt with liquid nails or another adhesive just before installation.
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.
