Step 1: Mark used a cleat made out of 2x4s , that attached to the stonework and hid within the hollow box mantel, since there was no way of mounting the mantel directly onto the stonework.
Step 2: They established the desired height of the mantel. Step 3: Mark and Margaret found the center of the stonework , measuring flush to the outside of the stone, and matched the center of the cleat with the center of the actual fireplace.
Step 4: They used a level to mark where cleat should be mounted , and found areas to drill the bolts. Mark suggested that they look for a mortar joint between two stones and mark on the cleat where the hole should be drilled. In this instance, Mark felt that the stone was too brittle to drill directly into the face. If the stone has been thicker or more sturdy, he could have drilled through the stone itself. Step 5: They prepped the cleat , drilling pilot holes and notching out areas where stones were sticking out further on the fireplace.
Step 6: Margaret drilled into the mortar joints through the pilot holes and attached the cleat to the fireplace. Step 7: They slid the pre-finished box mantel onto the cleat , making sure that both sides of the mantel were flush with the fireplace.
Step 8: They attached the hollow box mantel to the cleat with brass screws and grommets. Hold the new mantel against the place in the wall where you want to install it and draw a line across the top with a pencil to mark the height. Then find the studs and mark their location on the line. From here, follow the directions that came with the kit. If you're customizing the job, don't forget to install a backboard with wood glue and a drill or a hammer to help secure the mantel against the wall.
Ask someone to hold it to make sure it's flush against the wall. As you attach your mantel pieces, use a level to ensure they're even so you don't end up with crooked lines. When you're done, step back, admire your handiwork and figure out the right spot on the mantel shelf for that picture of Mom. A stone fireplace is one of the most classic designs, but with the charm comes challenge. Installing a stone fireplace requires more work because you'll need to remove some or all of the existing bricks or stones.
But make sure to remove only the bricks and stones you need to remove so you don't threaten the foundation. Consulting with a home improvement professional can help you gauge the difficulty level of your particular fireplace. It may be best to hire a professional because stoneware can be easily damaged. But if you're determined to tackle it alone, here's what you need to do. First, take off all existing trim around the fireplace, as well as the doors.
And once you've determined that you have enough stones in the right color, shape and size to complement your existing fireplace, lay them out like a puzzle on the floor. Mix your mortar, making sure it's not too wet or too dry.
Before attaching the stones, apply a weatherproofing layer to protect the wood and wall from moisture. Mantel stones come in inch 48 cm and inch 51 cm sizes, so cut them down if necessary, and gently work the stones into place. If your mortar gets to dry, mist it with bit of water and continue layering the mortar and stone until you have the mantel you always wanted.
First, marking the wall with a pencil will help you keep your place and keep your boards and mantel straight. Make your notches horizontally, 12 inches 30 cm apart to show where the top of the shelf meets the wall. Be sure to consult a National Fire Protection Association Fire Code guide for up-to-date fire codes and regulations concerning home improvement and fireplaces. To meet your homeowner's insurance policy, you'll probably need to follow all local and national regulations, as well as chimney inspection regulations in some cases.
Regardless of code, you'll want to install your mantel high enough above the flames to prevent it from catching fire. If you're using a kit, take some time before assembly to visualize how the pieces of your mantel will fit together around the firebox, especially if you're using marble. The legs of the mantel will likely need to be cut to fit the height of the fireplace.
When installing a wood mantel on a stone fireplace, make sure to add a scribe , or wooden beam, to the fireplace. This is what you'll attach the wooden mantel to, instead of trying to nail a bunch of wooden boards into stone.
Before you consider self-installation, evaluate the amount of time you have and your budget for the project. The more sophisticated the materials you use, the greater the undertaking. Remember, it takes effort to keep the home fires burning. Pioneers struggling to keep warm on the plains knew all about building a good fire. But that art has largely gone up in smoke. To build a perfect fire, leave the ashes from your last one, which will help hold in heat. Build a log pile from the back, putting the largest log behind the smaller ones, the kindling and crumpled newspaper.
Throw in old corks or cardboard, and voila! A flame fit for a prince. Or, at least, a Boy Scout. Sign up for our Newsletter!
Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Home Improvement. How to Install a Fireplace Mantel. With a beautiful mantel, the fireplace can become the focal point of your living room.
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