Installing fireplace mantels

In some applications, it is used to cover the area between the floor or hearth and the firebox, or it can serve as an ash stop. In others, it is not used and can be discarded. Prior to installation, the bottom filler panel may need to be cut to the appropriate height and width.

Position one-quarter inch of grout spacers on hearth or floor below outer edges of the fire box. Align the center mark on the filler panel with the center line noted on the wall or hearth, set it on top of the grout spacers positioned earlier and press the panel against the wall. Check and adjust level as needed and secure the panel to the wall at its right and left outer edges using J brackets. Wall brackets must always be located such that they will be completely covered by later panels.

They are secured to the wall using a Tapcon at a stud point or with a heavy-duty wall toggle. Prior to installation, the side filler panels may need to be cut to the appropriate height and width. Position one-quarter inch of grout spacers and mastic on both ends of the bottom filler panel by the J brackets.

Align its inside edge with firebox, set it on top of the grout spacers positioned earlier with its bottom edge secured within the J bracket holding the bottom panel and press it against the wall. Check and adjust level as needed and secure the panel to the wall at its top edge using a J bracket.

Make any adjustments necessary to assure that both side filler panels are leveled both vertically and at their tops in relation to one another. Prior to installation, the top filler panel may need to be cut to the appropriate height and width. Position one-quarter inch of grout spacers and mastic on the top of both side filler panels by the J brackets. Align its center with the center mark on the wall and set it on top of the grout spacers positioned earlier with its bottom edge secured within the J bracket holding the side filler panels and press it against the wall.

Check and adjust level as needed and secure the panel to the wall at its top edge using two Z brackets. Referring to the installation drawing, with a pencil, lightly mark the locations of the inside edge of both legs on the side filler panels.

For one leg, apply a generous amount of mastic between the grout spacers and a small amount on the back surfaces where the leg will meet the wall. Check level across tops of legs and make any necessary adjustment placing shims on lower grout spacers. For those units skip to step Check level side to side and front to back.

Assure that top of header is even with top of legs. Referring to the installation drawing for the appropriate dimension, measure up from the top of one of the legs and make a mark on the wall. Using a level, scribe a horizontal line that approximately spans the width of the fireplace surround. With the low edge of the chamfer on the top of the cleat CL facing the wall and its bottom edge centered on and aligned it with the horizontal line, Attach the cleat CL to the wall at three stud locations.

Always wear eye, hand and skin, breathing and hearing protectors appropriate for the procedure being performed. Paint The wonders that paint can accomplish are truly limitless. Tile Tile finishes are the icing on the cake. Stone If painting your brick or wooden walls is out of the equation, consider placing stone instead. Fireplace Mantel Choices Aside from the different ways you can revamp your fireplace, you also have quite a few options for your mantel.

Below you will find the necessary steps to achieve this application: Remove the drywall to expose the wall studs. Using a marker, draft the lines where you will be placing your hanging mantel. Be sure to plan accordingly. You want to be sure the markings are placed according to your desired height preference.

Drill a wooden block onto your wall studs. This will give your mounting plate a designated spot for placement. Be sure to keep in mind the plate measurements when doing so.

This will help ensure that you place an appropriately sized wooden block. If you plan to use your mantel for heavy-duty purposes, go for a strong stainless-steel option.

Install your mantel brackets. Be sure to loosely apply the top and bottom screws. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments to the angle of your mantel. Another thing to keep in mind is the length of your metal dowel. Make sure that you keep the mantel tight against the wall when nailing into position.

Helpful Hint : You may want to drill pilot holes in each position on the mantel before nailing. This will insure that you don't damage the mantel when nailing into position. Where the wall and the mantel meet the wall may not be perfectly flat and some small gaps may appear.

Simply fill the gaps with caulk and paint and finish the mantel appropriately. See Mantel Plan Figure 4. You should note that there will be a gap between the fireplace facing material brick, tile, marble or slate and the mantel legs. The mantel's inside scribe molding is used to cover the gap between the mantel and the facing material. Put the scribe molding into position and nail scribe molding to the mantel leg. Make sure you keep pressure on the leg when nailing to keep the leg from coming off the mounting brackets.

Then, use the angle grinder to remove the head of each bolt. OR - should you choose to use our hardware, anchor the hardware to the brick using screws into the inserted sleeves.

Mark a center point on the wall where the mantel will go. Make another center line mark on the mantel. These will correspond to help you line up the piece. 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. Finally, use your caulking gun to apply a thin line of caulk between the back edge of the mantel and the brick wall of the fireplace.

Caulk is purely an aesthetic detail, but it is a nice finishing touch.