Fireplace Mantel Installation Tips
There are quite a few ways to install a fireplace mantel. All of our fireplace mantels are all custom made to order, using your precise specifications. On average, mantels up to six feet in length weigh in at about 100 pounds or less. But longer, thicker fireplace mantels can weigh in at a few hundred pounds. We highly suggest that you enlist the help of a licensed professional contractor, if you are not able to complete the fireplace mantel installation yourself. The information on this page is intended to give you an idea of how our fireplace mantels are usually installed. We can not be held responsible for improper installations, building code violations, or accidents that may occur while it is being installed.
Determine Proper Height
Regardless of which method you use below, you will need to identify the height at which you want the fireplace mantel to be placed. Because wood is a combustible material, you’ll want to follow some established guidelines for the minimum distance between a fireplace and a wood mantel. For real wood fireplaces, the following guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) match the requirements of most localities. However, be sure to comply with the local laws and manufacturer recommendations. Gas fireplaces are often considered “zero-clearance” and may have different requirements.
Slide on Over Re-bar Method
1) Locate the studs behind the brick, stone, or faux veneer.
2) Drive 1/2 in to 3/4 in rods or lag screws through each of the studs. Some installers will use re-bar, others will use 3/4 in x 12 in lag screws. The advantage of lag screws is that they can be securely driven into the studs. On the other hand, they can be a little short for many mantels. Once the lag screws are in place, cut the heads off with a angle grinder, hack saw, or other cutting tool.
In general, it is good to have the support rods go completely though the backing studs. Likewise, you want the rods to penetrate about 2/3rds of the depth of the mantel. (i.e. a 10″ mantel should have 6.67″ deep holes).
3) Have a helper support the mantel while you mark the location of the support rods on the back of the mantel. Drill corresponding hole into the back of the mantel. Test fit the mantel to make sure the holes have been properly drilled.
4) Apply construction adhesive into the holes. Optionally, if a good surface exists, apply glue onto the wall and the back of the mantel .
5) Slide into place, admire, and enjoy!
Anchored in Masonry Fireplace Mantel Installation Method
If you cannot reach or locate the supporting studs AND you have thick (4 inch plus) masonry, you can use the masonry work to support your mantel. The significant difference is that in step one above, you will want to drill holes in the brick work with a hammer drill and use a lead masonry anchor.
Next, tap in a lead expansion anchor before placing in a bolt or rod. Follow steps 2-5 above
Be sure that your masonry is strong enough and that your mantel does not have so much depth that it creates a very strong lever against the masonry.
Backer Board Fireplace Mantel Installation Method
The Slide on Over Rebar Method is, honestly, used frequently when the fireplace masonry is already done or nearly done. If you catch the process early on and you have some room to move around behind the fireplace installation, this approach is arguably easier and stronger.
1) Cut a “Backer Board” that is as deep as the masonry surface is thick, as thick as the mantel is high, and as long as the mantel is wide.
2) Attach the backer board to as many studs as possible with 2 lag bolts per stud from the front face of the fireplace. You’ll want to pre-drill a countersink hole so that bolt head is flush with the backer board’s surface. 5 inch or 6 inch lags are usually sufficient lenth.
3) Temporarily clamp the mantel to the backer board. Pre-drill the screw holes. Screw lag bolts through the backer board and into the back of the mantel. Use the same number of bolts from the backer board to the mantel as were used from the backer board to the studs. Bolts should be long enough to cover 2/3 of mantel depth + the thickness of the backer board.
4) Complete the fireplace installation, masonry, and enjoy!
Stud Supported Corbel Fireplace Mantel Installation Method
More often than not, the corbels that are shown on fireplace mantels are decorative only. However, corbels can be attached to the stud work to create a very strong mounting structure as well.
1) Start with corbels that are: 2 inches + stud width + masonry width + mantel depth – 1 to 2 inches.
2) Carefully cut out a tight notch from the corbel in which the stud will sit.
3) Run bolts through the corbel and the stud. Fasten together.
4) Complete the rest of the fireplace and masonry installation.
5) Apply adhesive on top of the corbels. Position mantel on top. Clamp until dry.
Fireplace Mantel Care Information
Many of our fireplace mantels leave our facility fully finished. Here is the process:
After the fireplace mantels are cut to your size needs (if necessary), they are sanded and prepped for finish. They then receive a few coats of a wipe-on Danish Oil. We usually use Deft Danish Oil (Clear Natural) or WATCO Danish Oil (Natural). Over time, your fireplace mantel will need a fresh coat of oil re-applied to restore its original luster.
Good, dry wood will have a tendency to be a bit on the thirsty side. Over time the fireplace mantel will soak up the Danish Oil and it will need to be re-applied. To do this you will simply need to take a trip to your favorite local home improvement store and pick up a can of Danish Oil in the Clear or Natural shade. Wipe on the oil with a soft cloth and let dry for a couple of hours before redecorating your mantel.
At first your fireplace mantel might need this more often, but over time it will become saturated with the oil and the luster will remain for longer periods between coats. By then you may only need to apply a fresh coat of oil once or twice a year.
If you have any questions please be sure to contact us directly. We are almost always available by phone, even after hours. We are happy to answer any questions you have, even long after the sale.