Fireplace Mantel Installation & Care 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 for Installation
Before installing your fireplace mantel, you need to decide on the correct height for placement. Since wood is a combustible material, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe distance between the fireplace and the mantel. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides standards that align with most local building codes for real wood-burning fireplaces. However, always check your local regulations and the fireplace manufacturer’s recommendations, as requirements may vary—especially for gas fireplaces, which are often classified as “zero-clearance” and may have different clearance rules.
NFPA Guidelines for Real Wood Fireplaces (Refer to the Diagram below):
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The top of the combustion chamber (the opening of the fireplace) must have a minimum clearance from any combustible mantel shelf.
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According to NFPA codes, any mantel shelf—regardless of its width—must be at least 12 inches above the top of the combustion chamber to ensure safety.
Diagram Explanation: The diagram illustrates the NFPA clearance requirement. It shows a fireplace with a mantel shelf above the combustion chamber. The vertical distance between the top of the combustion chamber and the bottom of the mantel shelf is labeled as a minimum of 12 inches. This ensures that the wood mantel is far enough from the heat source to prevent fire hazards.
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If you’re installing a mantel above a gas fireplace, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines, as zero-clearance fireplaces may allow for a closer installation.
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Always confirm with local building codes to ensure compliance, as they may have stricter requirements than the NFPA standards.
Sheppard Brackets
We recommend a newer, easier way to install floating mantels and shelves. No more working with Re-Bar and wood adhesives. We found these newer products at a place called Sheppard Brackets, you can also find them on Facebook. They sell the mounting brackets and tools for installing them.
Some of the highlights can be found here from these pages on their website:
Calculating How Much Your Sheppard Bracket Can Hold
What bracket should I choose?
Extra Long Shelves
Sheppard Customer Projects
Slide on Over Re-bar Method
1) Locate the studs behind the brick, stone, or faux veneer.
2) Drive 1/2 into 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 through 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 the 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 to 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 brickwork with a hammer drill and use a lead masonry anchor.
Next, tap in a lead expansion anchor before placing it 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 the bolt head is flush with the backer board’s surface. 5-inch or 6-inch lags are usually sufficient length.
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, and 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 the 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.