
- Mantels can be attached using screws, anchors, glue, clamps- it basically depends whether your mantel has or doesn’t have a surround
- Standalone floating fireplace mantels ( not attached to surrounds) may be attached to a wall with lag screws, or placed onto a backboard.
- Mantels that are part of a complete surround for a fireplace can be screwed into a wall using brackets
How to install a rustic fireplace mantel?
Rustic Beam Mantel and Corbels
- Picking Your Wood. Repurposed wood comes in all shapes and sizes. ...
- Hollowing Out the Back of the Beam. After getting the beam to the correct size (note: I have not sanded to finish), I then started prepping the mantel ...
- Filling in the Holes. ...
- Creating the Corbels. ...
- Finish the Beam. ...
- Installing the Beam. ...
- Did you make this project? ...
How to hang a floating wall mantle?
A floating wall mantle can be an excellent addition to your room or fireplace. Follow the simple steps below to effectively hang a floating mantle on your own. Step 1: Mark Line . Place the mantle against the wall where you want to fix it, and then draw a line on the wall to mark the location.
How to install fireplace mantel with hidden bracket?
- Remove the old mantel
- Add support by drilling holes for lag shields, then install lag bolts into the brick
- Measure carefully and drill corresponding holes for the wood mantel
- Push the wooden mantel carefully into place using wood glue for extra support
- Caulk the seam and allow time to dry before using
How to install a reclaimed wood mantel?
Steps for Using a Reclaimed Beam as a Fireplace Mantel:
- Measure approximately 55-56” off the floor, this is the average mantel height. ...
- Use joints of bricks to mark the center of the fireplace. ...
- Find the center of the fireplace using the mortar lines.
- From the center mark, measure out to the mortar line that is closest to 16” on each side.
- Next, make sure all marks are level.
How to Install a Heavy Wood Mantel?
How to add support to a brick wall?
Why are lag shields important?
How high should a fireplace mantel be?
Can you put floating mantels on brick fireplaces?

How do you secure a floating mantel?
Add support by drilling holes for lag shields, then install lag bolts into the brick. Measure carefully and drill corresponding holes for the wood mantel. Push the wooden mantel carefully into place using wood glue for extra support. Caulk the seam and allow time to dry before using.
How are floating fireplace mantels attached?
How Are Fireplace Mantels Attached? Standalone floating fireplace mantels can either be attached to a wall using lag screws or installed onto a back board, while mantels as part of a complete fireplace surround may be screwed into the wall using brackets.
How do you attach a heavy mantle?
Carefully cut out a tight notch from the corbel where the stud can sit. Use bolts through the corbel and stud to fasten them together. Install the masonry or sheetrock around the fireplace and finish it. Apply adhesive to the top of your corbels, position the mantel where it will sit, and clamp it until dry.
How do you anchor a mantle 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 beam to the wall?
1:093:48Beam Mantel Install Instruction Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt on the guide line mounting blocks should be set equal distance apart use a Phillips headMoreIt on the guide line mounting blocks should be set equal distance apart use a Phillips head screwdriver. And insert in the top pre-drilled holes and center of the mounting block or two by dimpling.
How do you support a beam mantle?
Slide Over Bolts MethodLocate 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!
What holds a mantel up?
The cleat is what holds the mantel shelf to the wall. The mounting board should be long enough to fit the width of your shelf. Measure the length of the cleat. Then, using that measurement, find the center line and mark that on the cleat.
How much weight can you put on a mantle?
Combustible objects placed on or around the mantel must meet your fireplace manufacturer's requirements for clearances to combustibles. DO NOT OVERLOAD MANTEL: THE MAXIMUM LOAD FOR ALL 60 INCH MANTELS is 150lbs. MAXIMUM LOAD FOR ALL 72 INCH MANTELs is 180lbs.
How much weight can a wood mantle hold?
How much weight will a mantel shelf hold? The general rule for floating shelves or floating mantels is that it can hold 50 lbs for every stud it's attached to. For example, if you hang our 36” mantel onto two studs, it should safely hold 100 lbs.
How do you hang a mantle without studs?
Mounting a tv with drywall anchors or bolts is a great option if you can't drill into a stud. You'll need to use a hollow wall anchor that looks similar to a regular screw, with a butterfly toggle at the end. Once they're placed in the wall, they'll attach to the back.
How many inches off the ground should a mantle be?
Mantel Height: We recommend installing the mantel 4.5' from the floor. This allows room for stockings during the holidays. Most housing codes and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) state that the bottom of the mantel must be at least 12” away from the top of the fireplace box.
How much overhang should a mantle have?
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.
How do you remove a floating mantel?
Pound the bottom of the mantel shelf with a rubber mallet to separate it from the wall if it doesn't release when you pry the base of the mantel away from the wall, advises Fireplace Town. Tap it gently, but with enough force to pull the nails from the wall. Once it's loosened, pull out on the shelf to remove it.
How do you attach a floating mantel to a stone fireplace?
Drill holes through the cleat and into the fireplace using a masonry drill. Hammer the wedge anchors into the holes and then tighten them in place using a socket wrench. With the cleat secured to the fireplace, slide the mantel onto the cleat. Secure the mantel to the cleat using brass screws.
How do you hang a floating mantel on a stone?
How to Hang a Floating Mantel From a Stone or Brick FireplaceFigure out exactly where it's going. Take some time to carefully plan where (and how) you want to hang your mantel. ... Drill sleeve holes. ... Insert sleeves and drive lag bolts. ... Align holes on the back of the mantel. ... Install the mantel.
How are fireplace surrounds attached?
Many modern fire surrounds use a hidden fireplace fitting bracket. One bracket is fit to the wall, while a corresponding second bracket is screwed to the fire surround. They then simply slip together without the need for any messy looking screws around the edges.
How to mount a mantel above a fireplace?
Step 1. Hold the mantel above the fireplace at the height you wish to mount it, at least 6 inches away from the firebox. Place a level on the mantel and adjust the mantel so it sits straight. Ask a friend to trace along the top of the mantel, then set the mantel aside.
How long does it take to install a floating fireplace mantel?
Even a novice do-it-yourself homeowner can install a floating mantel within a few hours.
Who is Elizabeth Knoll?
Elizabeth Knoll has been writing full-time since 2008. She has a deep love for gardening and has spent a vast amount of time researching that subject. Her work appears on various websites. Knoll received a certificate in Early Childhood Education from Moraine Park Technical College.
What happens if you don't have a level bracket on a mantel?
This is potentially the most important step! Without a level bracket, you’re mantel will be lopsided and not have a level surface to place decor.
How much does a barn beam weigh?
This is extremely important for a heavy mantel. Our barn beam weighs approximately 80 lbs, without adding any decor! So I wanted to ensure that it would be able to withstand the weight.
Can you use a larger bit to make holes bigger?
This was a slow and steady process. We could have used a larger bit to make the holes larger, but it would have made the fit sloppy and unstable.
How to Install a Heavy Wood Mantel?
Your brick or stone fireplace is more than capable of holding the weight of a heavy wood mantel. Here are a few additional tips to help you install a heavy wood mantel:
How to add support to a brick wall?
Add support by drilling holes for lag shields , then install lag bolts into the brick
Why are lag shields important?
The Lag shields were also important to have because once they are placed in the predrilled hole, a lag bolt is able to slip inside of them and be tightened, ensuring that they won’t fall out when a heavy wood mantel is installed on it.
How high should a fireplace mantel be?
54” above the hearth is the standard height for a fireplace mantel, but how high you hang a fireplace mantel will vary depending on your fireplace and your personal preferences.
Can you put floating mantels on brick fireplaces?
Once you have your supplies gathered, it’s time to get your floating mantel DIY on. Let’s do this! Keep in mind, this tutorial is specifically for how to install a floating mantel on a brick fireplace, but the techniques could be used for another type if you alter the directions.
