
Slide Over Bolts Method
- Locate 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!
How do you attach a mantel to a beam?
Have a helper support the mantel while you mark the location of the support rods on the back of the beam. Drill corresponding hole into the back of the mantel. Test fit the mantel to make sure the holes have been properly drilled. Apply construction adhesive into the holes.
How to install a floating fireplace mantel?
Every single step on how to install a floating fireplace mantle is laid out in this post. To sum it up, here are the quick steps to take if you are trying to figure out how to install a 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
How do I install a rod on a mantel?
You will want your holes to fit tight to the rod so it is stable, but still be able to slide it on! Make sure that you drill deep enough for the rod to fully be covered and your mantel to sit flush to the wall. {Make sure that the depth of your mantel can accommodate the depth of your rods before ordering!} Step 4: Slide it On!
How do you replace a mantel with a new mantle?
This step will depend on how your old mantel was hung. Since there were already holes at the far ends from where the old mantle had been hung before, they decided to use those holes and measure out additional holes across the stretch where the new wooden mantle would be.

How do you mount a beam mantel?
10:0716:43REAL Barn Wood Beam Mantel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlright so to mount the mantle. I use sleeves. And lag bolts. It's quite neat you want to make sureMoreAlright so to mount the mantle. I use sleeves. And lag bolts. It's quite neat you want to make sure that your sleeves are mounted in the center of bricks.
How do you mount an old barn beam mantel?
1:156:57How to Install a Fireplace Barn Beam Mantel - French Cleat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBasically took a five and a half foot board ripped it at an angle. And then tap conned it to theMoreBasically took a five and a half foot board ripped it at an angle. And then tap conned it to the concrete wall these tap cons like I said earlier about four inches long.
How do you mount a floating beam?
14:5516:36How To Install a reclaimed beam as a Mantel for $100 dollars!!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI loosened up a couple of the bricks. Doing all the hammering that i had to do to drive the beamMoreI loosened up a couple of the bricks. Doing all the hammering that i had to do to drive the beam onto the pins. And secondly i was very careful when i drilled the holes into the beam.
How are 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 far should a mantle stick out?
Most codes specify mantel distance from the firebox itself. As a general rule, a mantel is placed about 12 inches above the fireplace opening. Add an inch to the distance for every inch that the mantel protrudes.
How do you install oak beam mantel?
2:094:41Celtic Timber Oak Beam Mantle Installation Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing the 10 millimeter masonry drill bit drill a 70 millimeter deeper hole where you've marked forMoreUsing the 10 millimeter masonry drill bit drill a 70 millimeter deeper hole where you've marked for the brackets to be installed in the wall. Keeping. The drill straight and level as you do.
How do you hang a heavy floating mantel?
2:493:53How to Install a Fireplace Mantel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you look at the top of the mantel there's some pre-drilled holes that the fabricator put thereMoreIf you look at the top of the mantel there's some pre-drilled holes that the fabricator put there for us to put these screws. Into. It's completely Center so let me hold this in place.
What is a floating beam?
The floating column is a vertical member which rest on a beam but doesn't transfer the load directly to the foundation. The floating column acts as a point load on the beam and this beam transfers the load to the columns below it.
Do you install mantel before or after stone?
If you have an existing fireplace and the facing is relatively smooth, triangle brackets can be installed on top of the facing with anchors into either brick or mortar joints. The mantel can then be set on top of the brackets. Square brackets need to be installed before the stone or brick facing is put up.
How do you attach a mantel 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 much overhang should a fireplace mantel 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 mount a wood mantel?
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!
How do you install a heavy floating mantel?
2:274:43How to Install Floating Shelves and Mantel | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then we a lot of glue we put it back in against the solid block and we screwed top and bottomMoreAnd then we a lot of glue we put it back in against the solid block and we screwed top and bottom all the way across. So you had space to screw. There.
How do you finish old barn beams?
0:136:51How To Finish Reclaimed Wood Like A Pro - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI picked mine up about a year ago and it's paid for itself indefinitely. It knocks down all the softMoreI picked mine up about a year ago and it's paid for itself indefinitely. It knocks down all the soft grain and ends up bringing your wood down between very very close to finish. Smoothness.
How do you attach a fireplace mantel to the wall?
0:274:28How to Install a Fireplace Mantel (woodworking plans available)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipShould have access material scribe decides to cut off the excess material. Then install blocking forMoreShould have access material scribe decides to cut off the excess material. Then install blocking for the sides on the top and then use nails or screws to drive through the sides.
How do you hang a heavy mantel on brick?
0:544:57How to Install a Mantel Over a Brick Fireplace | Easy DIY ProjectYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart by drilling a pilot hole and then fastening it with the recommended fasteners. Take care toMoreStart by drilling a pilot hole and then fastening it with the recommended fasteners. Take care to ensure that your brackets are level across all directions before proceeding with the additional.
What is the best way to install a mantel?from antiquewoodworks.com
The slide over bolts method is the most common method that we see used. It provides good strength, a relatively easy installation, and it can be used even if your stonework is already in place. A couple of the photos are through the generous courtesy of the Run to Radiance Blog. One note, installers will often “scab” on a 2-bi board on the back of the mantel before installation so that the stonework does not cover up any more original mantel wood than necessary.
How to Install a Heavy Wood Mantel?from runtoradiance.com
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 do I install a lag screw on a fireplace mantel?from antiquewoodworks.com
Drive 1/2in lag screws through each of the studs. In general, it is good to have the lag screws go completely though the backing studs. Likewise, you want the lag screws to penetrate about 2/3rds of the depth of the fireplace mantel. (i.e. a 10″ mantel should have 6.67″ deep holes). Once the lag screws are in place, cut the heads off with a angle grinder, hack saw, or other cutting tool. Fastenal, DrillSpot, and the Fastener Superstore all carry very long lags. Note, Rockler also sells Blind Shelf Supports, although I do not think that their method is as strong.
How deep should a backer board be?from antiquewoodworks.com
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 width.
How to soft mount a bracket?from shelfology.com
This usually requires another person to help hold it up. To soft mount, position the bracket along the level line and in the right place left to right, lining up with as many studs as possible.
Do French cleats work on mantels?from antiquewoodworks.com
You may find references to using a “French Cleat” to mount a mantel. French cleats work wonderfully for mantel surrounds, cabinets, large mirrors, etc.. where then height is much greater then the depth. In the opposite case, such as a mantel shelf, they do not work well.
Can you move mantels away from stone?from antiquewoodworks.com
Many interesting effects can be achieved by “floating” mantels away from the stone work. Just be aware of the lever force of as you move the weight further out from the wall.
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.
What is the best way to install a mantel?
The slide over bolts method is the most common method that we see used. It provides good strength, a relatively easy installation, and it can be used even if your stonework is already in place. A couple of the photos are through the generous courtesy of the Run to Radiance Blog. One note, installers will often “scab” on a 2-bi board on the back of the mantel before installation so that the stonework does not cover up any more original mantel wood than necessary.
How do I install a lag screw on a fireplace mantel?
Drive 1/2in lag screws through each of the studs. In general, it is good to have the lag screws go completely though the backing studs. Likewise, you want the lag screws to penetrate about 2/3rds of the depth of the fireplace mantel. (i.e. a 10″ mantel should have 6.67″ deep holes). Once the lag screws are in place, cut the heads off with a angle grinder, hack saw, or other cutting tool. Fastenal, DrillSpot, and the Fastener Superstore all carry very long lags. Note, Rockler also sells Blind Shelf Supports, although I do not think that their method is as strong.
How many lag bolts per stud?
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 length.
How much does a fireplace mantel weigh?
Old barn beam mantels weigh, on average, 75-125 pounds; with a few reaching over 200 pounds. It is important that they are properly and safely mounted. (the lawyers tell me to tell you that we are not responsible for accidents, improper installations, violation of local building codes, etc…)
Can you use masonry to support a mantel?
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.
Do French cleats work on mantels?
You may find references to using a “French Cleat” to mount a mantel. French cleats work wonderfully for mantel surrounds, cabinets, large mirrors, etc.. where then height is much greater then the depth. In the opposite case, such as a mantel shelf, they do not work well.
Can you move mantels away from stone?
Many interesting effects can be achieved by “floating” mantels away from the stone work. Just be aware of the lever force of as you move the weight further out from the wall.
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 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.
How to add support to a brick wall?
Add support by drilling holes for lag shields , then install lag bolts into the brick
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.
How to cut a 45 degree angle on a mantel?
The top of the cleat needs to have an angled edge, not a straight edge. Take a saw and cut a 45 degree angle lengthwise along one edge of the cleat. This is what the mantel hangs on.
How high should a fireplace mantel be?
Most fireplace mantel shelves are placed 50-60 inches above the floor. When positioning your shelf, make sure to think about the combustible height. Since wood is a combustible material, there are codes and guidelines that must be followed when placing a mantel over a combustible chamber, such as a fireplace.
How to attach a cleat to a wall?
Attach the mounting board to the wall. Align the flat, bottom edge of the cleat with the bottom line. Make sure the cleat is level before you attach it to the wall.
How to measure cleats for a mantel?
One way to measure the cleat is to fit it into the back of the mantel like it will be on the wall. Use a measuring tape to measure the length from the top edge of the mantel to the bottom edge of the cleat.
What is a cleat for a mantel shelf?
Prepare the cleat. 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.
How to find studs on a wall?
Using a tape measure, you can mark the studs along the wall every 16". Another way to locate the studs is to look at the baseboards. Baseboards are nailed to studs, so if you find holes or indentations that have been painted over or caulked over, you can measure 16-24" inches from that point to locate additional studs.
How many mounting boards are needed for a hearth?
The mounting boards will be affixed to the actual wall surrounding the hearth at strategic points, creating a framework for the mantel. A minimum of 3 mounting boards is required, 1 for the top and one for each side, although additional cleats can be used.
