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 to hang a barn beam mantel?
Most tutorials I found for hanging a barn beam mantel with this method recommend holding the beam up to the rods to mark where the holes needed to be drilled. However, that beam is heavy! It would have been very difficult with just Aaron and I to ensure that the holes we marked were level and evenly spaced.
How do you attach a mantel to a wall?
Determine desired height of your mantel. Attach the template board to the wall using 2 screws on the outermost studs. (The top of your board is at the top of the desired mantel height.) Use the board as a guide to drill into the studs.
Can you use reclaimed barn beams as mantels?
Through my research, I found that there are several ways to install reclaimed barn beams as mantels. We chose to go with a mantel bracket for a few reasons. We don’t have the tools to make the angle cuts for french cleats.
How do you drill holes in a barn beam?
We simply held a 2×4 to the rod, leveled the board, and traced the rod holes onto the board. This made it simple to then use the board as a template to drill the holes into the barn beam. The main trick with this method is ensuring that you measure precisely to know where to place your template. (If your 2×4 isn’t the same length as your mantel.)
How do you secure a beam mantel?
1:253:48Beam 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 install a mantle beam?
10:1316:43REAL 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 use a barn beam mantel?
2:537:50Making a barn beam fireplace mantel. Reclaimed Wood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis way here the actual mantel itself is elevated. And not sitting on the sawhorses. Itself so it'sMoreThis way here the actual mantel itself is elevated. And not sitting on the sawhorses. Itself so it's a little little trick that we have here that we do here at vintage ideas.
How do you hang a heavy floating mantel?
How to Install a MantelRemove 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.More items...•
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 do you hang a floating beam shelf?
1:364:43How to Install Floating Shelves and Mantel | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo i'm aiming for that side bracket to go right there yep all right. So this thing is very snug. SoMoreSo i'm aiming for that side bracket to go right there yep all right. So this thing is very snug. So we're gonna get real close with it. And we got to go in perfectly parallel otherwise it'll bind.
How do you attach wooden beams to a wall?
2:134:41Celtic 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 fit a beam to a fireplace?
0:261:07How to install our oak and pine mantels - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut this time draw a level line on the wall no bigger than the mantel you're fitting mark whetherMoreBut this time draw a level line on the wall no bigger than the mantel you're fitting mark whether Center Point is measure. The distance between the fixing points on the back of the mantel.
How thick should a barn beam mantel be?
between 10 and 12 inchesThe typical mantel depth is anywhere between 10 and 12 inches, but we carry sizes all the way down to 4 inches.
How high should a mantle be off the floor?
4.5'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 do you turn a barn beam into a fireplace mantel?
2:1610:14How to Turn a Reclaimed Beam into a Fireplace Mantel | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay what i'm going to do is drill three holes onto the fireplace i'm going to drill three holesMoreOkay what i'm going to do is drill three holes onto the fireplace i'm going to drill three holes onto the back of the beam. And then we'll slide it right on sounds good.
How do you hang a live edge on mantel?
2:555:34Floating Live Edge Slab Mantel - How To Woodworking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust put the bolts into the anchors that I've already got in the brick. And just cut them off insideMoreJust put the bolts into the anchors that I've already got in the brick. And just cut them off inside. But I didn't want to use an angle grinder in my house.
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 surround to the wall?
2:063:17Builders Choice Fireplace Leg, Skirt and Mantel Install - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDrive a minimum of three fasteners. Apply construction adhesive to the top of the mantel mounting.MoreDrive a minimum of three fasteners. Apply construction adhesive to the top of the mantel mounting.
How are mantels attached to brick?
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 far does a mantel need to be above a fireplace?
about 12 inchesAs 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.
What is the average depth of a mantle?
Depth: A typical mantel depth is 6 to 7 inches. This allows you to place decorative items on the mantel top. A mantel with a smaller depth may lose its presence and be disproportional to the fireplace. The depth of the mantel shouldn't be too deep, however, since heat can become trapped and damage the mantel.
How do you install a barn beam on the wall?
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.
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.
How do you make a floating beam?
5:2311:51How To Make A Floating Fireplace Wooden Beam Mantel ShelfYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSuper simple just requires two pieces of wood with a 45 degree bevel on it one attaches to the wall.MoreSuper simple just requires two pieces of wood with a 45 degree bevel on it one attaches to the wall.
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 far should a mantle stick out?
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. The main factor for distance will come down to the Face Height of your mantel.
How do you attach a mantel to an existing stone fireplace?
1:177:22How to Install a Mantel on a Stone Fireplace | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay the first thing we have to do is find center of the stonework. So if you wouldn't mind goingMoreOkay the first thing we have to do is find center of the stonework. So if you wouldn't mind going over there. And holding my tape you're going to want to be flush with the outside stone.
How deep should a mantel be?
7 inchesA depth of 7 inches is ideal for most mantels, as it allows plenty of room to accommodate decorative objects. Keep in mind that the top and the sides of the mantel should be the same depth.
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.
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.
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…)
Does Rockler sell blind shelf support?
Note, Rockler also sells Blind Shelf Supports, although I do not think that their method is as strong. 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.
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.
How do I build a barn beam mantel?
Supplies needed to build a barn beam mantel: Step 1) Power wash the beam and let it sit in the sun to dry out. Step 2) Using a chainsaw, shorten the beam to the desired length. I gave my hunky husband this job. LOL. Step 3) Place the 2″ x 4″ on the backside of the beam and mark it with a sharpie.
How to make a sanding board?
Step 1) Power wash the beam and let it sit in the sun to dry out. Step 2) Using a chainsaw, shorten the beam to the desired length. I gave my hunky husband this job. LOL. Step 3) Place the 2″ x 4″ on the backside of the beam and mark it with a sharpie. Step 4) Using a circular saw, score the area you want to remove.
Our Experience
To begin this “educational,” I’d like to point out that this is simply our personal experience! We are not licensed contractors, have never attempted a project like this before, and are by no means experts! This strategy, on the other hand, worked fairly well, and I enjoy sharing our experience with others in order to help them get ideas for their own projects.
Step 1: Center and Level Bracket
This is possibly the most crucial step! Your mantel will be unbalanced if you don’t use a level bracket, and you won’t be able to place decor on a level surface.
Step 2: Create a Template for Drilling
The next action we took was one that was motivated by painful muscles and tiredness. Holding the beam up to the rods to mark where the holes were to be drilled was recommended in most guides I saw for mounting a barn beam mantel with this method.
Step 3: Drill Holes for The Rods
Place the 24 on the mantel using your template and level it with a long level. (Keep your measurements in mind so you know where to mark your holes from top to bottom and side to side!) Drill your holes with a wood spade bit slightly larger than your rods after drawing holes on your mantel. We required a 1 1/8′′ bit to fit our 1′′ rods.
Step 4: Slide it On!
Last but not least, place the mantel onto the bracket rods. To be honest, this was a lot of labor! As I previously stated, a hefty beam is tough to work with. However, after we had it on the rods, we were able to hammer it in with a 24 to protect the beam from damage.
