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..
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Does a fireplace need a mantle?
You don’t need a mantle to have a spectacular fireplace. Here are some excellent design ideas for you.
What kind of wood should I use for a fireplace mantel?
Walnut is a popular choice for fireplace mantels. It is a harder and heavier type of wood than most and is extremely durable. The rich dark brown wood is an excellent for an impressive fireplace mantel. Hickory is also a great choice for a fireplace mantel if you are going for a unique look.
What is the correct height for a mantle?
An ideal mantel height should range between 4 and 6 feet from the floor. A 6-foot mantel height is the right size for a larger room, but in a smaller room, it can take over the space. For smaller rooms, a 4.5-foot mantle would be a better choice.
Do modern fireplaces have mantles?
Indeed, modern fireplaces haven’t killed the mantel; they’ve forced it to evolve. Updated designs and new materials have transformed the most time-honored fireplace element and brought it into to the 21st Century. Here are a few examples of people who took their fireplace mantel to the next level with clever design.
How do you style a modern fireplace mantel?
For an easy fireplace mantel decorating idea, hang a mirror in the middle and a sconce on either side. Anchor the mantel with a larger vase in front of the mirror and fill in with smaller accessories, such as vases, candlesticks, and decorative objects. Pick up on colors and materials found elsewhere in the room.
How do I decorate my contemporary mantel?
A mirror, artwork, or some other centralized piece is a perfect place to start. This will create a focal point and an anchor for you to build symmetry from. Then frame your focal point with visually balanced decor on either side of your mantel. This could be lanterns, candles, or vases with foliage.
How do you build a modern fireplace surround?
Can you add a mantel to a brick fireplace? Since wooden mantels are quite heavy, they need to be securely attached not only to the brick fireplace but to the wall studs behind the brick. You can attach a wooden mantel to a brick fireplace in an afternoon with common hand-operated tools.
How do you attach a mantel to an existing stone fireplace?
How far should a mantel stick out?
A mantel should stick out at least 6 inches (15.24cm) from the wall. It’s the perfect depth that allows you to have a mantle effectively deflect heat without compromising aesthetics. You can extend it to have more depth for your decorative pieces, but we don’t recommend having it less than 6 inches (15.24cm).
How are mantels attached to brick?
How much should a mantel overhang?
A mantel should extend a minimum of 3 inches beyond the firebox opening. If the fireplace has facing around the opening, the mantel can also extend 3 or more inches beyond that.
How do you mount a heavy fireplace mantel?
How do you measure a fireplace mantel? Shelf Depth: Measure the depth of the wood fireplace mantel from the front edge to the wall. Total Height: Measure the height of the wood fireplace mantel from the top of the hearth or the floor to the bottom of the mantel shelf. Total Width: Measure the entire width of the fireplace surround from end to end.
How far above a fireplace opening does a mantle have to be? 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 far do mantels stick out? A mantel should stick out at least 6 inches (15.24cm) from the wall. It’s the perfect depth that allows you to have a mantle effectively deflect heat without compromising aesthetics. You can extend it to have more depth for your decorative pieces, but we don’t recommend having it less than 6 inches (15.24cm).
Do you install mantel before or after stone?
If you’d like to have a mantel, it is ideally installed in conjunction with the stone veneer so this decision should be made along with the selection of your stone.
How do you build a floating mantel on a brick fireplace?
How to build a floating mantel (or shelf):
- Prep your surface. For me, that meant staining our fireplace white beforehand.
- Create mantel support.
- Create a hollow box for your mantel.
- Finish the mantel.
- Attach your shelf support onto the brick.
- Fit your mantel onto the mantel support.
- Style your finished mantel!
How far should a mantle stick out?
A mantel should stick out at least 6 inches (15.24cm) from the wall. It’s the perfect depth that allows you to have a mantle effectively deflect heat without compromising aesthetics. You can extend it to have more depth for your decorative pieces, but we don’t recommend having it less than 6 inches (15.24cm).
Are stacked stone fireplaces out of style?
Stacked stone fireplaces are in style right now, and there is no better way to keep warm all winter long than by installing one of these wonderful accents for your home.
How close can a wood mantel be to a fireplace?
Fire codes require that mantels made from combustible materials (such as wood) be mounted at least 6 inches above the fireplace opening. A non-combustible material must also be installed between the mantel and fireplace. If you wish to mount the mantel closer, using non-combustible materials is an absolute must.
Should hardwood flooring match mantel?
In general, it’s better to keep a fireplace mantel neutral, or at least softer and less distracting in color. As we mentioned above, a good place to match your mantel is the floor or trim in your home, which will help tie everything together.
What is the best wood to use for a fireplace mantel?
Walnut is a popular choice for fireplace mantels. It is a harder and heavier type of wood than most and is extremely durable. The rich dark brown wood is an excellent for an impressive fireplace mantel. Hickory is also a great choice for a fireplace mantel if you are going for a unique look.
What is the average width of a fireplace mantel? Complete Fireplace Mantel Design Proportions Guide To Make Your Life Easier
| Section | Standard Dimension |
|---|---|
| Width of the mantel | 12 inches wider than the fireplace box up to the same width as the hearth |
| Thickness of the mantel (face of the mantel) | 5-1/2 to 7-1/2 inches |
| Depth of the mantel | 7 to 8 inches from the wall |
• Jan 2, 2022
How wide should my mantle be?
Your mantel should be wider than your fireplace. Typically, a mantel should be a minimum of 3 inches past the firebox on each side. However, more can be better. The average mantel is approximately 6 inches wider than the fireplace on either side, and some can be even wider.