Fireplace Mantel Installation Tips – How To
How do I install a fireplace mantel? There are many ways to install a fireplace mantel beam. The following presents a few approaches, but nothing replaces a trained, on-site professional to assess the details of the situation. 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…)
Determine Proper Height
Regardless of which method you use below, you will need to identify the height at which you want the mantel to be placed. Because wood is a combustible material, you’ll want to follow some established guidelines for the minimum distance between a fireplace and a wood mantel. For solid wood fireplaces, the following Clearance to Combustibles guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) match the requirements of most localities and fireplace manufacturers. However, be sure to comply with the local laws and manufacturer’s recommendations for your particular model. Your fireplace manual should show a similar diagram with exact measurements.
Slide Over Bolts Method
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.
- Locate the studs behind the brick, stone, or faux veneer.
- 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.
- 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. Optionally, if a good surface exists, apply glue onto the wall and the back of the mantel.
- Slide into place, admire, and enjoy!
Anchored in Masonry 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 brick work with a hammer drill and use a lead masonry anchor.
Next, tap in a lead expansion anchor before placing 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 Method
The Slide on Over Bolts Method is often used 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Complete the fireplace installation, masonry, and enjoy!
Note, an alternate version of this method is to use an oversized piece of 5/8in or greater plywood (not OSB). (shown in lower picture) You can also insert a backboard in between the plywood and the mantel so that less of the mantel gets buried into the stonework.
Stud Supported Corbel 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.
- Start with corbels that are:
2 inches + stud width + masonry width + mantel depth – 1 to 2 inches. - Carefully cut out a tight notch from the corbel in which the stud will sit.
- Run bolts through the corbel and the stud. Fasten together.
- Complete the rest of the fireplace and masonry installation.
- Apply adhesive on top of the corbels. Position mantel on top. Clamp until dry.
Various Other Notes
- 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.
- 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.
- For very heavy mantels, many carpenters will increase the stud count and or the size of the studs supporting the mantel.
Don't Forget, We Sell Mantels Too!
