How to Hang a Mantel Over the Fireplace
Mantles are decorative pieces that frame the fireplaces they are attached to. Though they were originally intended to act as smoke-filtering, protective grates; today, the majority of mantles simply serve as decorative picture and statue holders. Most fireplaces come equipped with mantlepieces of their own but it is also not uncommon for them to be absent. Fortunately, hanging one yourself can be easily accomplished with a mantle kit and some basic construction skills.
Things You'll Need:
- Mantel kit or new mantel
- Level
- Tape measure
- Lumber
- Pencil
- Shims
- Construction-grade adhesive
- Large tarp (optional)
- Wood stain (optional)
- Paint (optional)
- Primer (optional)
- Paint brush (optional)
- Sandpaper (optional)
- Measure both the inside and outside of your existing fireplace.
- Purchase a mantel kit, either online or at a home improvement store, that corresponds with your exact measurements. Keep in mind that the United State's Fire Code states that there should be at least a one inch gap between the mantle and the opening of the fireplace for every eighth of an inch that the mantle sticks out. You could also consider going with a piece that is pre-made.
- Assemble the mantle per the kit's instructions and stand it up against the wall. Be sure that the structure is straight and insert shims underneath if it is slanting. Mark its outline onto the wall with a pencil.
- Spread out a plastic sheet or tarp and carefully lay the mantle down on top of it. Go over it with the sandpaper and then dust off the leftover residue. Coat the entire mantel with primer and paint it your desired color once it has dried. Conversely, you could apply a wood stain instead. If you don't wish to change the item's appearance, skip these steps and continue on.
- Turn the mantle over and apply the construction-grade adhesive to its back. To get the most use out of the substance, make sure there is only one inch between each strip of glue.
- Attach the structure to the wall, using your pencil markings as a guide, and hold it there for at least 20 minutes. Ensure the adhesive has had proper time to dry before placing anything on your new mantle.