Adding A Mantel To A Stone Fireplace

Step 2 drill fireplace holes drill a set of holes in the stone where you will attach the wood mantel.

Adding a mantel to a stone fireplace.

We first held up the 4 5 foot long 2 4 against the fireplace and drew a line with a pencil of where we wanted it to go. Steps for installing a fireplace mantel. Fill hole with fuz it liquid nail 4. Hold up the paneling to the stone and run your small piece of wood with the pencil in it along the stone this is the scribing part and the pencil will be marking the paneling as it follows the stone thus creating your pattern.

Gather pine boards for the ledger supports and the top and bottom of the mantel. I slid the mantel over the cleat that i built on the stone and drove 2 wood screws from the sides and top of the mantel into the 2 4 s underneath. Determine the height of the mantel. Cut the rebar to size 3.

Allow primer to dry before applying the first of several coats of oil based paint or enamel paint. Individual preferences vary but plan to leave about a foot between the top of the fireplace box and the bottom of the mantel. For a new stone mantel use painters tape to mark out the proposed mantel size and placement on the fireplace. Insert the rebar into the hole on the stone and hold in place to allow liquid nail to grab rod 5.

This can be done by cutting the 2x4 material with a miter saw to the dimensions of the mantel. Disconnect any sconces and cap off the wires with wire nuts. Mantels added to a stone fireplace can be painted to match the home s painting décor or stained and varnished to provide a more cozy and rustic look. These should be spaced at least 10 to 12 inches away from the flue and you will need 3 to 4 of them.

Start by assembling a cleat that will be mounted on the face of the fireplace to accept the mantel. Put one on each end and the other two splitting center. Drill a hole in the stone fireplace using a mason drill bit 2. Secure the cleat together using framing screws and butt joints.

Decide on a location. If painting wooden mantels must be primed with primmer paint for the best results. It s time to hang the mantel now. For a wood mantel on a stone fireplace you ll need quite a few materials.

To determine the mantel s length double the fireplace box width for a total that feels visually pleasing. Now attach the short 2 4 pieces to the 2 4 on the stone with 2 1 2 pocket hole screws and wood glue. Allow to dry for 48 hours before hanging mantel. This depends on the length of your wood mantel.

It s best to build the mantel right into the stone rather than refinishing the fireplace first. It s important to remember that the top of the mantle will be resting on top of your 2 4 and will be hanging down about another 5 inches. You ll need wood screws pocket screws wedge anchor bolts drop anchor bolts and a long concrete drill bit. Each hole should be drilled about 4 to 5 inches deep.