Things You'll Need:
- Measuring tape
- 3-foot level
- Torpedo level
- Hammer drill
- ½-inch masonry drill bit
- Screwdriver drill bit
- Circular or table saw
- Wooden shims
- 2 2-inch-by-4-inch-by-8-foot pieces of lumber
- Concrete screws, 2½ inches long and ¼-inch diameter
- Decking screws, 3 inches long (if needed)
- Finishing screws, 2½ inches long
- Wood putty or decorative plugs
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Step 1
Place the mantel against the fireplace, positioning it to the desired location. Center it around the firebox and leave at least a 6-inch clearance.
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Step 2
Use the 3-foot level to check across the length of the mantle, and use the torpedo level to check levelness of the width, front to back. Place wooden shims under the legs until both levels are balanced.
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Step 3
Using the pencil, trace the outline of the mantelpiece as it lays flush against the brick and wall. This will help you measure where the wooden supports, called cleats, will be secured to the wall and brick.
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Step 4
Remove the mantelpiece and lay it face down on the floor. Measure the width inside the shelf as well as the length inside the supporting legs using the measuring tape. Cut 2-inch-by-4-inch-by-8-foot pieces of lumber to make the cleats, using a circular or table saw to match the measurements. Position the cleats into the mantel to ensure a proper fit.
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Step 5
Determine the thickness of the mantle edges that will sit flat against the wall and brick, then pencil in that measurement at different intervals along the wall and brick mantle tracing. Use the 3-foot level as a guide to draw in the lines where the cleats will be installed.
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Step 6
Holding the top cleat in place, use the hammer drill with a masonry bit to drill five holes evenly spaced across the cleat boards and through the brick. Switch to the screwdriver drill bit and screw in the concrete screws into the predrilled cleat board and brick of the fireplace. Repeat the process for each of the cleat legs. If any part of the cleat is being screwed into the wall, use the decking screws instead.
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Step 7
Install the mantelpiece against the fireplace, lining it up with your wall and brick tracings surrounding the support cleats. Using the hammer drill with the screwdriver bit, screw in several finishing screws on the top of the mantel into the top support cleat, evenly spaced, countersinking them slightly. Repeat the process with the mantel legs.
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Step 8
After all screws are in place and the fireplace mantel is secure, use wood putty to fill in the holes or use decorative plugs that match the mantel to fill in and disguise the holes.
