How to Remove a Fireplace Mantel

Fireplaces are a wonderful addition to any room--mantels in particular--but from time to time you may need to remove a mantel to make room for new decor, repaint or repair it, make way for a flat-screen television, or perhaps even do away with the fireplace altogether. Regardless of your motivation, the procedure for removing a fireplace mantel is generally quite simple and can be done with a few simple tools in an afternoon.

Things You'll Need

• Crowbar
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Drill

Instructions

1. Mantels come in two basic styles: the surround, which is connected to columns or flat panels surrounding the firebox; and the free-floating mantel. How you remove the mantel will be determined by its style and whether you intend to keep it. If you want to save the mantel, great care must be taken to preserve it.

2. With a surround style, start by probing the lower sections. These are what the mantel rests on. Pry panels away from the walls and remove columns. Carefully set the pieces aside to be reused.

3. In many cases the mantel is now only resting on a ledger board, or cleat. Test this theory by lifting up on the mantel. If it moves easily, push it up and off. If not, try a mallet. If the mantel is attached to the ledger, the screw or nails may be visible; look under the front edge and along the sides and the back edge of the top. Once you have found the source of its sticking power, unscrew or pry it loose and remove the mantel.

4. The free-floating mantel may lift off easily in your hands with enough force in the right place. If you are unable to see the nails or screws holding it down, they are probably hidden by a piece of trim. Gently remove trim and moldings, especially those on the outside edge, top and bottom of the mantel. When you find the fasteners, proceed as with the surround style.

5. If you truly don't care what happens to the mantel, the entire process becomes much easier. Being careful not to damage the wall or surrounding surfaces, tap a crowbar behind the mantel and pry it off.

References

• Fireplace Mantel Video