How to Attach a Decorative Mantel

A fireplace mantel can add elegance and style to any room.

A fireplace can be a beautiful focal point to any living space. Decorative mantels can help frame the fireplace hearth, as well as act as the perfect storage space for pictures, flower vases and home accessories. Installing your own decorative fireplace mantel may seem like a daunting task, but with a few tools and some careful measurements it can be a great way to add beauty and architectural interest to an overlooked fireplace.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 2 pieces of 1-by-4-foot wood
• Brick or cinder block
• Level
• Drill
• Wood screws
• Wood filler
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Assemble your mantel, if it is not already assembled. Position it over your fireplace to be sure it will fit. Depending on the size of your fireplace, you might need to add wood trim to fill any gaps between your fireplace and your mantel.

2. Create supports for your mantel to hang on while it is being installed, using scrap pieces of wood. Two 1-by-4-foot pieces of plywood work best. To determine the height of your boards, measure from the bottom of where you want your mantel to sit to the floor.

3. Position your boards in place on either side of the hearth of your fireplace. Prop in place with brick or cinder block to keep your support boards secured in place.

4. Place your mantel over your support boards. Use a level to be sure your mantel is correctly balanced. Make matching pencil marks where you will be attaching your mantel. These pencil marks should be both on the wall and on the mantel. Use measuring tape to be sure your mounting areas are symmetrical. If you are going to be attaching your mantel directly into drywall, check for studs when determining where to mount your mantel.

5. Remove your mantel and make your starter drill holes as indicated by your marks. Reposition your mantel in place, resting it on your plywood supports. Use long wood screws to drill through the mantel to your pre-made starter holes in the wall.

6. Fill your screw holes with wood filler or a caulking material. Let dry for a full 24 hours before sanding or repainting as necessary. Once your mantel is securely in place, remove your support boards.

References

• HGTV: Attractive Fireplace Mantel
• Victorian Fireplace Shop: Mantel Installation Guide