How to Hang Mantles

Hanging a mantle is not difficult.

If you use the correct method, and get a little help from a friend, you can hang a mantle quickly. Some methods require you to hang a mantle in place permanently. However, some companies provide custom-made mantles that you may want to take with you if you decide to move to another home. You will need a semi-permanent solution to hang a mantle that you can move at a later date.

Things You'll Need

• Electronic stud finder
• Pencil
• Miter saw
• Table saw
• Guide fence
• 2-by-4 lumber
• 1-inch spade bit
• Drill
• 5/16-inch wood drill bit
• Level
• 5/16-by-3 1/2 inch lag screws
• 2-inch drywall screws

Instructions

1. Hold an electronic stud finder against the wall where you plan to install the mantel. Mark the positions of the wall studs with a pencil.

2. Cut a 2-by-4 piece of lumber 8 inches shorter than the width of the mantle with a miter saw. Adjust the cutting angle of a table saw blade to 30 degrees. Adjust the guide fence to 1 3/4 inches so the blade will cut a 2-by-4 piece of lumber in half. Turn the table saw on and cut the 2-by-4 in half.

3. Mark the positions of the wall studs on one of the cut pieces of 2-by-4 lumber. Be sure you mark the side of the 2-by-4 that will allow the cut angle to angle down towards the wall. Drill a hole into the 2-by-4 with a 1-inch spade bit and a drill that is 3/8-inch deep. Drill a hole the rest of the way through the 2-by-4 with a 5/16-inch wood drilling bit.

4. Hold the drilled 2-by-4 against the wall in the correct position so you can mark the holes on the wall accurately. Use a level so the 2-by-4 will be level after it is installed. Have someone help you with this step so it will be easier to accomplish.

5. Pre-drill the anchor holes in the wall 1 inch deep. With a helper, hold the drilled 2-by-4 over the pre-drilled holes and use 5/16-by-3 1/2 inch lag screws to anchor the 2-by-4 to the wall. This is called a hanging cleat.

6. Attach the other cut piece of 2-by-4 lumber to the mantle with 2-inch drywall screws so the angle cut angles down away from the mantle. Hang the mantle over the hanging cleat.

References

• This Old House: How to Install a Mantel
• Hamari Fine Art & Furnishings: Installation Options