Adding a Fireplace Mantle

By Robert Robillard on Finish Carpentry

Installing A Fireplace Mantle

Now that is an eye catcher!

This article is continued from part 1 of work at a beautiful house is on Partridge Lane in Concord.  I just finished adding a fireplace mantle, the granite is new and the hardwood floors were re-finished.

Additionally, O’Lalor Painting painted the entire interior and is now putting the finishing touches on the interior trim.  I will post a picture once the mantle is painted.

 

BEFORE: Blue stone hearth and surround.

AFTER: Polished black Cambrian granite with Premier Series Newport Mantle.

Newport Mantle Installation

In order to mount the Newport mantle to the wall I needed to add nailer blocks. The problem with this installation was there were no wood studs to attach too.

Attaching the Mantle to the Wall

I ended up using an expanding bolt fastener and attached the nailer to the masonry fireplace with two fasteners on each side. The top nailer was glued on and attached to a stud.

The 2×4 and 2×6 nailers match the inside dimension of the mantle. The mantle slips over the nailers and is secured with 12d finish nails.

Protect the Floor

Larson storm door boxes from the previous mudroom job serve well as floor protectors.

Close up of the Newport mantle shelf. This unit has real nice molding and dental molding profiles.

The mantle barely covered the opening of the old stone veneer. In order to completely hide the opening I had to add 3/4 ” quarter round molding to the sides.

Wall Repair

I also had to apply a skim coat to the damaged wall edge with drywall compound. Luckily the painter, O’Lalor Painting, is on site and can finish the skim coating and make the repair invisible.

Adding a Fireplace Mantle

Newport mantle installed.

Baseboard trim on either side was replaced to butt into the new mantle.


~ concord carpenter

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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