Installing A Fireplace Mantle

Gas Fireplace Insert And Fireplace Mantle:

In a previous posts we removed the old mantle, new gas fireplace was installed, wood nailers were added to the steel studs, the wall was patched and painted.

Installing A Fireplace Mantle in the picture below:

We added vertical and horizontal wood nailers for the mantle and television mounting.  the addition of these wood nailers significantly reduces the labor of installing a finished mantle and TV mount later on.

The walls that were opened were boarded and veneer plaster applied.

Fireplace Mantle Ordering

We ordered an Algonquin brand “mantle in a box.”  Pre-made mantles do not work everywhere but in this case it was the most cost effective option.  I would have preferred to custom make a mantle.

When Installing A Fireplace Mantle you need to carefully measure and follow the state and manufacturer guidelines for exposure to heat and combustibles.

 

The Massachusetts Building Code Section 3610.4.7 and figures 3610.4.7a and 7b prescribe the following:

• “Combustible materials attached to fireplace face, such as trim and mantels, shall have a minimum of six inches from fireplace opening.”
• Exception:  If the mantel or trim directly above opening [the shelf] projects more than 1 2 inches beyond the fireplace face, the top clearance increases to 12 inches.

I just love those “knock down” connections. Their fast and easy to connect.

The fireplace was held against the wall, centered and inside opening traced in anticipation of the granite contractor. The fireplace surround will be 3/4″ limestone and the hearth will receive 1-1/4″ limestone.

The flat screen t.v. mount was installed to the pre-installed nailers.

Below the t.v. is temporally shown [not centered] with the mantle held in place for perspective. The mantle cannot be installed until the limestone is in place. To save time and in the interest of keeping the job moving, the painter will pre-prime the mantle while we wait.

Stone Floor Hearth

The next step is to install a limestone hearth on the floor.  the stone contractor first comes in and makes an exact template of the floor opening and them cuts the stone in their shop.

Typically they take two weeks for the installation.