whats the best way to attach wood to cement? Im building a mantel for my fire place?

Question

I am building a mantel for my fireplace from scratch!!!

Answer 1

I guess superglue isn't the answer you're looking for?

Answer 2

I'm guessing that the wood is the mantel and the concrete is the fire place??? So I would take a concrete drill bit and make all the measurements (naturally) and drill holes where you want to attach the mantel piece. I'm also guessing that your mantel will be attached to the wall so you will need two pieces of wood for suppors undernieth the mantel (on each side of the fire place)...

Apply epoxy or grout the female end in the holes in the wall...counter sink the bolts into the wood about half an inch (so that you can put wood coverings over the bolts)...then simply bolt the mantel in place and glue down the wood covers over the bolts.

Natually, you would need to attach the supports to the mantel (shelf) itself before bolting it in place. Hope this helps and makes sence...I can see how I'd do it, but typing it out is a challenge.

Answer 3

use some redhead anchor bolts, 3/8" x 5" should be large enough, depending on how large and how heavy the mantel will be will determine how many, but say the end product will weigh 25 to 30 lb's, 1 anchor every 8" to 12" should more than enough, stay 4" from each end,how many holes will be determend by how long your mantel will be, mark in the center of the 2x4 each place where you will be drilling a hole, use a 1/8" bit to drill through the 2x4 at the marked places keeping the drill as straight as possible, after this take a 1" bore and bore through the 2x4 5/8" deep, this is to counter sink the bolts, now turn it over and drill with a 1/2" bit through from the side thats still has the 1/8" hole, Now place it on the wall where you want the mantel to sit, mark the spots on the cement through the holes you just drilled, drill the cement using a 3/8" masonary bit and a hammer drill, if you don't have a hammer drill you should be able to rent one cheaply enough. drill the cement at least 5" deep. blow the dust from the holes, this will make it easier when you hammer the bolts into the holes. place the washers on the bolts and screw the nuts on them leaving the nut as for out on the end as you can 2 or 3 threads should be screwed on far enough, now place the 2x4 on the wall and hammer the bolts through the 2x4 into the holes you drilled, tighten down the bolts cut or grind any part of the bolt that is sticking above the wood. now take a 1"x5" board and attach it with screws to the 2x4 letting the excess stick above the top of the 2x4, on this it's simple to just hang your mantel on it and if you ever want to change mantels it's easy. hope this helps..........jack, for the 1"x5" board you can use metal if you want

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Pretty much the same answer as above. Use tap con screws to attach a 2x4 frame for a nailer then build the 1x mantle pieces around the frame. Don't try to attach the actual mantle to the masonry. It will require a bit of foresight and planning, but the results will be better. Also leave a bit of a gap so the mantle isn't real tight against the masonry.

Answer 6

There are several ways of fastening wood to cement or brick. In your particular case, I would drill holes using the masonry bit. Then I'd use anchor screws; they come in just about any size. First you drill the hole, then hammer in the plactic tube with the hole in the middle (could be lead, but I'd go with the plastic ones) then you put in the screw using a regular screw driver or drill with the appropriate bit. Might sound a bit confusing, but you'll see exactly what I'm talking about when you go to purchase the anchor screws. This method adds bulk to the hole, and when the screw is tighten into the hole, it creates really tight grip. It will last forever.

Good luck

Answer 7

You don't want to attach the mantle directly to the fireplace. You want to build an "L" shaped ledge going upwards about 3/4". This is bolted to the fireplace. You want a similar "L" shaped ledge on the back of the mantle that goes down 3/4".

The mantle will sit on this ledge. If you live in a severe earthquake zone I suppose you could drive a couple of small finishing nails through the mantle into the ledge below.
The mantle will then sit on the bracket you have made that is attached to the mantle.

If you are lucky the builder of the fireplace built a piece of wood into the fireplace for attaching this bracket.

Answer 8

MAZE NAILS CO makes some hardened steel cut masonry nails.

I still have a box when from when I attached some wood to cinder block. They work for cement as well though. Anyway, here's the part # and info off of my box....

Blunt point Tapered shank. 1 lb. box CMH-8 1# 2.5 IN.MASONRY CUT NAIL SIZE:2-1/2"

Answer 9

How To Mount Mantle to Masonry Fireplace
Determine location of the flue for fireplace. Do not drill holes within 12 inches of either side.
Determine height of mantle. Stay 20" minimum from top of fireplace doors or opening to firebox, or check with your local Building Inspector.
Drill two holes in fireplace with masonry bit (3/4"), approximately 4" deep.
Put 2-3 ounces high temperature silicone into the holes and place 10'X3/4" reddy bolt into holes.
Place mantle at desired level, mark holes in flat side, and drill with 3/4" wood bit. Push mantle onto bolts with 2-3 ounces high temperature silicone in each hole.

Answer 10

Tap-Con is a good brand of masonry screws to use. They give you a drill bit in the box of screws to use for a pilot hole. One tip is to use a drill that has a hammer-drill function to drill the pilot hole, then change the drill the the regular drill function to put the screw in. Do not over tighten, the screw will keep spinning on you, and then your hole is too big to use again. Good luck.

Answer 11

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