how can I hang a mantel shelf?

Answer 1

Find center of your fireplace with a measuring tape, the height you want it, and then mark it with a pencil. Use a level and lightly draw a line where you want the top of the mantle to rest. Now measure the inside lip(backside of mantle) the top part that is the shelf, measure the thickness of the wood. now go back to the wall and measure that distance down from your pencil line. the length of the mantle to just about 2 inches from the ends. If you have a brick chimney. You'll have to pre drill and use concrete,(mortor), screws to attach the mantle, or if you have wood, find a stud or use some cabinet grade anchors. What you'll need to do is make a ledge of about 1/2 inch x1" and the length of the inside of the back of the mantle. You'll attach that to the wall with your anchors, screws, etc. then you set the mantle directly over the ledge. So that the ledge is actually inside the back of the mantle and flush against the wall. Make sure it is center and then use finish nails and a punch to attach the mantle to the ledge.

Answer 2

Answer number one is pretty well detailed.

I have some thoughts and suggestions since you added NO detail.

Certainly WE can't know what you are attaching a shelf/mantle too. IE: Brick/Stone/Drywall/ etc.; but each will need a different process. I think number one has given you some pretty decent details of an option or two.

Also not knowing at all if the "fireplace" is flushed out to the existing wall; or your notion about what kind of mantle you have in mind; you can also explore more options.

Certainly if the structure surrounding the Fireplace is Drywall, your task will be less labor intensive. You should...in that case; locate studs; and determine the type and weight of the mantle itself; then determine bracketing/securing; the mantle to the wall. Again; without any details from you..let's assume you have a plank. 2x whatever...either formally finished, or an old chunk of barn wood. If I was doing the job, I'd probably investigate the possibility of a "Cleat" attached to the wall, and supporting structures extending out...decortive or not, to support not only the "shear" weight, but the gravitational issue at the face of the Mantle,,,especially depending on its weight or anything you chose to set on it. You could explore BLIND supports/ Brackets, often used with shelving attached to drywall/studs.

If Rustic is your choice and Drywall isn't the situation; there are still many options, even architectural/deco options.

The primary issues are

Surface and substance of what the mantle is attaching to.

Type of mantle and it's weight

Proper support of that weight, no matter the attachments, to allow for wall contact support as well as leading edge support.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

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how can I hang a mantel shelf?