DIY Mantel Installation Help

For many individuals, the prospect of completing a mantel renovation can seem like a daunting task.  Many consumers who may be frustrated with the haggard nature of their old wood mantels postpone completing a remodel out of fear that the process will be a long and arduous ordeal. Fortunately for these individuals looking to remodel a mantel in their home, this does not have to be the case. In fact, even individuals with very little home improvement experience can easily install a new mantel in a single afternoon.

With mantel packages like those available on Mantels Direct a new mantel can be installed with just a few simple tools and little bit of elbow grease. The first step in completing your diy mantel installation is to unbox the unit you have ordered and assemble the pieces together.  There are three basic components to a wood mantel, two legs and a top breast shelf. When unboxing your mantel lay the breast flat on the floor so that you can easily attach the legs to the shelf.

After you have nailed the mantel legs into the breast of the mantel, you can flip the mantel right side up and position it around the fireplace opening making sure to draw an outline of the mantel’s correct position around your fireplace. Next, you simply measure ¾” inside the outline lines and draw another set of lines indicating the proper location of your mounting boards. Mounting boards are not included with your mantel, they are ¾” X 2” boards that will be nailed to the wall and provide support for your mantel.

After you have nailed your mounting boards to studs in the wall or to your floor, you are ready to attach your mantel.  If you wish to paint or stain your mantel make sure this is done before attaching it to your wall. After your mantel has been lined up and nailed into place, simply install your scribe molding and your project will be complete. If you would like more details on traditional wood mantel installations or cast stone and marble installations, check out this informative mantel installation page.

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All diagrams courtesy of Net Direct Merchants via Michael Haggerty.