An oak mantel is the perfect spot for family treasures.
An oak mantel is the ideal spot to display family photos, Christmas stockings and your most prized possessions. The mantel frames the fireplace and draws attention to the roaring fire. A fireplace without a mantel seems bare and naked. Order a custom oak mantel from a cabinet maker or find a pre-made unit that will fit your space. You can hang the mantel yourself in a few easy steps. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the oak mantel from the packaging. Assemble any parts of the mantel that require work.
2. Hold the oak mantle on the appropriate wall. Check the top of the mantel with your level. Mark the top and the sides of the mantel on the wall with a pencil.
3. Turn the mantel face down and find the mounting cleats. A mounting cleat is an indentation in the back of the mantel. Use a saw to cut a piece of lumber to fit snugly into this space.
4. Measure from the top of the oak mantel down to the mounting cleat. Measure and mark the corresponding spot on the wall. Repeat this procedure for all mounting cleats.
5. Position the lumber so it lines up with the marks on the wall. Drill concrete or deck screws through the lumber and into the wall. Concrete screws should be used for a brick wall and deck screws for any other type of wall. Attach the lumber to the wall with the screws.
6. Position the mantel so the mounting cleats slide over the lumber and sit flush to the wall. The mantel will fit snugly over the cleats.
7. Drive finish nails through the top and bottom of the oak mantel, into the lumber. Position the finish nails 6 to 8 inches apart. Fill any nail holes with wood putty.
Tags: mounting cleats, deck screws, finish nails, mantel from, mounting cleat, wall with