How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
The addition of a mantel to your fireplace will make it look more like a design element in the room. It's also a good spot to hang decorative items that can reflect your style and taste.
It's important that you know the height at which the mantel should be mounted to avoid it appearing awkward in the room. Take into consideration where the TV will be mounted and the art.
Mantel Shelf
The mantel is a classic element in many homes. It can be an attractive accent to your living room. They are typically used to display family treasures such as pictures, vases and trophy collections. They can also be used as a place to display Christmas decorations and other seasonal decor items. Selecting the best mantel will ensure it fits in with your home's interior design and creates an attractive focal point for the room. The installation of your fireplace mantel with an electric insert at the proper height will ensure that it looks its best. When determining the ideal height for the mantel shelf, there are several things to consider.
The size and design of the fireplace mantel is the first thing to think about. Although there are many designs and materials to pick from, certain materials are suitable for lower or higher mounting. Natural stone and concrete, for example can be mounted lower because they are non-combustible. Wood however is required to be hung at a higher height because it's highly flammable.
The manual for installing your fireplace will provide you with the height to place your mantel. The manual will outline the recommended heat clearances and the maximum distance that you can put the mantel in from the fireplace. You should also check the local building codes to learn more regarding heat clearances and other installation requirements.
Once you've determined the height of your mantel then prepare the cleats to secure it to the wall. Measure the inside width of the mantel and use that measurement to determine length of the cleat. Cut a 2 by 4 cleat to the same size and dry-fit it to the mantel to ensure that it's positioned correctly.
Once the cleat is in place, make use of a power drill to fix it to the wall. It is also recommended to use trigger clamps to secure the face board to the wall to ensure that it does not move when you attach it to the side pieces. After you've secured the face board to the side pieces, apply a coat of wood stain on your mantel. When staining, keep in mind that each piece of unfinished wood has its own unique characteristics and will take stain in a different manner.
Fireplace Corbels
There are a myriad of ways to decorate brick fireplaces that have an open grate, a wooden mantel and a brick grate. Use eucalyptus limbs or other greenery to provide height and freshness your fireplace. Other options include making an ornamental wreath or hanging small framed works of art.
Corbels are a great option to improve the appearance of your home. They are available in various styles and can be constructed from various materials. Some are made of wood, while others are made of limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs and come with a decorative finish. They are usually a light brown in color, but can be painted or stained to match the room.
It is important to remember that the corbels support the mantel's weight and not the grate, or the fireplace. Therefore, it is important to read the fireplace manufacturer's instructions and understand all the requirements for installation. It is also a good idea to consult the local building codes.
To put up a fireplace mantel that has corbels, first mark the location of the mantel on the wall with a pencil. Then, use a level to connect the marks and create an outline for the cleats' position. Once you have your lines marked then screw the cleats in. The edges of the cleats that are angled will lock, allowing you to hang your mantel over them.
When it is decorating the fireplace, simple shapes work best. By using a single color, you can create an elegant appearance, and you can also opt to repeat patterns. This will help to give a more symmetrical look to your mantel.
One of the most common and easy ways to decorate your mantel is by displaying family photographs. A few of your favorite photos in your home will always remind you of them. You could also hang framed art or shells you have collected from the shore. Make sure to consider the height of the decorative objects and put taller ones on the ends, and shorter ones at the middle. This will give an even look.
How do I install a Fireplace Insert
If you'd like the appearance of a traditional open fireplace but without the hassle and expense, you can install an electric fireplace in your chimney. This will not only improve the energy efficiency of your home, but will also reduce the amount of creosote that is in your chimney (a substance that is flammable and could ignite a chimney fire). Make sure to consult the local fire inspections team before you start. They might require you to employ a professional to ensure the installation is completed correctly to protect your home from a fire risk.
If they don't, the procedure isn't difficult and can be done by a homeowner who has basic carpentry skills. First, select an outlet that can be easily reached by the fireplace unit. Check the dimensions of the fireplace opening and the fireplace mantel in order to determine which type and size fireplace insert will work best. Order the materials you need for the project. You'll need to make frames out of boards such as pine or spruce that is the same size of the walls of your home when you're installing a wall-mounted fireplace. You'll also need drywall material and non-combustible caulking to seal the frame and drywall.
Once the frame is complete, you can begin working on the actual fireplace. If you have freestanding fireplaces, place it on the mantel. To prevent the destruction of tile and hardwood surfaces, it is essential to place a piece or cardboard on the hearth to shield them when moving the unit. This step is particularly crucial for older masonry fire places, as they often contain loose bricks and mortar that could fall out while you are working.
To install an insert in an existing fireplace made of masonry it is necessary to add an air liner to the chimney. This will block smoke and toxic fumes entering the room from the fireplace's opening and will also help protect your home all year long. Before you begin the project, check the manufacturer's instructions for more details on how to prepare the chimney and fireplace insert to be used.
You'll need to do more work to install an insert in the fireplace made of masonry than you would with a wall-mounted unit, because you'll need to construct the chimney's frame. This is a project any homeowner can complete when they follow the directions and take their time.
Decorate the Mantel
A fireplace mantel can be decorated in a way that makes it look like an art work. Mirrors with gilded frames or window frames with a distressed look, rows of scented candles and more can transform the space into a beautiful focal point that can enhance any decor style. Some homeowners utilize the space to display small items such as old bottles, ceramics, or old clocks.
electric fireplace mantel packages around an electrical fireplace with plants and flowers is another popular option. Trailing vine plants like devil's ivy and Boston ferns can add natural beauty to the area and also help draw the eye away from the artificial flames of the fireplace. Other alternatives for greenery include succulents and mistletoe cactus.
If you prefer a more modern style, think about displaying large sculptures or abstract artwork on the mantel. This type of decor is particularly effective when combined with a neutral palette.
Rustic farmhouse-style art is another decorative option that's been popular lately. It is often defined by whites and pastels which are stunning on a fireplace mantel.
When you are decorating the area around an electric fireplace, it's important to stay clear of cluttering the space. It is possible to create a striking appearance by arranging the objects in a neat, organized fashion. You can choose an array of lanterns in different sizes for your electric fireplace mantel. They can be filled in different ways from candles to vase fillers. The lanterns can be decorated with simple ornaments and bows.
If you're looking to find a practical and attractive way to embellish your home's fireplace mantel A fireplace with an electric component is the perfect choice. This kind of fireplace can provide heat in the winter months and warm ambiance, without heating during the summer. It is also easy to set up and comes with a remote that allows you to alter the speed of the flame and color.