How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
The addition of a mantel to your fireplace can make to make it appear more like a design element in the room. It's also a good spot to hang decorative items that reflect your style and preferences.
It is important to determine how high to mount the mantel to avoid it from appearing awkward in the room. Take into consideration where the TV will be mounted and the art.
Mantel Shelf
The mantel is a standard feature of many homes. It can add an appealing accent to your living room. They're typically used to display family heirlooms like vase, pictures and trophies. They can also serve as a spot to hang Christmas decorations as well as other seasonal decor items. The correct mantel will blend into the design of your home and create an eye-catching focal point for the room. To ensure that your fireplace mantel that has an electric insert looks its best, it's important to put it in the proper height. When determining the height of the mantel shelf, there are many things to consider.
The first thing to consider is the size and design of your fireplace mantel. There are a variety of designs and materials to pick from, some are suitable for higher or lower mounting. Natural stone and concrete, for example, can be mounted lower because they are non-combustible. Wood, on the other hand is required to be hung at a higher level because it's fire-proof.
To determine how high you should place your mantel take a look at the manual for installing your fireplace. The manual will outline the recommended heat clearances as well as the maximum distance you can put the mantel in from the fireplace. Consult your local building codes to find out more about clearances for heat, installation requirements and other requirements.
Once you have determined the ideal height for your mantel, it's time to make the cleat that will hold it to the wall. To do this, measure the width inside your mantel to determine the cleat's length. Cut a 2x4 cleat to this measurement and then dry-fit it into the mantel to ensure that it's positioned correctly.
Once you have the cleat in place you can then nail it to the wall using a power drill and masonry screws. Use trigger clamps to secure the face board so that it doesn't move while you nail 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. While staining, remember that every piece of unfinished wood has its own distinctive characteristics and will be able to take stain in a unique way.
Fireplace Corbels
There are a myriad of ways to decorate a brick fireplace that has an open grate, a wood mantel and a brick grate. Make use of eucalyptus limbs and other greenery to provide height and freshness your fireplace. You can hang a wreath or even a few small, framed pieces of art.
Corbels for your fireplace is another method you can enhance the appearance of your home. They come in different styles and are made from different materials. Some are made from wood, and others are made from limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs and come with a decorative finish. They are usually light brown, but they can be painted or stained to match any room.
It is crucial to remember that the corbels support the weight of the mantel and not the grate, or the fireplace. It is crucial to read and understand the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of the fireplace. It is also recommended to check the local building codes.
Mark the location of the fireplace mantel using a pencil. Then, use a level to connect the marks and draw an outline of the cleats' placement. Once you have the lines marked and drilled, you can screw the cleats. The angles of the cleats will lock and allow you to hang your mantel above them.
When decorating your fireplace, simple shapes are usually the best. Using a single color can create an elegant appearance and you can opt to repeat patterns. This will add a little harmony to your fireplace mantel.
One of the most common and simplest ways to decorate your mantel by displaying family photos. The display of your most memorable memories in your home will help you to remember them. Other options include displaying artworks that are framed or shells from a beach. Be aware of the height of the decoration items and place taller items at the ends and smaller ones in the middle. This will give an even look.
How do I install a Fireplace Insert
Install an electric insert into your existing chimney if desire the look and feel of an open fireplace but without the hassle. This will not just improve your home's efficient on energy, but reduce the amount of creosote (a explosive residue) in your chimney that could cause chimney fires. Make sure to consult your local fire inspections team before you start. They may require you to employ a professional installer to ensure the installation is done correctly and protect your home from fire hazards.
If they don't, the procedure is not too difficult and can be done by a homeowner with basic carpentry skills. First, select an outlet that can be easily reached by the fireplace unit. Measure the size of the fireplace opening and the mantel for the fireplace to determine what type and size fireplace insert is the most suitable. Then, order the necessary items for the task. You'll need to construct frames out of boards such as pine or spruce that is the same thickness of the walls of your home in the event that you're installing a wall-mounted fireplace. You'll require drywall and non-combustible sealant to cover the frame and drywall.
When the frame is completed it's time to start working on the actual fire. If you're using a freestanding model, just place it on the mantel. It's important to lay down an unfinished piece of cardboard in the hearth area to avoid damage to hardwood or tile surfaces when moving the unit. This is particularly important for older fireplaces made of masonry, which often have loose mortar and bricks that can fall off while you're working.
You'll require a chimney liner when you are planning to put an insert inside an existing masonry fireplace. This will stop fumes and smoke from entering the room from the fireplace's opening and will also help seal your house all year long. Review the guidelines of the manufacturer prior to you begin to learn how to prepare your chimney and fireplace insert.
You'll have to do more work to install an insert in an masonry fireplace than you would with a wall-mounted model, since you'll have to construct the frame for the chimney. This is a project which any homeowner can finish by following the instructions and take their time.
Decorate the Mantel
One of the great things about a fireplace mantel is that it can be decorated to appear like a work of art. Mirrors with gilded frames, distressed window frames, rows of scented candles and more can transform the space into a beautiful focal point that will enhance any decor style. Some homeowners use the space to display a collection of small items, such as antique clocks old bottles or ceramics.
Another popular option is to decorate the area around an electric fireplace by using plants and flowers. fireplacesandstove.com can make use of trailing vine plants such as devil's ivy or Boston Ferns to create a natural look and draw attention away from the fake fire of the fireplace. Other options for greenery include succulents and mistletoe cactus.
Think about displaying large abstract or sculptured art on your mantel if you desire a contemporary look. This type of decor is especially effective when combined with a neutral color scheme.
Rustic farmhouse art has also become popular in recent years. It often has white and pastels which can look stunning when used on a fireplace mantel.
Do not clutter the space around the electric fireplace. You can create a striking design by arranging a few pieces in an organized, clean manner. 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 using simple bows and ornaments.
Electric fireplaces are an excellent alternative for those who want to embellish their fireplace mantel in a fashionable and practical way. This kind of fireplace can provide warmth in winter and a cozy atmosphere without heating in the summer. It's also easy to put in and is equipped with a remote control that allows you to control the flame's color and speed.