How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
The addition of a mantel to your fireplace can make it appear more like a feature in the room. It's a great place to hang up decorative items that reflect your style.
It's crucial to know how high the mantel should be mounted to prevent it from appearing unnatural in the space. Also, you should consider where the TV and art will be hung.
Mantel Shelf
The mantel is a traditional feature of many homes. It can add a nice touch in your living room. They are typically used to display family treasures such as vases, pictures and trophy collections. They can also be used to hang seasonal decorations such as Christmas decorations and lights. The right mantel will fit into the style of your home, and will create an attractive focal point in the room. To make sure that your fireplace's mantel with electric insert looks its best, it's important to put it in the proper height. There are many aspects to take into consideration when determining mantel's height.
The size and design of the fireplace mantel is the most important thing to think about. While there are many different designs and materials to pick from, some are suitable for higher or lower mounting. For example, natural stone and concrete can be mounted lower due to their non-combustible nature. Wood however must be installed at a higher height because it's combustible.
The fireplace installation manual will tell you how high to place your mantel. It will usually list the recommended heat clearances, and this is typically the maximum distance you can put your mantel to the firebox. Check your local building codes to learn more about heat clearances, installation requirements and other requirements.
Once you've determined the height of your mantel then prepare the cleats that will secure it to the wall. Take a measurement of the inside of the mantel, and use that measurement to determine length of the cleat. To ensure that the cleat is positioned correctly, cut a 2- by 4 inch cleat in accordance with this measurement.
Once you have the cleat installed, you can attach it to the wall with a power drill and screws for masonry. Use trigger clamps to secure the face board in place so that it does not move when you nail it to side pieces. After you've nailed your face board to the side pieces that you want to attach, you can apply a coat or two of wood stain. While staining be mindful that every piece of unfinished wood has its own distinctive characteristic, and will react to stain differently than another piece.
Fireplace Corbels
If you have a fireplace made of brick with an open grate and mantel made of wood There are a myriad of ways to embellish it to make its look even more attractive. One option is to add any kind of vegetation, such as eucalyptus branches to add the appearance of height and bring a sense of freshness to the area. You can hang a wreath or even a few small, framed pieces of art.
Corbels for your fireplace is another way that you can improve the look of your home. They come in different styles and are made of different materials. Some are made of wood and others are made from limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs and come with decorative finishes. They are typically light brown but they can also be stained or paint to match the decor of any room.
It is important to keep in mind that the corbels support the mantel's weight and not the grate or the fireplace. Therefore, it is essential to read the manufacturer's instructions and be aware of all the requirements for installation. It is also a good idea to consult your local building codes.
To install a fireplace mantel that has corbels, first mark the position of the mantel against the wall using a pencil. Utilizing a level to draw an outline of the line that will serve as the cleats. After marking the lines, screw the cleats in. The edges of the cleats that are angled will interlock which allows you to hang your mantel over them.
When it comes to decorating a fireplace, simple designs work best. Using a single color can give a classy appearance and you can decide to repeat patterns. This will help to bring a sense of symmetry to your mantel.
Displaying family photos is one of the most simple and popular ways to decorate your fireplace mantel. Affiliating your favorite memories in your home can make it easier to remember them. You could also hang framed art or shells collected from the shore. Be aware that the height of your decoration objects should be considered, and try to put larger objects at the ends and smaller ones in the middle to create a balanced effect.
How do I install a Fireplace Insert
Install an electric insert in your chimney if you desire the look and feel of an open fireplace without the hassle. This will not only increase your home's energy efficient but will reduce the amount of creosote (a explosive residue) within your chimney, which can cause chimney fires. Before you begin however, make sure to consult your local fire inspections and regulations team. They might require you to employ a professional installer to ensure the installation is done correctly to protect your home from a potential fire hazard.
If they don't, the process isn't difficult and can be completed by a homeowner who has basic carpentry skills. First, choose the power outlet that will be easily accessible by the fireplace unit. Then, take measurements of your fireplace's opening as well as the fireplace mantel to determine what type and size of fireplace insert that fits the best. Then, purchase the materials for the job. If you're installing a wall-mounted fireplace, you'll need a frame made from boards such as spruce, pine or fir that are the same size as the walls in your home. You'll also require drywall and non-combustible caulking to seal the frame and drywall.
Once the frame is complete it's time to start working on the actual fireplace. If you're using a freestanding model, simply place it on the mantel. It is important to place an unfinished piece of cardboard in the hearth area to avoid damage to tile or hardwood surfaces while maneuvering the unit. This is particularly important for older masonry fireplaces that often have loose mortar and bricks that could be blown away while working.
You'll need a chimney liner when you are planning to put an insert inside an existing fireplace made of masonry. This will prevent fumes and smoke from entering the room from the fireplace opening, and will seal your house all year long. Fireplaces and Stove of the manufacturer prior to you begin the project to find out how to prepare your fireplace insert and chimney.
Installing an insert into an existing fireplace that is masonry requires more work than an installation mounted on a wall because you'll need to build a frame for the chimney. This is a job that which any homeowner can finish by following the instructions and take their time.
Decorating the Mantel
One of the best things about a fireplace mantel is that it can be decorated to look like a work of art. Mirrors with gilded frames, distressed window frames, rows of scented candles and more can transform the area into a beautiful focal point that will enhance any decor style. Some homeowners make use of the space to display a collection of small items, such as antique clocks and old bottles, or ceramics.
The space around an electric fireplace with flowers and plants is a popular choice. Trailing vine plants like devil's ivy or Boston ferns can provide natural beauty to the room, and can help to draw attention away from the artificial flames of the fireplace. Other options for greenery include mistletoe cactus and succulents.
If you prefer a more modern style, think about displaying large sculptures or abstract art on the mantel. This kind of decor is especially effective when combined with an unobtrusive color scheme.
Rustic farmhouse art has also become popular in recent times. It's typically defined by whites and pastels that are stunning on a fireplace's mantel.
Do not clutter the space around the electric fireplace. You can create a striking appearance by arranging a few pieces in a neat, tidy manner. A row of lanterns with different sizes is a great option for an electric fireplace mantel and can be filled with anything from candles to vase filler. The lanterns themselves can also be decorated with simple decorations, such as bows or other ornaments.
Electric fireplaces are an excellent option for those looking to decorate their fireplace mantel in a stylish and practical way. This kind of fireplace can provide warmth during the winter and a cozy ambiance without heating during the summer. It is also simple to set up and comes with a remote that allows you to control the flame's speed and color.