How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
A mantel can help make your fireplace look more stylish. It's also a great spot to hang ornaments that can reflect your style and preferences.
It is crucial to know the height at which the mantel should be hung to prevent it from appearing unnatural in the space. Also, you should take into consideration where the TV and art will be displayed.
Mantel Shelf
The mantel is a traditional element in many homes. It can add an attractive accent to your living room. They are often used to display family treasures, such as pictures, vases and trophies. They can also function as a spot to hang Christmas decorations and other seasonal decor items. Selecting the best mantel will ensure that it fits with your home's design and creates an eye-catching focal point in the room. Installing your fireplace mantel using an electric insert at the proper height will ensure that it looks its best. There are several factors to take into consideration when determining the height of the mantel shelf.
The first thing to consider is the size and style of your fireplace mantel. There are a variety of styles and materials to choose from, some are suitable for higher or lower mounting. For example, natural stone and concrete can be installed lower because they're non-combustible materials. Wood, however, must be installed higher since it's combustible.
To find out the height at which you should mount your mantel take a look at the fireplace installation manual. It usually lists the recommended heat clearances and this is generally the maximum distance at which you can place your mantel away from the firebox. Refer to 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, you'll need to prepare the cleat that will secure it to the wall. Take a measurement of the inside of the mantel and use that measurement to determine the length of the cleat. To ensure that the cleat is placed correctly, cut a 2 by 4 inch cleat in accordance with this measurement.
Once the cleat is set and 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 ensure that it does not move when you nail it to the side pieces. Once you've attached your face board to the pieces and you're ready to apply one or two coats of wood stain. While staining, keep in mind that each piece of unfinished wood has its own distinctive characteristics, and will accept stain differently than another piece.
Fireplace Corbels
There are many ways to decorate a brick fireplace that has an open grate, wooden mantel, and a brick grate. Use eucalyptus limbs or other greenery to give height and freshness to your fireplace. You can also hang a wreath or frame a few smaller artworks.
Corbels are a great way to improve the appearance of your home. They come in different styles and can be constructed from a variety of materials. Some are made of wood, and others are made from limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs and have an attractive finish. They usually are light brown in color, but they can be stained or painted to match the decor.
It is important to keep in mind that the corbels support the weight of the mantel and not the grate or the fireplace. Therefore, it is crucial to read the manufacturer's instructions and understand all the requirements for installation. Consult your local building codes.
Mark the position of the fireplace mantel using a pencil. Use a level to create an outline of the line that will serve as the cleats. Once you have the lines drawn and drilled, you can screw the cleats. The angles of the cleats will join, allowing you to hang your mantel over them.
When decorating your fireplace, simple shapes are often best. By using a single color, you will create a beautiful appearance, and you can also decide to repeat patterns. This can add a touch of harmony to your fireplace mantel.
One of the most commonly used and simplest ways to decorate your mantel is by displaying family photographs. Affiliating your favorite memories in your home can help you to remember them. Another option is to display artworks that are framed or shells from the beach. Remember to consider the height of the decoration items and place taller items at the ends and shorter ones at the middle. This creates an even look.
How do I install a Fireplace Insert
Install an electric insert in your existing chimney if desire the look and feel of an open fireplace but without the hassle. This will not just make your home more energy efficient but will also decrease the amount of creosote (a explosive residue) in your chimney, which could cause chimney fires. Before you start make sure you check with your local fire inspections and regulations team. You may have to engage an expert installer to ensure that the installation is completed correctly. This will safeguard your home against a potential fire danger.
If not, it's easy to do if you have basic knowledge of carpentry. Select a power outlet which is easily accessible by the fireplace unit. Measure the size of the fireplace opening as well as the mantel of the fireplace to determine what type and size of fireplace insert will fit the best. Order the materials you need to complete the project. 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 need drywall and non-combustible sealant for the frame and drywall.
Once the frame is complete and you're ready to begin working on the actual fire. If you have freestanding fireplaces, place it on your mantel. To avoid the destruction of tile and hardwood surfaces, it is essential to place a piece of cardboard on the hearth to protect them during the move of the unit. This is particularly important for older masonry fireplaces, with mortar that is often loose and bricks that can fall off while you're working.
To install an insert into an existing fireplace made of masonry, you'll need to add a flue liner to the chimney. This will block smoke and toxic fumes entering the room from the fireplace opening, and will also help to keep your home hygienic all year round. Check the instructions of the manufacturer before you begin the project to learn how to set up your fireplace insert and chimney.
You'll have to do more work installing an insert in the fireplace made of masonry than you would with a wall-mounted one, as you'll have to construct the frame for the chimney. This is a job that any homeowner can complete if they carefully follow the directions and take their time.
Decorating the Mantel
One of the best things about a fireplace mantel is that it can be decorated to appear like a work of art. Mirrors with glitter, distressed window frames, rows of scented candles and more can transform the area into a beautiful focal point that will enhance any style of decor. Some homeowners utilize the space to display small items such as old bottles, ceramics, or old clocks.
Another option is to decorate the area around an electric fireplace by using flowers and plants. Plants that trail like devil's ivy and Boston ferns can add natural beauty to the room and also help draw the eye away from the artificial flames of the fireplace. Other options for greenery are mistletoe cactus, succulents and mistletoe.
Consider the idea of displaying large, abstract or sculptured artworks on your mantel if desire a contemporary look. best electric fireplace with mantel fireplacesandstove.com of decor is especially effective when paired with a neutral color scheme.
Rustic farmhouse-style art is another decorative option that's been popular lately. It often has white and pastels which be stunning when placed on the fireplace mantel.
Be sure to keep the space clear around the electric fireplace. You can create a striking design by arranging a few objects in a neat, tidy way. A row of lanterns with different sizes can be a great choice for a fireplace mantel that is electric, and they can be filled with anything from vase fillers to candles. The lanterns can be decorated using simple bows and ornaments.
Electric fireplaces are a great option for those looking to decorate their fireplace mantel in a fashionable and practical way. This kind of fireplace can provide warmth in winter and a cozy ambience without heating in the summer. It's also simple to set up and comes with a remote control that allows you to alter the flame's color and speed.