How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
A mantel can make your fireplace look more elegant. It's an ideal place to hang decorative items that reflect your personal style.
It is crucial to know how high to hang the mantel to prevent it from appearing unnatural in the room. Take into consideration where the TV will be mounted and the art.
Mantel Shelf
The mantel is a standard feature in many homes. It can be a nice touch in your living space. They're often used to display family heirlooms such as vase, pictures and trophy collections. They can also be used to hang seasonal decorations such as Christmas ornaments and lights. The ideal mantel will blend into the style of your home and create a focal point in the room. To ensure that your fireplace's mantel with an electric insert appears its best, it's important to mount it at the proper height. When determining the height for the mantel shelf, there are several aspects to take into consideration.
The size and style of the fireplace mantel is the first thing to consider. There are many styles and materials available but some are suitable for a lower or higher mounting. For example, natural stone and concrete are able to be mounted lower due to their non-combustible nature. Wood, on the other hand must be installed at a higher height because it's highly flammable.
The manual for installing your fireplace will provide you with the height to mount your mantel. It will typically list the recommended heat clearances, and this is generally the maximum distance you can mount your mantel to the firebox. Check your local building codes for more about heat clearances, installation requirements and other requirements.
After you've determined how high to install your mantel, it's now time to make the cleat that will secure it to the wall. To measure this, you need to measure the width of the inside of your mantel to determine the cleat's length. Cut a 2x4 cleat to this measurement and dry-fit it to the mantel to ensure that it's in the right place.
Once the cleat is set and the cleat is in place, use a power drill to fix it to the wall. It is also recommended to use trigger clamps to keep the face board so that it won't move as you nail it to the side pieces. After you've attached the face board to the side pieces, apply a coat of wood stain on your mantel. When staining it, keep in mind that every piece of unfinished wood has its own distinct characteristics, and will accept stain differently than another piece.
Fireplace Corbels
If you have a brick fireplace with an open grate and a mantel made of wood There are a myriad of ways you can decorate it to make it look even more attractive. Use eucalyptus limbs or other greenery to provide height and freshness your fireplace. Other options include using an ornamental wreath or hanging small art pieces.
Corbels are a great way to enhance the look of your home. They come in different styles and are made of different materials. Some are made from wood, while others are made of limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs and are adorned with a a decorative finish. They are usually light brown however, they can be stained or paint to match the decor of any room.
It is important to remember that the corbels are designed to support the weight of your mantel, not the grate or the fireplace itself. It is essential to read and understand the installation instructions supplied by the manufacturer of your fireplace. It is also an excellent idea to research your local building codes.
review using pencil. Use a level to make lines that will serve as the cleats. Once you have the lines drawn, screw in the cleats. The angled edges will interlock and allow you to hang the mantel over them.
When decorating your fireplace, simple shapes are the most effective. A single color can give a classy appearance and you can choose to repeat patterns. This can add a bit of symmetry to your fireplace mantel.
Displaying family photos is one of the most simple and popular ways to decorate your fireplace mantel. The display of your most memorable memories in your home will help you to remember them. You could also hang framed art or shells that you've 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 creates an even look.
How to install a Fireplace Inset
Install an electric insert into your existing chimney if want the look of an open fireplace without the hassle. This will not only improve the energy efficiency of your home, but also reduce the amount of creosote that is in your chimney (a substance that is flammable and could cause a chimney fire). Contact your local fire inspections department before you begin. They might require you to employ a professional installer to ensure that the installation is done correctly to protect your home from a potential fire hazard.
If not, it is simple to accomplish when you have a basic carpentry knowledge. First, select a power outlet that can be easily accessible by the fireplace unit. Then, measure the size of your fireplace's opening as well as the fireplace mantel to determine the kind and size of fireplace insert that will fit best. Then, order the necessary materials needed for the task. If you're installing a fireplace that's wall-mounted it will require frames made from wood like spruce, pine, or fir that are the same size as the walls in your home. You'll also need drywall material and non-combustible caulking to seal the frame and drywall.
Once the frame is set, you can begin working on the actual fireplace. If you're using a freestanding model, simply place it on the mantel. It is important to place some scrap cardboard in the hearth area to avoid damage to tile or hardwood surfaces when moving the unit. This step is especially critical for older masonry fireplaces, that often have loose mortar and bricks that could be blown away while working.
You'll require a chimney liner if you want to install an insert into an existing fireplace made of masonry. This will prevent smoke and toxic fumes from entering the room through the opening of the fireplace and will aid in sealing your home throughout the year. Before you start the work, read the manufacturer's instructions for more details on how to prepare the chimney and fireplace insert to be used.
Installing an insert in an existing fireplace that is masonry will require more effort than a wall-mounted fireplace because you'll need to build the chimney's frame. This is a job that any homeowner can complete when they follow the instructions and take their time.
Decorating the Mantel
One of the most appealing aspects about the fireplace mantel is that it can be made to appear like a work of art. The space can be transformed into a focal point by using glittered mirrors and distressed windows frames. A row of candles with scents can be added. Some homeowners utilize the space to display small objects such as old bottles ceramics, or old clocks.
The area around an electrical fireplace with flowers and plants is another popular option. Trailing vine plants like devil's ivy or Boston ferns can provide natural beauty to the space and help draw attention away from the artificial flames of the fireplace. Other options for greenery include mistletoe cactus, succulents and mistletoe.
Consider displaying large abstract or sculptured art on your mantel if are looking for a modern style. This style of decor is particularly effective when combined with a neutral color palette.
Rustic farmhouse-style art is another attractive option that's been in vogue lately. It usually has white and pastels which can look stunning on the fireplace mantel.
When decorating the area around an electric fireplace, it's crucial to keep the area clear of clutter. You can create a striking design by arranging a few pieces in a clean, organized way. A row of lanterns with different sizes is a great choice for a mantelpiece with an electric fireplace and can be filled with anything from candles to vase filler. The lanterns can be decorated using simple bows and ornaments.
Electric fireplaces are an excellent option for those looking to decorate their fireplace mantel in a stylish and practical way. This type of fireplace is able to provide heat during the winter and a cozy ambiance without heating in the summer. It is also simple to set up and comes with a remote which lets you to alter the speed of the flame and color.