How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
A mantel can make your fireplace appear more elegant. It's also a great place to hang decorative items that show your style and preferences.
It is important to determine how high to hang the mantel in order to keep it from appearing awkward in the room. Consider the place where the TV is installed and the style.
Mantel Shelf
Mantels are a classic element in many homes and can be a great touch to your living room. They are often used to display family heirlooms, such as vase, pictures, and trophy collections. You can also use them to hang seasonal decorations, such as Christmas ornaments and lights. The right mantel will fit in with the interior design of your home, and will create an eye-catching focal point for the room. Mounting your fireplace mantel with an electric insert at the correct height will ensure it appears its best. There are many factors to take into consideration when determining the mantel's height.
The first thing you need to consider is the size and design of your fireplace mantel. There are a variety of styles and materials to choose from, certain materials are suitable for lower or higher mounting. Natural stone and concrete, for example, can be mounted lower since they're not flammable. Wood, however, has to be installed higher as it's combustible.
The manual for installing your fireplace will tell you how high to mount your mantel. The manual will list the recommended heat clearances and the maximum distance you are able to put the mantel in from the fireplace. Refer to your local building codes to learn more about clearances for heat, installation requirements and other requirements.
After you've determined the ideal height for your mantel, you'll need to prepare the cleat to secure it to the wall. Measure the inside width of the mantel and then use that measurement to determine the length of the cleat. Cut a 2x4 cleat according to this measurement, and dry-fit it inside the mantel to make sure that it's placed correctly.
Once you have the cleat fixed you can then fix it to the wall using a power drill and the masonry screws. Use trigger clamps to anchor the face board so that it does not move when you nail it to side pieces. After you've attached the face board to the side pieces, apply a coat of wood stain to your mantel. As you stain it be mindful that every piece of unfinished wood has its own unique characteristics, and will accept 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 variety of ways you can decorate it to make it appear more appealing. One option is to add some kind of greenery like eucalyptus bushes to add the appearance of height and bring a sense of freshness to the room. Other options include making an ornamental wreath or hanging small-sized art works.
Adding corbels to your fireplace is another method you can enhance the appearance of your home. They come in different styles and are made of different materials. Some are made from wood, and others are made from limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs and have an attractive finish. They are usually a light brown color, but they can be stained or painted to match the décor.
It is important to note that the corbels will support the weight of your mantel and not the grate or the fireplace itself. Therefore, it is crucial to read the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and comprehend the installation requirements. Check your local building codes.
To put up a fireplace mantel with corbels, first mark out the position of the mantel against the wall with pencil. Then, use a level to connect the marks and draw an outline of the cleats' placement. Once you have your lines marked then screw the cleats in. The angled edges of the cleats will interlock, allowing you to hang your mantel above them.
When it comes to decorating your fireplace, simple shapes are often best. You can create a stylish style by using only one color. You can also repeat patterns. This can add a touch of uniformity to your fireplace's mantel.
One of the most commonly used and easiest ways to decorate your mantel is by displaying family photographs. A few of your favorite memories in your home will remind you of them. You can also display framed artwork or shells collected from the shore. Be aware of the height of the decoration objects and place larger items on the ends, and smaller ones in the middle. This will create an even look.
How to Install a Fireplace Inset
Install an electric insert into your chimney if you like the look of an open fireplace but without the hassle. This will not just make your home more efficient in terms of energy use, but it will also decrease the amount of creosote (a flammable residue) within your chimney, which could cause chimney fires. Before you begin make sure you check with your local fire inspections and regulations team. You may have to hire a professional installer in order to ensure that the installation is completed properly. www.fireplacesandstove.com will help protect your home from a fire danger.
If not, it's easy to do with a little 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 will fit the best. Then, order the necessary items for the task. If you're installing a fireplace on a wall it will require a frame made from boards like spruce, pine, or fir that are the same size as the walls in your home. You'll need drywall as well as non-combustible sealant for the frame and drywall.
Once the frame is set it's time to start building the actual fireplace. If you are using freestanding fireplaces, place it on your mantel. To avoid damage to tile and hardwood surfaces, you must place a piece of cardboard on the hearth to safeguard them while you move the unit. This step is particularly crucial for older masonry fire places because they typically have loose bricks and mortar that can fall out while you work.
In order to install an insert in an existing fireplace made of masonry you'll need to install a flue liner to the chimney. This will block smoke and toxic fumes entering the room through the fireplace opening, and will help to keep your home hygienic all year round. Review the guidelines of the manufacturer prior to you begin the project to find out how to prepare your chimney and fireplace insert.
Installing an insert in a masonry fireplace is more difficult than installing a wall-mounted unit since you'll need to construct a frame for the chimney. This is a job that which any homeowner can finish when they follow the instructions and take their time.
Decorating the Mantel
A fireplace mantel can be decorated in a way that makes it look like an art piece. Gilded mirrors, distressed window frames and rows of candles with scents and more can transform the space into a stunning focal point that will enhance any style of decor. Some homeowners utilize the space to display small items like old bottles, ceramics or antique clocks.
Another option is to beautify the area around an electric fireplace with plants and flowers. You can use trailing vine plants such as devil's Ivy and Boston Ferns to create a natural look and draw attention away from the fake fire of the fireplace. Other alternatives for greenery include mistletoe cactus and succulents.
If you prefer a more modern look, consider displaying large sculptures or abstract art on the mantel. This type of decor is especially effective when it is paired with a neutral color palette.
Rustic farmhouse-style art is a different design that's become popular lately. It usually has white and pastels which can look stunning on the fireplace mantel.
When decorating the space around an electric fireplace, it's crucial to avoid cluttering the surface. It is possible to create a striking appearance by arranging some things in a tidy and neat manner. A row of lanterns with different sizes is 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 also be decorated with simple decorations, such as bows or ornaments.
Electric fireplaces are a great alternative for those who want to embellish their fireplace mantel in a stylish and functional way. This kind of fireplace can provide warmth in winter and a cozy ambience without heating in the summer. It is also easy to install and comes with a remote that allows you to alter the speed of the flame and color.