How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
Adding a mantel to your fireplace can make it look more like a design feature in the room. It's an ideal place to hang up decorative items that reflect your personal style.
It is important to determine how high to mount the mantel in order to keep it from looking awkward in the room. Think about where the TV will be installed and the style.
Mantel Shelf
The mantel is a standard feature of many homes. It can be an appealing accent to your living room. They are typically used to display family treasures, such as pictures, vases and trophy collections. They can also function as a spot to hang Christmas decorations and other decorations for the season. The right mantel will fit into the design of your home and provide an attractive focal point in the room. To make sure that your fireplace's mantel that has an electric insert looks its best, it's important to place it at the right height. There are several aspects to take into consideration when determining mantel's height.
The first thing you need to consider is the size and style of your fireplace mantel. There are many styles and materials available however some are suited to higher or lower mounting. For instance, natural stone and concrete are able to be mounted lower since they're not flammable materials. Wood, however, has to be installed higher since it is combustible.
To determine how high you should mount your mantel check out the fireplace installation manual. It usually lists the recommended heat clearances, and this is usually the maximum distance at which you can place your mantel from the firebox. You should also consult the local building codes for details regarding heat clearances and other requirements for installation.
After you've determined the ideal height for your mantel, it's time to prepare the cleat to secure it to the wall. To accomplish this, take a measurement of the inside width of your mantel to determine its cleat length. Cut a 2x4 cleat according to this measurement, and then dry-fit it into the mantel, making sure that it's in the right place.
Once the cleat has been placed, use a power drill to attach it to the wall. Use trigger clamps to anchor the face board so that it does not move when you attach it to side pieces. After you've nailed your face board to the side pieces and you're ready to apply one or two coats of wood stain. While staining, be aware that each piece of unfinished wooden has its own distinctive characteristics and will be able to take stain in a different way.
Fireplace Corbels
If you have a fireplace made of brick with an open grate and mantel made of wood, there are a number of ways to decorate it to make it look even more attractive. One option is to use some kind of greenery like eucalyptus bushes for an extra height and freshness to the space. You can hang a wreath or even a few small, framed artworks.
Corbels are a great option to enhance the look of your home. They are available in a variety of styles and are made from 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 painted or stained to match any room.
It is important to remember that the corbels support the weight of the mantel and not the grate or the fireplace. It is essential to read and understand the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of the fireplace. Consult your local building codes.
To put up a fireplace mantel with corbels, first mark out the location of the mantel on the wall with a pencil. Then, use a level to connect the marks and create a line for cleat placement. Once you have the lines marked and drilled, you can screw the cleats. The angled edges will interlock and allow you to hang the mantel over them.
When Read Home Page comes to decorating a fireplace, simple designs work best. 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 straightforward and common ways to decorate your fireplace mantel. Affiliating your favorite memories in your home will make it easier to remember them. You can also display framed artwork or shells you have collected from the shore. Be aware that the height of your decoration objects must be considered, and try to incorporate higher-height items towards the end and shorter ones in the middle for a balanced effect.
How to Install a Fireplace Insert
If you want to have the look of a traditional open fireplace but without the hassle and expense, you can install an electric insert into your existing chimney. This will not only increase your home's efficient on energy, but also reduce the amount of creosote (a explosive residue) within your chimney that could cause chimney fires. Make sure to consult your local fire inspections team before you start. You may be required to engage an expert installer to ensure that the installation is done correctly. This will help protect your home from a fire risk.
If not, it is easy to do with a little carpentry knowledge. First, select an outlet that can be easily reached by the fireplace unit. Measure the size of the fireplace opening as well as the fireplace mantel in order to determine which kind and size fireplace insert will work best. Order the materials you need to complete the project. You'll need to construct frames out of boards like spruce or pine that are the same thickness of the walls of your home if you're installing an wall-mounted fireplace. You'll also require drywall and non-combustible caulking for the frame and drywall.
Once the frame is complete it's time to start building the actual fireplace. If you're using a freestanding model, just place it on the mantel. To prevent the destruction of tile and hardwood surfaces, it's important to put a piece of cardboard or a piece of wood on the hearth to safeguard them while you move the unit. This is especially crucial for older masonry fire places since they usually have loose bricks and mortar that may fall out as you work.
You'll require a chimney liner when you are planning to put an insert inside an existing masonry fire place. This will prevent smoke and toxic fumes entering the room through the fireplace's opening, and will also help seal your house all year round. Follow the directions of the manufacturer prior to you begin to learn how to prepare your chimney and fireplace insert.
You'll need to do more work installing an insert into a masonry fire place than you would with a wall-mounted one, as you will need to build the chimney's frame. This is a task that which any homeowner can finish if they carefully follow the instructions and take their time.
Decorate the Mantel
One of the most appealing aspects about the fireplace mantel is that it can be made to look like a work of art. The area can be transformed into a focal point with gilded mirrors and distressed window frames. A row of candles with scents can also be added. Some homeowners make use of the space to display a collection of small items, such as antique clocks, old bottles or ceramics.
Another option is to decorate the space around an electric fireplace with plants and flowers. You can use trailing vine plants such as devil's Ivy or Boston Ferns to create a natural look and draw attention away from the artificial flame of the fireplace. Other options include mistletoe and succulents.
If you prefer a more contemporary style, think about displaying large sculptures or abstract art on the mantel. This kind of decor works best when combined with a neutral color palette.
Rustic farmhouse art is another attractive option that's been in vogue lately. It often has white and pastels that look stunning when used on the fireplace mantel.
When decorating the area around an electric fireplace, it's important to keep the area clear of clutter. You can create a striking look by arranging a few items in a clean, organized manner. A row of lanterns in various sizes could be a good choice for an electric fireplace mantel and can be filled with anything from candles to vase filler. The lanterns can be decorated with simple ornaments and bows.
Electric fireplaces are a great alternative for those who want to decorate their fireplace in a stylish and functional way. This kind of fireplace can provide heat in winter and provide a cozy ambiance without heating during the summer. It's also simple to set up, and it is equipped with the ability to control the flame remotely, allowing you to alter the flame's color and speed.