Replies

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Oct 16, 2006 10:18pm | #1

   I'd design it with french cleats that could be fastened to the masonry.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

1. 
   Mumda | Oct 16, 2006 11:03pm | #2

   Good thought, but because of the fire code requirements, I need to keep this surround thin (under 1").

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Oct 17, 2006 02:21pm | #3

   Well, after re-reading your original post, the short answer is "you don't attach them to brick." The surround usually spans the transition between brick and wall, and is mounted to the wall conventionally. Where attachment to brick is required, wooden wedges are often inserted at selected points in the mortar joints to receive nails.

   You said: "because of the fire code requirements, I need to keep this surround thin (under 1")"

   Does that mean no mantel? If there is one, the cleat could be behind it. If none, similar to a cleat, but smaller, is to route a few keyholes in the back and hang it from screws. Also, I'm pretty sure you could find some sort of hanger hardware at Rockler or some similar store. I know I've seen these things. They are a square metal plate with a hole -- kind of like a strike plate for a door latch -- that you mount over a mortise in the wall, and a metal tongue that you mount to the piece that slips into the plate.

    

1. 
   Mumda | Oct 18, 2006 01:34am | #5

   Great ideas, thanks for the help.

2. 
   mufti | Oct 18, 2006 01:25am | #4

               In my case I fixed shelf rails vertically behind the uprights with captive nuts held behind and short  shelf supports slotted in at the top to take the load of the mantle. Bolts concealed by frontal strips hold everything in place, the covers under the mantle hiding the supports.

   It has worked very well, having been in place about five years. Sorry the image is a bit big, but perhaps in this case it makes things clear.

   
1. 
   Mumda | Oct 18, 2006 01:35am | #6

   Thanks mufti, that looks great.