building a surround mantleplace, advise
I have a brick fireplace that has two bricks holding a concrete mantle
It is an exe sore, I plan to remove the concrete mantle and the brick supports and put in a nice wooden mantle.
I am looking for some advice on what you would do and not to; oiints where a screw-up is guaranteed, and wood recommendations ( while all will be painted, I still don’t know if MDF is pertrttrd for the scelital patern or when using buscits.
Any advise on the steps you would recommend and the order of the steps would be really welcome. I’ve been delaying starting the projuct as i simply don’t know enough.Any help out there would be appreciated. One question I have is can I remove the concrete mantel with out opening the fire box.
Appreciate your thoughts on how you would approach this.
Replies
First, there are fire codes regarding distances between the firebox and combustibles, and if you don't know what these are, don't make this a DIY project.
I build mantels for a living, and the preferred material is good plywood and hardwood moldings. Most joinery is Kreg screws and finish nails (18g and 23g). I don't use MDF, but you could if you wanted to. It's upsides are it paints well and won't warp like cheap plywood. It's downsides are it is heavy, has nasty dust, won't hold a screw as well and will sag under its own weight.
Send a photo of your current fireplace and I can comment further. Usually there is no problem removing a brick face and stone shelf, as the firebox and chimney is separate and its integrity won't be harmed by the demo. It's a dirty job and be sure you have a way to dispose of the old brick--usually you can't toss it out with the kitchen garbage.
You can also try the spell checker to make your messages a little more readable.
you could leave it all inplace, and wrap everything with wood, ply or other.
i think minimum distance from firebox edge to mantle is 12". tile, stone, or marble the firebox perimeter.
Expert since 10 am.
Nope, not 12". For above, it's about 6" with a shelf that protrudes less than 2"; for more prominent shelves, it's higher. the chart for clearances is in my shop so I can't rattle off the exact numbers.
Side clearances are smaller, just 5" (though we get away with 4" of stone at times). Framing clearances are 2".
Here's one from last month, you can see the smaller clearances.
Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
good to know the numbers...
i was giving him a safe reference point.Expert since 10 am.
No need to remove all the brick. Just remove the old mantle, and the two bricks protruding out from the face. You need to figure out a design that you like, and then it will be easier to help you. Here's a picture of a job I did a few years ago. Behind the wood and marble is floor to ceiling brick. I didn't remove anything, I just went over it.
Jeff
Dear Jeff,
OOoooooooo. That's nice! I'm definitely stealing that one!Best,John
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