How to install a fireplace shelf.

               Guide on how to install your own fireplace shelf.

 

If you made your decision on remodeling or invigorating your fireplace and wish to do it on a shoe-string budget the most economical option is to dress it up with a shelf.

A fireplace shelf is not only practical to hold the family photographs but it gives a better appeal to the fireplace.  It divides larger sections into smaller ones giving a more interesting appeal. Besides the usual long shelf above the firebox you can also brake up the pattern of any wall with smaller shelves in complementing color.

 

Before you start your homework you have to decide on the style and the material of the fireplace shelf. After making careful choices of those options you can head out to find a shelf that will not only set off the fireplace but fit in nicely to the style of the room. 

 

The most popular choice of material for a fireplace shelf is wood. A Solid wood mantel is simple to install, easy to sand and paint, yet it is though enough for holding those priceless memorabilia of the summer golfing tournament. The best starting point in your quest of finding a complementary shelf for your fireplace is the internet.

Online stores offer a wide range of easy to install fireplace shelves in many different sizes, finishes and materials at surprisingly cost-effective prices.

 

But if even that much variety would not be enough, some companies offer custom-made fireplace shelves. Or any finish carpenter can help you realize your blueprints for a custom built fireplace shelve.

 

If your fireplace remodeling company is just in the progress of installing your firebox and you wish to attach a fireplace shelf or a mantel on the front of your fireplace you need to make sure that there is going to be extra wooden support behind the cement backer boards.

← As the picture of the uncompleted fireplace shown on the left.

 

This will facilitate the proper support for your shelf and allow you to attach it properly in the manner described bellow.

 

The installation of the shelf can be broken down to three steps.

 

First is to installing the long horizontal wood called hanger board or mounting bracket. This could be achieved by adhering it to the wall or the wooden studs with simple drywall screws. Make sure the mounting bracket is level before attaching it to the wall. Then attaching the shelf to a masonry surface you must use ¼ inch 2” long screws. The wooden hanger board's top lengthwise edge angled down. The angled side should be facing upward. This is what will hold the fireplace shelf to the wall so make sure it is attached to the wall properly.

The second step shown on the picture bellow is optional. If your shelf comes with a decorative corbel this is the time to install it with the bolts supplied by the manufacturer.

 

Install shelf on top of the hanger board and slide down until shelf is tight against the wall as shown on the last picture bellow. When the shelf is in position, nail down through the top of the shelf into the mounting bracket, using #8 penny finish nails.

 

The ordering process and delivery of the fireplace shelf can take some time. If you purchase your fireplace shelf out of State you might need to wait as long as two weeks for it to arrive. In this case your fireplace remodeling crew can leave out the space for the shelf and install it when it arrived. In this case the mounting bracket is not suitable for hanging your fireplace shelf because it's edge angled down. We use a simple 2"x4" wood and screw it to the studs behind. When the shelf arrives we attach it to this 2"x4" with small nails or drywall screws.

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The width of your fireplace will be a key determining factor of the size of the shelf. You can purchase shelf that runs the full width of the fireplace or one that is going to be centered. Whether it is a standard size or custom mantel, these installation guidelines will help you in installing any sized wooden shelf.

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Quick Note;

There is a slight difference between the fireplace shelf and the fireplace mantel. To shred some light to the differences here is a little explanation. A fireplace mantel most likely will include the shelve portion in it.

It will wrap or protrude around the firebox on both sides, while a shelf resides only above the firebox.

If you wish to see pictures of mantels and learn more about fireplace mantels click here.

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Related articles and pages:

Brick wall repair, brick installation. Fireplace remodeling service Miami. Natural stone installations, stone walls. Built in Shelves for your fireplace.

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