How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
Adding a mantel to your fireplace can help it appear more like a design feature in the room. It's an ideal place to hang decorative items that reflect your personal style.
It's important to know how high to hang the mantel in order to keep it from appearing unnatural in the room. Think about where the TV will be placed and the design.
Mantel Shelf
Mantels are a staple feature of homes everywhere and can add a lovely accent to your living space. They are commonly used to display family treasures, such as vases, pictures and trophies. They can also be used to hang seasonal decorations, such as Christmas decorations and lights. The ideal mantel will blend into the design of your home and provide an eye-catching focal point for the room. To make sure that your fireplace's mantel with an electric insert appears its best, you must to put it in the correct height. There are many factors to take into consideration when determining the height of the mantel shelf.
The first thing to think about is the size and style of your fireplace mantel. There are many designs and materials to choose from however some are suited to lower or higher mounting. For instance, natural stone and concrete can be mounted lower since they're not flammable materials. Wood, on the other hand must be installed at a higher elevation since it's highly flammable.
To determine how high you should place your mantel check out the manual for installing your fireplace. It usually lists the recommended heat clearances, and this is usually the maximum distance you can put your mantel away from the firebox. Refer to your local building codes for more about heat clearances, installation requirements and other requirements.
After you've determined the size of your mantel, prepare the cleats that will hold it to the wall. To do this, measure the width inside your mantel to determine its cleat length. Cut a 2x4 cleat according to this measurement, and dry-fit it inside the mantel to ensure that it's positioned correctly.
Once you have the cleat fixed and you are ready to nail it to the wall using a power drill and the masonry screws. Use trigger clamps to hold the face board so that it isn't moved when you attach it to side pieces. After you've secured the face board to the side pieces, apply a layer of wood stain to your mantel. While staining be mindful that every piece of unfinished wood has its own distinctive characteristic, and will react to stain differently than any other piece.
Fireplace Corbels
There are many ways to decorate a brick fireplace that has an open grate, wooden mantel and a brick grate. One option is to utilize some kind of greenery, such as eucalyptus branches, to provide the appearance of height and bring a sense of freshness to the room. You can hang a wreath or even a few small, framed artworks.
The addition of corbels to your fireplace is another way you can enhance the look of your home. They come in different styles and are made from different materials. Some are made from wood and others are made of limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs with a decorative finish. They are usually a light brown in color, but can be painted or stained to match the décor.
It is crucial to remember that the corbels support the weight of the mantel and not the grate or the fireplace. Therefore, it is essential to read the fireplace manufacturer's instructions and be aware of all installation requirements. Check your local building codes.
To install a fireplace mantel that has corbels, first mark out the position of the mantel on the wall using a pencil. Use a level to make a line which will serve as the cleats. After the lines are drawn and the cleats are screwed in, screw them in. The edges of the cleats that are angled will interlock and allow you to hang your mantel over them.
When it comes to decorating a fireplace, simple designs are the best. You can create a classy appearance by using just one colour. You can also use patterns that repeat. This can add a bit of symmetry to your mantel.
One of the most popular and easiest ways to decorate your mantel by displaying family photographs. By putting some of your most memorable memories on display in your home will always bring back memories. You can also display framed artwork or shells you have collected from the beach. You should remember that the height of your decoration objects should be considered, and you should try to include larger objects at the ends and smaller ones in the middle to create a balanced effect.
How to Install a Fireplace Inset
If you want to have the appearance of a traditional open fireplace but without the cost and hassle, consider installing an electric insert into your chimney. This will not only increase your home's energy efficient but will also reduce the amount of creosote (a toxic residue) in your chimney that could cause chimney fires. Before you start however, make sure to consult your local fire inspections and regulations team. They may require you to employ a professional installer to ensure the installation is done properly, which will ensure your home is safe from a potential fire hazard.
If they don't, the procedure is not difficult and can be done by a homeowner with basic carpentry skills. First, select the power outlet that will be easily reached by the fireplace unit. Then, measure the size of your fireplace's opening and mantel to determine the kind and size of fireplace insert that will work the best. Get the materials you require to complete the project. If you're installing a fireplace on a wall it will require frames made of boards such as spruce, pine or fir that are the same size as the walls in your home. You'll require drywall and non-combustible sealant to cover the frame and drywall.
Once the frame is complete, you can start working on the actual fire. If you're using a freestanding model, just place it on the mantel. To prevent black electric fireplace with mantel fireplacesandstove to tile and hardwood surfaces, you must put a piece of cardboard or a piece of wood on the hearth to shield them while you move the unit. This is particularly important for older masonry fire places as they often contain loose bricks and mortar that can fall out while you are working.
To install an insert in an existing fireplace constructed of masonry you'll need to install a flue liner on the chimney. This will block fumes and smoke from entering the room from the fireplace's opening and will also help protect your home all year round. Follow the directions of the manufacturer before you begin the project to find out how to prepare your fireplace insert and chimney.
Installing an insert into a masonry fireplace requires more work than an installation mounted on a wall because you'll have to construct the chimney's frame. This is a job that anyone can tackle if they carefully follow the instructions and take their time.
Decorating the Mantel
One of the best things about a fireplace mantel is that it can be made to appear like a work of art. The area can be transformed into a focal point using gold-plated mirrors and distressed window frames. The rows of scented candles can be incorporated. Some homeowners utilize the space to display small collectibles such as old bottles, ceramics, or old clocks.
Another popular option is to decorate the space around an electric fireplace with flowers and plants. Trailing vine plants like devil's ivy and Boston ferns can provide natural beauty to the space, and can help to draw attention away from the artificial flames of the fireplace. Other options for greenery include succulents and mistletoe cactus.
You could consider displaying large abstract or sculptured artworks on your mantelpiece if you desire a contemporary look. This kind of decor works best when combined with a neutral palette.
Rustic farmhouse-style art is another attractive option that's been in vogue lately. It's usually characterized by pastels and whites which look gorgeous on a fireplace's mantel.
When decorating the area around an electric fireplace, it's essential to avoid cluttering the surface. It is possible to create an attractive appearance by arranging a few things in a tidy orderly manner. You can select an array of lanterns in different sizes for your electric fireplace mantel. They can be filled in different ways from candles to vase filler. The lanterns can be decorated with simple bows and ornaments.
Electric fireplaces are a great option for those looking to decorate their fireplace mantel in a stylish and functional way. This kind of fireplace can provide heat in the winter months and an inviting ambiance with no heating in the summer. It is also easy to set up and comes with a remote which lets you to alter the speed of the flame and color.