Mounting a Fireplace Mantel

[Trock03]

Did a big remodel on the house about 2 years ago. Part of the remodel included pulling down the brick facade on the fireplace and going back with a stone veneer and wood mantel. We've sat and looked at this mantel for 2 years and have decided we hate it.

The wife just bought a new mantel. It's s solid piece of wood and is freaking heavy! My plan is to drill 3 or 4 holes through the stone and 2 x 12. I'll drill 3 or 4 corresponding holes in the mantel, fill them with epoxy and insert correct lengths of all-thread. Once the epoxy dries I'll have two buddies mount it and hold it to the fireplace while I thread on washers and nuts from the backside.

Am I on the right track with the epoxy or is there a better way to anchor the all-thread in the mantel? Let me know what you think.

Thanks,
TC

 

[bdbecker]

How deep do you plan on drilling into the mantle board? I'd be tempted to try it without the epoxy first and see how stable it is.

There's also these...
https://www.mcmaster.com/90207a748

 

[Trock03]

How deep do you plan on drilling into the mantle board? I'd be tempted to try it without the epoxy first and see how stable it is.

There's also these...
https://www.mcmaster.com/90207a748

Thanks for the input. I really hadn't thought about not using epoxy but with the right hardware it's definitely an option. Also thanks for the link. I was unaware of those and will take a longer look at them.

The mantel is roughly 12" deep so I'll go 6" or 8". Thing weighs roughly 80lbs so I'll probably look for 1/2" OD hardware. Probably overkill but will give me (and the wife) peace of mind.

TC

 

[rlitman]

You're using epoxy as a threaded insert. That doesn't seem like a good idea to me. I think that having proper threads actually engage the wood (using hanger bolts) will have much better pull out resistance.

So you have access to the back side of that 2x12 to get nuts and washers in there?

 

[LXCam]

I'd suggest cutting or routering in a French cleat into the mantle if it's solid. Then epoxy in the anchors or lag to the studs and mount the wall adapter. That would keep all the hardware hidden.

If you don't have the tools to create the French cleat you could also just mount angle iron to the wall. Then saw cut the receiver into the mantle and pin it vertically from the top with a couple screws through the angle.

 

[Trock03]

I'd suggest cutting or routering in a French cleat into the mantle if it's solid. Then epoxy in the anchors or lag to the studs and mount the wall adapter. That would keep all the hardware hidden.

If you don't have the tools to create the French cleat you could also just mount angle iron to the wall. Then saw cut the receiver into the mantle and pin it vertically from the top with a couple screws through the angle.

I considered a French cleat but don't have the tooling to pull it off. Of course it's the perfect excuse to buy a router I've been wanting. The existing mantel is mounted with a really light duty French cleat. The whole thing probably doesn't weigh 20lbs.

You're using epoxy as a threaded insert. That doesn't seem like a good idea to me. I think that having proper threads actually engage the wood (using hanger bolts) will have much better pull out resistance.

So you have access to the back side of that 2x12 to get nuts and washers in there?

I've got relatively easy access back there from the attic. There's not just a ton of room and the flue is obviously going to pose a challenge but it's doable.
The epoxy concerns me as well. I'm not sure how it will hold up under long term tension. Would definitely rather have a mechanical connection so I'll keep looking for more of those options.

TC

 

[TLCObsession]

Weld some nuts into 3/4" black pipe. Mount through since you have access from the backside. Bore corresponding holes into the mantle. You then have the choice of epoxy slathered on the pipe, silicone or a couple of 3" deck screws from the back. Slide the mantle onto the pipe supports.

We used to do log and timber mantles like this all the time and most were far bigger and heavier.