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How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert Adding a mantel to your fireplace can help it look more like a design element in the room. It's also a great spot to hang ornaments that reflect your style and personal taste. It is crucial to know the height at which the mantel should be hung to avoid it appearing awkward in the space. Take into consideration the place where the TV is placed and the design. Mantel Shelf Mantels are a staple element in many homes and can be a great finishing touch to your living room. They are often used to display family heirlooms like vases, pictures and trophies. They can also be used to hang seasonal decorations like Christmas ornaments and lights. The ideal mantel will blend in with the interior design of your home and create an eye-catching focal point for the room. To ensure that your fireplace's mantel with an electric insert appears its best, you must to mount it at the right height. There are many aspects to take into consideration when determining the height of the mantel shelf. The size and design of the fireplace mantel is the first thing to consider. There are many styles and materials available, but some are better for lower or higher mounting. For instance, natural stones and concrete are able to be mounted lower due to their non-combustible nature. Wood, however, should be installed higher since it is combustible. The fireplace installation manual will tell you how high to place your mantel. The manual will provide the recommended heat clearances and the maximum distance you are able to place the mantel away from the fireplace. Check your local building codes for more about clearances for heat, installation requirements and other requirements. Once you've decided on how high to install your mantel, it's time to prepare the cleat that will hold it to the wall. Measure the inside width of the mantel, and use that measurement to determine length of the cleat. To ensure that the cleat is positioned correctly, cut a 2- by 4-inch cleat according to this measurement. Once you have the cleat in place and you are ready to attach it to the wall by using a drill powered by a power tool and screws for masonry. Use trigger clamps to anchor the face board in place so that it does not move when you nail it to side pieces. Once you've nailed the face board to the side pieces, apply a layer of wood stain to your mantel. As you stain it be aware that every piece of unfinished wood has its own distinctive characteristic, and will react to stain differently than another piece. Fireplace Corbels There are many ways to decorate the brick fireplace with an open grate, a wooden mantel and a brick grate. Make use of eucalyptus limbs and other greenery to give height and freshness to your fireplace. Other options include making an ornamental wreath or hanging small-sized art works. The addition of corbels to your fireplace is another method you can improve the look of your home. They come in different styles and are made of different materials. Some are made from wood, while others are made of limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs with a decorative finish. They usually are light brown color, but they can be painted or stained to match the room. It is crucial to remember that the corbels support the weight of the mantel and not the grate or the fireplace. Therefore, it is important to read the fireplace manufacturer's instructions and be aware of all installation requirements. It is also a good idea to consult the local building codes. Mark the position of the fireplace mantel with pencil. Then, use a level to connect the marks, and draw a line for cleat placement. After marking the lines and the cleats are screwed in, screw them in. The edges of the cleats that are angled will interlock, allowing you to hang your mantel on them. When decorating your fireplace, simple shapes are usually the best. Using a single color will create a beautiful appearance, and you can also decide to repeat patterns. This can add a touch of uniformity to your fireplace's mantel. Displaying family photos is among the most simple and popular ways to decorate your fireplace mantel. A few of your favorite memories on display in your home will remind you of them. Another option is to display framed works of art or shells from the beach. Make sure to consider the height of your decoration objects and put taller ones at the ends and smaller ones in the middle. This will give an even appearance. How to Install a Fireplace Insert If you'd like the appearance of a traditional open fireplace, but without the hassle and expense, install an electric insert in your chimney. This will not only boost the efficiency of your home, but will also reduce the amount of creosote in your chimney (a flammable residue that could ignite a chimney fire). Before you start, however, check with your local fire inspections and regulations team. You may need to employ a professional installer in order to ensure that the installation has been completed properly. This will protect your home against a potential fire risk. If they don't, the procedure isn't difficult and can be done by a person with basic carpentry skills. Choose a power outlet that is easily accessible by the fireplace unit. Measure the size of the fireplace opening and the fireplace mantel in order to determine what type and size fireplace insert will fit the best. Order the materials you need for the project. If slim electric fireplace with mantel installing a fireplace that's wall-mounted, you'll need a frame made from boards such as spruce, pine or fir that are the same thickness as the walls in your home. You'll also need drywall material and non-combustible caulking to seal the frame and drywall. Once the frame is complete it's time to start working on the actual fireplace. If you're using a freestanding fireplace, simply place it on the mantel. To avoid the destruction of tile and hardwood surfaces, it is essential to put a piece of cardboard or a piece of wood on the hearth to safeguard them while you move the unit. This step is particularly important for older masonry fire places because they typically have loose bricks and mortar that may fall out as you are working. A chimney liner is required when you are planning to put an insert in an existing masonry fire place. This will keep smoke and toxic fumes from entering the room through the opening of the fireplace and will help seal off your home throughout the year. Before beginning the work, read the manufacturer's instructions for details on how to prepare the chimney and your fireplace insert for use. It will take more work to install an insert into a masonry fire place as opposed to a wall-mounted model, since you will need to build the chimney's frame. But, it's a project that any homeowner can tackle if they follow the guidelines carefully and take their time. Decorate the Mantel One of the great things about a fireplace mantel is that it can be decorated to appear like a work of art. Mirrors with glitter and window frames that have been distressed and rows of candles with scents and more can transform the area into a beautiful focal point that will enhance any decor style. Some homeowners utilize the space to display small objects such as old bottles ceramics or antique clocks. Another popular option is to beautify the area around an electric fireplace by using flowers and plants. Plants that trail like devil's ivy or Boston ferns can bring natural beauty to the room, and can help to draw the eye away from the artificial flames of the fireplace. Other options for greenery are mistletoe cactus and succulents. If fireplace electric with mantel prefer a more modern look, consider hanging large pieces of sculpture or abstract art on the mantel. This type of decor is particularly effective when used with a neutral color scheme. Rustic farmhouse art has also been gaining popularity in recent years. It often features pastels and white, that be stunning when placed on the fireplace mantel. Be sure to keep the space clear around the electric fireplace. You can create a striking design by arranging a few items in a clean, organized way. A row of lanterns in various sizes is a great option for an electric fireplace mantel, and they can be filled with anything from candles to vase filler. The lanterns themselves can also be decorated with simple ornaments, such as bows or ornaments. Electric fireplaces are a great option for those looking to decorate their fireplace in a fashionable and practical way. This type of fireplace provides warmth in winter months, and a warm space that doesn't require heating in the summer. It is also simple to set up and comes with a remote that lets you to control the flame's speed and color.