- You should position the mantel flat against the wall, where you want to install it.
- Then trace a pencil line on the wall to mark where you want the height of the mantel to be
- Next, get a stud finder to find the studs behind the drywall along the pencil line
- Make a mark along the line wherever the studs are
- The next step requires hoisting the mantel back up and then drilling a pilot hole down at a 45 degree angle through the shelf and drywall and into the stud
- You’ll hammer or nail-gun a finishing nail into each of these pilot holes- just make sure the nails are long enough to go at least 1 inch into your drywall to secure it in place (learn more about how fireplace mantels are attached)
- Jump down to a complete video guide for a more thorough walkthrough
The mantel is one of the most exciting additions to any fireplace. It’s the perfect place to display family photos and treasured keepsakes, and it’s also an ideal spot to showcase a collection of pottery, books, or any other type of home decor.
In addition, a mantel is also an ideal spot to display your prized collection of firewood or a decorative basket of plants.
When hanging a mantel above a fireplace, you want to make sure it looks good and feels sturdy. After all, the mantel is the focal point of your room. If the mantel is uneven or wobbly, it can make the space seem messy and unattractive.
How you hang the mantel above your fireplace will play an important role in making it look aesthetically pleasing and functional at the same time. This is because it will determine the distance between the mantel and the wall.
The farther the mantel is from the wall, the more space it will provide and the more attractive the look.
To help you get the most from your mantel and to make sure your new piece of wall art lasts for years to come, check out our step-by-step tips on how to attach a mantel to a drywall wall.
Contents
How to get it done
What You’ll Need
- A mantel base: This can be a simple wooden base or a more elaborate metal or stone one.
- Drywall anchor: This is what you’ll screw into the wall to hold the hooks in place and serve as a guide for the screws that attach the mantel base.
- Drywall screws: These are required for installing the hooks.
- A drill and a hammer: These are required for installing the hooks.
- A level: This is required for installing the hooks.
Measure and Cut
The first step is to measure the space where you’ll be installing the hooks and make a cutout for the anchor. This cutout needs to be large enough for the drywall anchor so you can screw it into a stud or a piece of wall that has nails or screws in it.
Once you have the cutout made, you can measure the distance from one side of the cutout to the other, and make a mark on the board with a pencil or chalk.
Now that you have the cutout drawn and the anchor marked, you can use a table or a level to make sure the cutout is evenly leveled and there are no gaps between the surface of the board and the level surface.
Once you’ve made the cutout, cover the board with a sheet of drywall tape to help protect the board from damage.
Install Drywall Hooks
Once the drywall is taped off, you can use a drill to make holes for the hooks, and then use a hammer to drive the screws. It’s important to keep in mind that the screws you choose for the drywall hooks need to be screws that are long enough to go through the drywall and into the stud or nail.
It’s also important to use screws that have a matching head with a flat surface to help the screws stay in place longer than normal screws.
Attach the Hooks to the Wall
Now that you have the drywall screws installed, it’s time to attach the hooks to the wall. First, measure the distance from one side of the cutout to the other, and then mark that distance on the wall.
Once you have the distance marked, use a hammer and nail to drive the nail into the wall, and then use a saw or a knife to cut out the undesired portion of the hook so that it’s smaller than the rest of the hook. This should help you avoid damaging the drywall.
Install the Mantel Base.
Now that you have the hooks installed, it’s time to install the mantel base. The mantel base is usually a piece of wood or a decorative stone that will hold the items you want to display on it.
It’s important to remember that the base needs to be large enough to allow for the crown molding you’ll install later on.
To install the mantel base, first, make sure you have the correct drill bit for the screws you’re using. Then, screw the base to the hooks, and make sure it’s level and straight.
To ensure your base is level and straight, use a level to make sure it’s straight and then use a hammer to tap the board until you hear the board make a satisfactory sound.
Attach the Mantel
Now that you have the base installed and level, it’s time to attach the mantel. The mantel often includes a decorative piece of wood or a stone.
When installing the mantel, it’s important to remember that you need to allow for the crown molding you’ll install later on.
If you’re using a decorative wooden mantel, you can attach it to the wall first, with the underside of the decorative piece against the wall, and then with the decorative piece against the wall, and then add the decorative fabric or cloth lining to the decorative piece.
If you’re using a stone or marble mantel, you can drill a hole and screw the stone or marble to the wall, and then screw the decorative piece to the stone or marble inside the hole. Learn how to protect your fireplace mantel from heat– you don’t want your mantel melting or falling off the wall!
Add Finishing Touches
Now that your mantel is installed, it’s time to add finishing touches. This can include adding decorative candles, a decorative globe or light, and a decorative lamp.
It’s also important to remember that when installing a lamp, it’s important to use a light that’s decorative, and not too bright. This will allow the lamp to add a bit of warmth to the mantel and make it feel more inviting and welcoming- maybe even get a fireplace bench so you can really cozy up!
Conclusion
A mantel is one of the most exciting additions to any fireplace, along with some common fireplace accessories. One of our favorite accessories is an ash bucket and log holders. It’s the perfect place to display family photos and treasured keepsakes, and it’s also an ideal spot to showcase a collection of pottery, books, or any other type of home decor.
Hanging a mantel above your fireplace is a great way to add visual appeal and weight to your space. If you want to make your mantel stand out and look great, follow these steps.
Hi, my name’s Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. Do you have a fireplace in your house? I’ll help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home.
