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How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert A mantel can make your fireplace look more stylish. It's also a great place to hang ornaments that can reflect your style and preferences. It's important to know the height of the mantel in order to keep it from looking awkward in the room. Take into consideration the location where the TV will be mounted and the art. Mantel Shelf The mantel is a traditional feature of many homes. It can add a nice touch in your living room. They're typically used to display family heirlooms like vases, pictures and trophy collections. electric fireplace with wood mantel can also serve as a spot to hang Christmas decorations as well as other ornaments for the holidays. The right mantel will fit in with the interior design of your home and create an attractive focal point in the room. To ensure that your fireplace mantel with an electric insert appears its best, you must to mount it at the proper height. When determining the height of the mantel shelf, there are many factors to consider. The first thing to consider is the size and style of your fireplace mantel. Although there are many styles and materials available to select from, some are suitable for lower or higher mounting. Concrete and natural stone for instance can be hung lower due to their non-combustibility. Wood, on the other hand is required to be hung at a higher elevation since it's highly flammable. The fireplace installation manual will show you the best height 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 to learn more about clearances for heat, installation requirements and other requirements. After you've determined your size of your mantel, prepare the cleats that will hold it to the wall. Measure the inside width of the mantel and use that measurement to determine the cleat's length. Cut a 2 by 4 cleat to this measurement and then dry-fit it into the mantel, making sure that it's in the right place. Once the cleat has been placed and the cleat is in place, use a power drill fix it to the wall. Use trigger clamps to anchor the face board in place so that it does not move when you attach it to side pieces. Once you've attached your face board to the pieces that you want to attach, you can apply one or two coats of wood stain. As you stain it be aware that each piece of unfinished wood has its own distinctive characteristics, and will take stain differently than another piece. Fireplace Corbels If you have a brick fireplace that has an open grate and wooden mantel There are a myriad of ways to embellish it to make its look even more attractive. Utilize eucalyptus branches or other greenery to add height and freshness to your fireplace. Other options include a wreath or hanging small art pieces. The addition of corbels to your fireplace is another way that you can improve the look of your home. They come in different designs, and are constructed from various materials. Some are made of wood, while others are made of limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs with an attractive finish. They are typically light brown, but they can be stained or paint to match the decor of any room. It is important to note that the corbels will support the weight of your mantel and not the grate or the fireplace itself. It is crucial to read and comprehend the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of your fireplace. Check your local building codes. To install a fireplace mantel that has corbels, first mark out the position of the mantel against the wall using a pencil. Use a level to make a line that will be used for the cleats. Once you have your lines marked and drilled, you can screw the cleats. The angled edges will lock and allow you to hang the mantel above them. When it comes to decorating your fireplace, simple designs are usually the best. You can create a sophisticated appearance by using just one color. You can also repeat patterns. This can add a touch of symmetry to your fireplace mantel. Displaying family photos is one of the easiest and most common ways to decorate your fireplace mantel. Including some of your favorite memories on display in your home will always remind you of them. Another option is to display frames of artwork or shells from a beach. Make sure to consider the height of the decorative items and place taller items on the ends, and shorter ones at the middle. This will create an even look. How to install a Fireplace Inset If you'd like to enjoy the look of a traditional open fireplace, but without the hassle and expense, you can install an electric insert in your existing chimney. This will not only make your home more efficient on energy, but also decrease the amount of creosote (a toxic residue) in your chimney that could cause chimney fires. Before you start make sure you check with your local fire inspections and regulations team. You may have to employ an expert installer to ensure that the installation is completed correctly. This will help protect your home from a fire risk. If not, it is simple to accomplish with a little knowledge of carpentry. First, choose a power outlet that can be easily reached by the fireplace unit. Measure the size of the fireplace opening and the mantel of the fireplace to determine which type and size fireplace insert will fit the best. Then, purchase the items for the job. If you're installing a fireplace that's wall-mounted, you'll need frames made of boards like spruce, pine or fir that are the same thickness as the walls in your home. You'll also require drywall and non-combustible caulking to seal the frame and drywall. Once the frame is set it's time to start building the actual fireplace. If you're using a freestanding model, just place it on the mantel. It's essential to lay some scrap cardboard in the hearth area to avoid damage to hardwood or tile surfaces when moving the unit. This step is particularly crucial for older masonry fire places, since they usually have loose mortar and bricks that may fall out as you work. You'll require a chimney liner if you want to install an insert in an existing masonry fireplace. This will prevent the fumes and smoke from entering the space through the fireplace opening and will help seal off your home throughout the year. Check the instructions of the manufacturer before you begin to find out how to prepare your fireplace insert and chimney. You'll have to do more work to install an insert into a masonry fire place as opposed to a wall-mounted unit, because you'll need to construct the frame for the chimney. However, this is an option that any homeowner can tackle when they follow the instructions carefully and take their time. Decorate the Mantel A fireplace mantel can be decorated in a manner that makes it appear like an art work. Gilded mirrors or window frames with a distressed look and rows of candles with scents and more can turn the area into a stunning focal point that can elevate any style of decor. Some homeowners also use the space to display collections of small collectibles, such as antique clocks, old bottles or ceramics. Another option is to decorate the area around an electric fireplace with flowers and plants. Trailing vine plants like devil's ivy or Boston ferns can provide natural beauty to the space, and can help to draw the eye away from the artificial flames of the fireplace. Other options include mistletoe, and succulents. You could consider displaying large abstract or sculptured art on your mantel if you desire a contemporary look. This kind of decor is particularly effective when paired with a neutral color scheme. Rustic farmhouse art is another attractive option that's been in vogue lately. It is often highlighted by whites and pastels that are stunning on a fireplace mantel. When decorating the space around an electric fireplace, it's essential to keep the area clear of clutter. You can create a striking look by arranging a few pieces in an organized, clean manner. You can pick a row of lanterns with different sizes for your electric fireplace mantel. They can be filled in different ways including candles, to vase filler. The lanterns can be decorated with simple bows and ornaments. If you're looking for a practical and attractive way to embellish the mantel of your fireplace, an electric fireplace is the perfect choice. This type of fireplace is able to provide heat in the winter months and a cozy ambiance without heating in the summer. It is also easy to install and comes with a remote that allows you adjust the flame speed and color.