If you are renovating a living room or just want to enhance your decor, a fireplace mantel can be used as a decorative focal point of any room. It is the frame portion of a fireplace and is often decorated with pictures, candles or knickknacks. A mantel can also be used as a base for large paintings or mirrors.

Mantel choices

Whether you are buying a prefabricated mantel, restoring an antique fireplace mantel, or are having one custom built, you will need to follow the specifications of fire-code safety laws and regulations.

They are available in wood, cast stone, limestone or marble to name a few. Since the mantel should enhance the decor, decide on the style that best suits your taste first, and then shop for a mantel that will fit the style.

A fireplace mantel can be elaborate, ornate, traditional, or modern. Each of these is offered in a plethora of choices and can be found at any number of online sources, home improvement stores or fireplace specialty shops.

If you are looking for something that you cannot find, you should consider a custom-made piece. Expect the price of these mantels to be higher than the prefabricated ones.

Removing an existing mantel

Prior to installing a new fireplace mantel, you will first need to remove the existing one. The tools that you will need are a hammer, a pry bar, and possibly a screwdriver. This is a job for two people, so enlist the aid of another person. If the existing one is an antique or you live in an old home, wear a face mask, so as not to inhale any harmful dust or particles. Some old structures still have asbestos in the walls, so be sure to check the house plans before beginning any renovation.

First, using the pry bar, start at the top of the mantel and carefully pull the existing mantel out from the wall. Do not rip or jerk the mantel, as it may cause brick or mortar damage.

Once you have removed the top portion you should be able to see how the existing mantel is fixed to the wall. It should now be relatively easy for you to remove the screws or nails and remove the remainder of the mantel.

It should be noted that if you are removing an antique, you will want to keep it in good shape. Antique mantels are very popular and can be sold to an antique dealer or a collector.

Installing a fireplace mantel

If you are a do-it-yourselfer installing installation is relatively easy and can be done in a weekend. If you purchase a prefabricated one, it should come equipped with specific instructions on installation. If you are customizing your fireplace mantel, you will need a few tools and a couple of weekends.

There are many websites and a lot of written materials that give instruction on building and installing tips. As stated earlier, contact your local building code department to get the exact specifications for placement and size of your new mantel. The National Fire Protection Association writes fire-safety codes, however, your local government has the power to modify these codes so be sure to contact them to obtain specific code requirements in your area.

For a great selection of fireplace mantels and accessories, Franklin suggests www.fireplacemantels123.com as your one-stop resource. Click here for accessories.

For a great selection of fireplace mantels and accessories, Franklin suggests http://www.fireplacemantels123.com/ as your online resource.

Author Bio: For a great selection of fireplace mantels and accessories, Franklin suggests www.fireplacemantels123.com as your one-stop resource. Click here for accessories.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: fireplace, diy, home improvement, do it yourself, livingroom, mantel