How To Tell If You're Ready For Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert

How To Tell If You're Ready For Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert

How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert

Adding a mantel to your fireplace can make it appear more like a design element in the room. It's a great place to hang up decorative items that reflect your style.

It's important that you know the height at which the mantel should be mounted to avoid it looking awkward in the room. Consider where the TV will be installed and the style.

Mantel Shelf

Mantels are a traditional element in many homes and can add a lovely accent to your living space. They are typically used to display family treasures such as pictures, vases, and trophies. They can also be used as a spot to hang Christmas decorations and other decorations for the season. The right mantel selection will ensure it fits into your home's design and provides an attractive focal point for the room. Installing your fireplace mantel using an electric insert at the correct height will ensure it appears its best. When determining the height for the mantel shelf, there are many factors to consider.

The first thing to consider is the size and design of your fireplace mantel. While there are many different styles and materials to choose from, some are more suitable for lower or higher mounting. Natural stone and concrete for instance can be hung lower because they are non-combustible. Wood, however, should be installed higher as it's combustible.

To find out how high you should mount your mantel check out the fireplace installation manual. It usually lists the recommended heat clearances and this is usually the maximum distance you can place your mantel from the firebox. You should also check the local building codes for details about heat clearances as well as other requirements for installation.

Once you have determined how high to install your mantel, it's now time to prepare the cleat that will hold it to the wall. To accomplish this, take a measurement of the width inside your mantel to determine its cleat's length. To ensure that the cleat is placed correctly, cut a 2- by 4-inch cleat based on this measurement.

Once the cleat is set and the cleat is in place, make use of a power drill to fix it to the wall. Use trigger clamps to secure the face board so it does not move when you nail it to side pieces. After you've nailed your face board to the side pieces and you're ready to apply one or two coats of wood stain. When staining it be mindful that every piece of unfinished wood has its own distinct characteristics, and will accept stain differently than any other piece.

Fireplace Corbels

If you have a brick fireplace that has an open grate and a mantel made of wood, there are a number of ways to decorate it to make it look even more attractive. Utilize  learn more  or other greenery to give height and freshness to your fireplace. Other options include using a wreath or hanging small art pieces.

Corbels are a great option to enhance the look of your home. They are available in different styles and can be constructed from various materials. Some are made of wood, and others are made of limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs with a decorative finish. They are typically light brown however, they can be painted or stained to match any decor.

It is important to remember that the corbels will be supporting the weight of your mantel not the grate, or the fireplace itself. It is essential to read and understand the installation instructions supplied by the manufacturer of the fireplace. It is also an excellent idea to research your local building codes.

To set up a fireplace mantel that has corbels, first mark the position of the mantel on the wall with a pencil. Use a level to make an outline of the line which will serve as the cleats. After the lines are drawn, screw the cleats in. The angled edges will join and allow you to hang the mantel above them.

When it comes to decorating your fireplace, simple designs are usually the best. Using a single color can create an elegant appearance and you can decide to repeat patterns. This will help to add a bit of symmetry to your mantel.

Displaying family photos is among the most straightforward and common ways to decorate your fireplace mantel. A few of your favorite photos in your home will bring back memories. Other options include displaying frames of artwork or shells from the beach. Remember to consider the height of the decorative objects and place larger items at the ends and smaller ones in the middle. This will give an even look.

How to Install a Fireplace Inset

Install an electric insert into your existing chimney if desire the look and feel of an open fireplace without the hassle. This will not only improve the energy efficiency of your home, but it will also reduce the amount of creosote that is in your chimney (a flammable residue that could cause a chimney fire). Contact your local fire inspections department before beginning. You may have to employ a professional installer in order to ensure that the installation is completed properly. This will protect your home against a potential fire danger.

If not, it is simple to accomplish when you have a basic carpentry knowledge. Select a power outlet which is easily accessible by the fireplace unit. Take measurements of the fireplace opening as well as the fireplace mantel in order to determine which type and size fireplace insert is the most suitable. Make sure you have the right materials to complete the project. You'll need to construct frames out of boards such as spruce or pine that is the same size of the walls in your house in the event that you're installing a wall-mounted fireplace. Also, you'll need drywall and non-combustible caulking to seal the frame and drywall.

After the frame is finished it's time to start working on the actual fire. If you're using a freestanding model, just place it on the mantel. To avoid damage to tile and hardwood surfaces, it's important to place a piece or cardboard on the hearth to protect them during the move of the unit. This is especially important for older masonry fire places, because they typically have loose mortar and bricks that could fall out while you work.

To install an insert in an existing fireplace made of masonry it is necessary to add an air liner to the chimney. This will prevent the fumes and smoke from entering the space through the fireplace opening and will help seal off your house throughout the year. Before you start the project, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions for more details on how to prepare the chimney and fireplace insert for use.


Installing an insert into an existing fireplace that is masonry is more difficult than installing an installation mounted on a wall because you'll need to build the chimney's frame. But, it's an easy project that anyone can do if they follow the guidelines carefully and take their time.

Decorating the Mantel

One of the most appealing aspects about a fireplace mantel is that it can be made to look like a work of art. The mantel can be transformed into a focal point with glittered mirrors and distressed windows frames. A row of candles with scents can be incorporated. Some homeowners make use of the space to display a collection of small collectibles such as antique clocks old bottles or ceramics.

Another option is to decorate the space around the electric fireplace with flowers and plants. You can make use of plants that trail like devil's Ivy and Boston Ferns to add natural beauty and draw attention away from the fake fire of the fireplace. Other options include mistletoe and succulents.

Consider displaying large abstract or sculptured art on your mantel if you want a modern look. This style of decor is particularly effective when combined with a neutral palette.

Rustic farmhouse-style art is a different decorative option that's been popular lately. It usually includes white and pastels, that look stunning on a fireplace mantel.

When decorating the space around an electric fireplace, it's crucial to stay clear of cluttering the space. You can still make an attractive appearance by arranging the things in a tidy orderly manner. A row of lanterns with different sizes could be a good choice for a fireplace mantel that is electric and can be filled with anything from candles to vase fillers. The lanterns can also be adorned with simple decorations, such as bows or ornaments.

If you're looking to find a practical and attractive way to embellish your fireplace mantel in your home, an electric fireplace is the perfect choice. This kind of fireplace can provide warmth during the winter and warm ambiance, without heating in the summer. It is also easy to set up and comes with a remote that allows you adjust the flame speed and color.