DIY Network

Upgrading a Family Room: Installing Fireplace Mantel and Fireplace Doors From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-104

Installing a new mantel and fireplace doors.

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the hardest, this project is a 3.

Part 1 took 18 hours over a period of two and a half days.

Prep and paint the old paneling = 4 hours
Remove spindle, etc. = 5 hours
Install corner cabinet = 4 hours
Install new mantel and fireplace door = 5 hours

We spent approximately $2,000 on supplies. If you were to hire a contractor to do this job, you would probably spend around $3,500. (Instructions continued below)

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Materials:

paint
paint rollers
paint pans
4-inch paintbrush
2-inch paintbrush
drop cloths
paint for panels
painter's tape
paddles for stirring paint
primer
light fixtures
sandpaper
fireplace doors
wool soap
sand block
sand poles
sandpaper for poles
2 x 4 x 8 studs
drywall finishing tools
drywall mud
joint compound
screw gun
screws
nail gun/nails
naseboard molding
crown molding

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

1. To remove old fireplace doors, you need to locate and loosen the brackets with hand tightened pressure screws. These are found just inside the doors at both the top and bottom edge of the flange surrounding the doors (figure A).

2. Once you have loosened the screws, lift the old fireplace door outs (figure B). This is a messy job, so it is a good idea to have a drop cloth down ready to catch the soot from the fireplace. Remove the old heater and grate.

3. To prepare the fireplace for the mantle, you need to attach a brace to the wall itself. Since mantles are usually 60 inches off the floor, you need to measure the hearth, which is 10 inches, and then measure 50 inches up from that. Measure the length of your wall, find the center, and mark it with a pencil.

4. Center the brace with a level and secure it by predrilling holes to line up with the mortar joints (figure C). Attach the brace to the wall with 10-inch masonry screws. For added support, attach a second 2 x 4 in front of the first one with 2-1/4 inch wood screws.

   Expert Tip: If you use your fireplace often, you need to consider having your chimney inspected every year by a professional chimney sweep.

5. With the support blocks in place, it is time to install a new mantle and fireplace doors. First, install a breastplate that you notch out for a 2 x 4 brace. The notch is 3-1/3 inches and is level with the 2 x 4 brace (figure D). Predrill the holes near the top of the 1 x 12 board and then fasten it to the wall with 2-inch masonry screws.

6. With 45-degree miter cuts for the corners, nail the corners together and install it under the shelf. Attach the crown with 1-inch finished nails to the shelf and to the breastplate at the ends (figure E).

7. Insert a bottom cap that you cut to fit tight to the bottom of the crown molding (figure F). This will hide the 2 x 4 brace and give the mantle a solid appearance.

8. Add decorative trim to the edge of the shelf. Miter the corners at a 45-degree angle and nail in place approximately every 8 to 10 inches.

9. Putty your nail holes, sand the mantle and then prime and paint the new fireplace mantle.

10. The new fireplace doors will go in just like the old doors. Attach the brackets loosely on the floor and insert insulation around the edges (figure G).

11. Lift the doors into place and tighten the pressure screws by hand.

RESOURCES :
Grand Finishes for Carpentry: A Step-by-Step Guide Through Molding Installation Projects
ISBN: 0312263317
Author: Matthew Nikitas
Order this title from Amazon. Griffin Trade Paperback

Paint (Pittsburgh Coatings and Supply Co.)
Pittsburgh Coatings and Supply Co
Knoxville, TN 37921
Phone: 865-525-2222

Fireplace Doors (Hearth and Patio)
Hearth and Patio
Knoxville, TN 37922
Phone: 865-693-0770

Light Fixtures (American Lighting)
American Lighting
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865-694-0028

Cabinets and Upper Units (Encompass Cabinetry Coordinators)
Encompass Cabinetry Coordinators
Knoxville, TN Phone: 865-389-0542

Vinyl Flooring (Broadway Carpets)
Broadway Carpets
Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-525-5511

Couch Slipcovers (Waverly Fabrics)
Waverly Fabrics
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-213-7900
Fax: 212-213-7682
Email: waverly@fsco.com
Website: www.waverly.com

Building Fireplace Mantels: Distinctive Projects for Any Style Home
ISBN: 1561583855
Author: Mario Rodriguez
Order this title from Amazon.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com

Fireplace: Decorating and Planning Ideas (Better Homes and Gardens)
ISBN: 0696211025
Author: Judith P. Knuth, Editor
Order this title from Amazon.
Meredith Books Corp.
Website: www.meredith.com

Start-to-Finish Cabinets and Countertops
ISBN: 0897214765
Author: Ortho Books Editor
Order this title from Amazon, click here.
Ortho Books
Columbus, OH 43216