Pound the bottom of the mantel shelf with a rubber mallet to separate it from the wall if it doesn’t release when you pry the base of the mantel away from the wall, advises Fireplace Town. Tap it gently, but with enough force to pull the nails from the wall. Once it’s loosened,
pull out on the shelf
to remove it.
Is it hard to remove a fireplace mantel?
Removing a fireplace surround or
mantel typically isn’t too difficult
, but either one of them without any issues can require an understanding of how and where they are attached to the wall.
How do you remove a fireplace mantel?
Pound
the bottom of the mantel shelf with
a rubber mallet to separate it from the wall if it doesn’t release when you pry the base of the mantel away from the wall, advises Fireplace Town. Tap it gently, but with enough force to pull the nails from the wall. Once it’s loosened, pull out on the shelf to remove it.
How are mantels attached to the wall?
Since neither option is very sturdy, we recommend you attach the mantel to
a cleat
—a simple piece of lumber securely fastened to the wall. One cleat runs horizontally under the mantel shelf, and the others run vertically inside the legs (most mantels are hollow in back).
How much does it cost to remove a fireplace mantel?
| Average Cost $6,000 | High Cost $10,000 | Low Cost $4,000 |
|---|
What is the best finish for a fireplace mantel?
Opt for
an acrylic finish
for fireplace mantels, as it is nonflammable and easier to work with. If your mantel already has dirt and soot on it that can’t be cleaned off, first use a primer paint
How do you refurbish a fireplace mantel?
Sand the entire mantel with medium-grit sandpaper followed by fine-grit paper until it is smooth and free of imperfections. Sand with the grain of the wood.
Fill cracks and holes with wood filler
that matches the color of your stain. Wipe the surface clean with a tack cloth.
Do you install mantel before or after stone?
It’s best to build the
mantel right into the stone
, rather than refinishing the fireplace first.
How do you secure a fireplace mantel to the wall?
- Locate the studs behind the brick, stone, or faux veneer.
- Drive 1/2in lag screws through each of the studs. …
- Have a helper support the mantel while you mark the location of the support rods on the back of the beam. …
- Apply construction adhesive into the holes. …
- Slide into place, admire, and enjoy!
How do you hang a heavy mantel on drywall?
Holding your drill at a 45 degree angle downward, drill a pilot hole through the shelf and drywall and into the stud. Install a
finishing nail into each
of the pilot holes with a nail gun or hammer; the nails must be long enough to penetrate at least 1 inch into the drywall. These nails will secure the mantle in place.
Does removing a fireplace decrease home value?
But losing a fireplace can affect a home’s appeal and possibly even its resale value, real estate pros say. A fireplace can particularly be viewed as a valuable amenity in colder climates, and
removing one could even reduce the number of buyers drawn to a property
, some agents say.
Does a fireplace add value to a home?
A homeowner can often recover over 100 percent of the expenses associated with adding a fireplace upon selling their home. According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, adding a fireplace to
home can increase the resale value of the home by as much as 6-12 percent
.
Is removing a fireplace a good idea?
Our experts says that, in most cases, you should just leave your fireplace be. … He
would never advise removing a fireplace unless
there were certain reasons to justify this action. “Even if someone doesn’t plan on using it, they can turn it into a decorative fireplace and put candles or stacked wood in it,” he says.
What can I put on my mantle?
For an easy fireplace mantel decorating idea,
hang a mirror in the middle
and a sconce on either side. Anchor the mantel with a larger vase in front of the mirror and fill in with smaller accessories, such as vases, candlesticks, and decorative objects. Pick up on colors and materials found elsewhere in the room.
How do I choose a fireplace mantel color?
The general rule of thumb is for a fireplace mantel to be
a neutral color
. This ensures the mantel will blend with the room even if the colors are changed. Likewise, it keeps the mantel from standing out too much. If you want to paint your mantel, white and off white colors like ivory are generally a good choice.
What is the best color to paint a fireplace?
Neutrals
are the safest color option when you’re painting your fireplace. Because they don’t lean cool or warm, the shades work with virtually any color scheme. Painting your fireplace a crisp white can help brighten a room, but you can opt for an off-white shade like cream or ivory if you want a softer look.
