Asked on Aug 17, 2016
Mantel on rock fireplace
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I'd like to install a wooden mantle onto my rock fireplace. I would describe the rock as quite craggily, lots of sharp edges and uneven surface. If you've done this project before I'd love some advice!
7 answers
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I would use a masonry bit and just attach the mantel with metal brackets. Tapcon screws should work well and many come with the correct bit in the package. Good Luck!
Paul Crawford
on Aug 17, 2016
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You have the opportunity to do something really beautiful and creative here. The fireplace facing is beautiful in its own right so the mantle needs to do it justice...My thoughts are something rustic....Whatever is the most beautiful wood in your area is what I would use...Here in Texas it's cedar or mesquite....Find a suitable mantle timber from someone who mills these...I'm sure there are several around where you live and next is to find 2 round logs to use as support....Find the studs on both sides of the fireplace opening and drill through the rock with a hole large enough to put at least a 1/2" lag screw/bolt into the 2/4 stud...Next drill 1 hold in the end of the support log about 6 inches deep and then drill one on the bottom of the support log about 2" in diameter to the depth of the first hole....These holes are at right angles, like an L lying on its foot....You will screw the lag screw/bolt into the wall and then attach the foot with a nut in the hole on the bottom....Next set the mantle on top and attach securely....There is an alternate way to attach the support logs....Respond to this post and I'll get it and go over that with you.
Charles Prock
on Aug 18, 2016
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This is a tuff one as I am in somewhat of the same situation. I have a fireplace much like yours. My grandfather created it out of found river rock so has many shapes and sizes of rock. He left a void in the rock where he put a very simple mantel that is the exact width of the fireplace. To me it looks split in half, which it is. I feel that it needs something thick and bold but possibly not the complete width of the fireplace. Just something for you to think about. I have a question for you. What color is your wall? I am having trouble finding a paint color to enhance the wide assortment of rocks that he used.
GeorgeAnn
on Aug 18, 2016
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GeorgeAnn could you build another mantle that was just framed in, hollow and place over your existing mantle like a suspended shelf.
Ann
on Aug 18, 2016
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Sounds good. Hope you will share when you are done.
Ann
on Aug 19, 2016
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HI GeorgeAnn...I have relatives in Uvalde....I don't know for sure about Uvalde but I know of one on US 281 south of Hwy 46 that has all kinds....I will check with my relative in Uvalde to see if he knows of anybody.
Charles Prock
on Aug 20, 2016
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It's gorgeous. I'd love to see a board with its natural side uncut, only the bark peeled off. I don't remember the term, but on tv they're using them for chic rustic table tops. You could go all-out rustic and hang by chain from the ceiling
Jcraw
on Oct 24, 2016
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