[slackcc]

Hi all,

This is my first post in these forums so hopefully I'm in the right place for this question. I have a fireplace with floor to ceiling brick that has 3 "brackets" (I'm sure there's some technical term for them) built out of brick integrated into the wall meant for mounting a mantel on.

If I build a mantel to attach to these what is the proper way of attaching a wooden mantel to these brackets? It could easily just sit there, but that seems like a very poor idea, figuring there must be a preferred way of attachment.

I can think of a variety of ways that could be possible (masonry screws, construction adhesive, etc.) but what I'm really looking for is finding out if there is a standard way of doing this. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Chris

 

[Olcrazy1]

Post a picture of what you are looking at so we can get an idea what you are working with

 

[WhatRnsdownhill]

you can drill holes in the brick for expanding anchors to be dropped in the brick then bolt down the wood, you dont want to do any hammering on those bricks so they loosen up...

 

[slackcc]

Here's a pic, in the process of buying the house so this is the best pic I can get.

 

[Olcrazy1]

Here's a pic, in the process of buying the house so this is the best pic I can get.

Tough one. You sure you need a mantle? This bricks kill e high and. Appears whoever built intended them to be the mantle

 

[firehawkmph]

Hi Slack,
Those are called corbels. Kind of strange they put the one in the middle. Usually just one on each side. If you're going to add a wood mantle, I would keep it simple. Straight slab of some thing that looks nice about 4" thick. You don't need anything really heavy duty to fasten it, it's not going anywhere. I would probably get the mantle positioned where I want it, then drill a couple holes at an angle from the top with a masonry bit and install tap cons. Counter sink the holes enough to hide the screw heads. It's high enough up no one will see them. Think of it as toenailing as far as the angle goes.
Mike Hawkins:smile:

 

[jomama45]

Hi Slack,
Those are called corbels. Kind of strange they put the one in the middle. Usually just one on each side. If you're going to add a wood mantle, I would keep it simple. Straight slab of some thing that looks nice about 4" thick. You don't need anything really heavy duty to fasten it, it's not going anywhere. I would probably get the mantle positioned where I want it, then drill a couple holes at an angle from the top with a masonry bit and install tap cons. Counter sink the holes enough to hide the screw heads. It's high enough up no one will see them. Think of it as toenailing as far as the angle goes.
Mike Hawkins:smile:

Great advice. I wouldn't be too concerned with drilling a Tapcon into each corbel straight down either, those corbels should be stout the way they're built.