How do I Change Mantels on a Propane Fireplace?

Turn the main gas valve to the fireplace off. Most valves turn one-quarter turn clockwise to turn the propane supply line off.

Insert the screw bit on a drill into the screws on the top of the mantel. Place the drill in reverse and remove each screw on the perimeter of the mantel top. Pull the mantel top off and set it aside.

Reach inside the fireplace and remove the screws on each side of the mantel that hold it to the wall. For a freestanding model, skip this step.

Reach inside the fireplace and remove each screw that holds the breastplate onto the mantel sides. The breastplate is the front wall of the mantel. Pull each side and the breastplate off the fireplace base. Remove the screws in the back wall on a freestanding model and pull the wall straight up and off the fireplace.

Place the rear or side panel with a hole in it for the gas line on the new corresponding panel. Draw a circle with a carpenter's pencil in the old panel's opening to mark the new panel. Cut the circle out of the new panel with a rotary tool.

Remove the gas logs and grate. Slide the old base out from under the gas burner tube. Place the new base under the gas burner tube and replace the grate and logs. Insert each new mantel side onto the base in the grooves around the base.

Insert the back wall into its groove at the rear and attach it with the screws provided with the new mantel kit. Repeat this step to attach the breastplate to the sidewalls. Attach the sides to a wall with the screws and supports in the mantel kit on a corner-installed unit.

Center the mantel top on the structure and screw it down onto the sides with the provided screws.

Turn the propane gas line one-quarter turn counterclockwise to turn the gas supply on.