DIY Wood Gas Fireplace Mantel

Brick

• 1

  Measure the length of the area above the fireplace where you plan to put the mantel. Divide the length into thirds, and mark those two spots with small pieces of masking tape. For example, if the mantel is 36 inches across, you would place tape at the 12-inch and 24-inch marks at the level of the mortar between the bricks.

• 2

  Drill a horizontal 1/2-inch hole 3 inches deep into the mortar between the bricks one-third of the distance from the right end, as marked by the tape. Put masking tape 3 inches from the end of thread rod. Lightly coat the last 2 inches of the end of the thread rod with the adhesive and screw it into the hole. Clamp the thread rod with the pipe wrench if necessary to gain enough leverage to screw the rod into the hole until it reaches the 3-inch depth noted by the tape on the rod. Drill a hole and add a rod in the same way at the other spot marked by the tape.

• 3

  Drill two 5-inch-deep holes with the wood bit into the 4-inch side of the beam. Make sure the location of the holes aligns with the holes drilled into the mortar. Also ensure that the holes are drilled straight into the wood, not at an angle, because the beam needs to slide onto the two metal rods projecting from the wall.

• 4

  Spread a thin layer of adhesive along the rods. Lift the beam, and slide it onto the rods toward the wall. If the beam begins to stick as it slides, hit the front with the rubber maul to push it into place. Keep pushing the beam until it is seated against the wall.

Drywall

• 5

  Locate studs in the wall that are about an equal distance apart to give a solid support to the beam. A precise measurement is not necessary as long as both sides of the beam are supported by a rod.

• 6

  Remove a small piece of drywall directly over the stud to allow you to see the entire stud. This will be covered by the beam later.

• 7

  Drill a 1/2-inch hole 3 inches deep in the middle of the stud with the wood drill. Secure the rod into the hole with the same procedure used with the brick. Spread drywall compound around the hole to prevent any air loss.

• 8

  Slide the beam onto the rods the same way you would with a brick wall.