You will need the following tools and materials to build your mantel shelf
- 1 - 3/4" x 2" Mounting Boards (included)
- 8 - Penny Finish Nails
- Drill
- Hammer
- Pencil
- Tape Measure
Quick facts
- Steps: 3 — mark mounting location, attach bracket to wall, install shelf on bracket
- Materials: 3/4" x 2" mounting board (included), #8 penny finish nails
- Tools needed: drill, hammer, pencil, tape measure
- Wall marking: 2-3/4" down for angled brackets, 3/4" for square brackets (Bedford, Concorde, Monroe, Vail); 3-1/2" for Commodore/Hartford
- Wall type: screw into studs for drywall; use a masonry lag bolt for brick
Step 1 - Location of Shelf Mounting Bracket
Place the shelf on the wall above your fireplace or on the wall at the desired height. Level the shelf and draw a line on the wall at the top of the shelf. Remove the shelf and measure down 2-3/4" from the line and draw a second line on the wall parallel to the first line. See Mantel Plan Fig. 1.
Note: Some shelf designs require the use of a square mounting board as opposed to angled. In this case, measure down from "wall mark" 3/4" to draw a second line. If you have a Commodore or Hartford shelf, you should measure down from the wall line 3.5" as opposed to 2.75" to make your 2nd wall mark.
Step 2 - Attaching Mounting Bracket to the Wall
The shelf mounting bracket is a long, narrow wood strip with the top lengthwise edge angled down and away from the outside edge. For some shelves such as the Bedford, Concorde, Monroe and Vail, the mounting bracket is square, not angled. See Mantel Plan Fig. 2. Line up the bottom of the mounting bracket with the line and attach the mounting bracket to the wall in this position. Make sure mounting bracket is level. If you are mounting the bracket on a standard drywall over stud construction, make sure you screw the mounting bracket into the wood studs (2x4's) for strength. When attaching the shelf to a brick surface you must use a masonry lag bolt. Drill three holes in the mortar joints of the brick in the desired position. Insert lag and attach mounting bracket with a bolt. Make sure the mounting bracket is secure to the wall as shown in FIG. 2.
Step 3 - Install shelf on mounting bracket
Install shelf over mounting bracket and slide down until shelf is tight against the wall. For shelves with a square mounting bracket, push the shelf tight against the wall, with the square mounting bracket on the inside of the shelf cavity, then push down firmly on the shelf to insure that the bottom of your shelf is resting on top of the mounting bracket. When the shelf is in position, nail down through the top of the shelf into the mounting bracket, using #8 penny finish nails. You may wish to pre-drill pilot holes before nailing. You may also wish to toenail through the top of the shelf into the wall to insure a tight fit. Make sure the shelf is level before nailing. See Mantel Plans Fig. 3 and FIG. 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far down should you mark the wall for a mantel shelf mounting bracket? Measure down 2-3/4" from the level line for shelves with an angled mounting bracket, or 3/4" for shelves with a square mounting bracket.
How far down should you measure for a Commodore or Hartford mantel shelf? These two shelves are the exception — measure down 3-1/2" from the wall line instead of the standard 2-3/4" to make the second wall mark.
Which mantel shelves use a square mounting bracket instead of an angled one? The Bedford, Concorde, Monroe, and Vail shelves use a square mounting bracket rather than an angled one.
How do you attach a mantel shelf mounting bracket to a brick wall? Use a masonry lag bolt. Drill three holes in the mortar joints of the brick, insert the lag, then attach the mounting bracket with a bolt.
What size nails are used to install a wood mantel shelf? #8 penny finish nails, driven down through the top of the shelf into the mounting bracket. Pre-drilling pilot holes is recommended.
Do you need to screw the mounting bracket into wall studs? Yes — on a standard drywall-over-stud wall, the mounting bracket should be screwed into the wood studs (2x4s) for strength, not just the drywall.