Fixings for Oak Mantle above fireplace?

[Candyman21]

Hi All,

I have just bought an Oak sleeper to use as a mantle above my fireplace, its 1.2m in length, just under 4 inches deep, 8 inches high and weighs about 25kg? How would you suggest fixing this to a brick chimney that has recently been boarded and skimmed, although with the height my Mrs wants the mantle we could be going into the 6 inch lintel i just put in!

I am thinking about putting some M12 rodding with resin into the wall, then drilling corresponding holes into the back on the oak and sliding it onto the rodding probably 4 or 5 rods in total, does this sound strong enough?

My next question, i am going to be brick slipping the chimney breast, would you do this before of after installing the mantle? I know as the oak dries its going to shrink, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

John

 

[^woody^]

Is it going to be just floating there?

 

[Candyman21]

Is it going to be just floating there?

Hopefully, any other suggestions for fixings would be greatly appreciated.

 

[^woody^]

Hopefully, any other suggestions for fixings would be greatly appreciated.

It was a question not a suggestion.

If it's on a surround, why are you fixing it to the wall on rods?

 

[Candyman21]

It was a question not a suggestion.

If it's on a surround, why are you fixing it to the wall on rods?

Sorry woody, i misunderstood! Yes its going to be floating and not on a surround.

 

[endecotp]

Cut vertical slots in the plasterboard, fix angle brackets to wall behind, fill slots with plaster.

This sort of bracket: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk...le-bracket-200x150mm-galvanised-pack-5-623618

You can either sit the shelf on top of the brackets, or rebate the bottom to make it a bit tidier, or drill holes and slide it on so they are completely hidden.

 

[^woody^]

In that case yes, your rod idea will work.

I tend to make a hook on the wall using two offset timber pads, then (if the mantle in not hollow) recess the back of the mantle and then it just hooks on.

Consider cutting out your plasterboard and setting the beam into it, and then it won't look stuck on once it's made good.

 

[Candyman21]

In that case yes, your rod idea will work.

I tend to make a hook on the wall using two offset timber pads, then (if the mantle in not hollow) recess the back of the mantle and then it just hooks on.

Consider cutting out your plasterboard and setting the beam into it, and then it won't look stuck on once it's made good.

Thanks Woody, would 12mm rods be ok? Also what resin would you suggest?

 

[sparkymarka]

I've just done the same 12mm s/steel thread bar with chemical fix , made a template with mdf , set bars with template , then removed and fitted mantle

 

[Candyman21]

I've just done the same 12mm s/steel thread bar with chemical fix , made a template with mdf , set bars with template , then removed and fitted mantle

That looks really good! How many steel bars did you use? Also what chemical fix did you use?

Thanks

John

 

[sparkymarka]

3 bars , the mantle was pre drilled , so just made a template, to be honest I fell lucky with the chemical fix as a friend loaned me some with a dust extractor ...all I can say it was a two part white and black that was grey when mixed ( was a two part application gun ) not just a standard sealant gun , the studs where rock solid within about 10mins

 

[sparkymarka]

May have been this

 

[Candyman21]

View attachment 147539 May have been this

Thanks for all your help