You can barely make out the top of the fireproof wall here.
I need help deciding on a mantle
by
Lori Kelly
+8
The pictures will help you understand. My pellet stove is in a corner (not my choice) so I want some changes. I'm going to put up faux brick panel behind the stove and this stove is not an insert but freestanding. All the heat comes out the front. I'm planning on putting the brick to the top of the fireproof wall to meet in the corner. I cannot cover the top of the stove with a mantle since that's how it's filled; from the top. I have to decide if I want a mantle to come to the back of the stove or have one run along the top of the brick panels. My home is rustic. So what ideas can everyone come up with? And GO!
This is a picture of the open area at the back of the stove and the fireproof boards that I am covering up.
Here is something similar that my father did to our stove when I was a kid.
Using the idea Cindy posted in her photo, I would make the mantel a bit wider and use 'rustic' or 'reclaimed' brackets that they use for decoration on old porches as decorative supports with a thick barn board shelf. This would give you plenty of space to re frame your photo or plaque that is on the right side of your photo with a nice wide frame to add pow factor and place it across the corner giving you a focal point. Then decorate around the photo/ plaque with your crosses. If you are really adventurous you could flatten the corner by adding a piece of dry wall across the top of what you are using for the mantel and go right to the ceiling with it giving you a flat surface instead of a corner to deal with! Happy DIY!
While you have the fireproof boards, be sure that the brick panels are also fireproof and not made with plastics as heat will cause them to release a mix of toxic fumes and endocrine disruptors. Yes, I do consider and think of safety first and health issues when answering questions.
I'm not sure I can do the drywall all the way up. It would be too close to the back of the stove and not the flame retardant board that is up now. I love that idea though. Right now, I am just stalled! Thank you for your ideas!
What about shiplap wall? with pallets?
see Airstone at Loews 39.99 box post when you do the mantle!