Mantle piece remodel

ShirleyB
by ShirleyB
I have a formal colonial oak mantle piece in my linear mod home - yuck! I have been living with it for 3 years now, and wish to replace it with a simple ledge/shelf style mantle. It is on adobe brick, and I am not sure how it is attached, or if it is attached, it wobbles.
How are mantle shelves attached and how do I remove one? I am fairly capable, but without too much skilled assistance from others - yes there are others who can help with any lifting....
  1 answer
  • There are many ways mantels are mounted. Some are simply placed over a bracket that was fastened to the wall when the fireplace was constructed. Others are fastened to another board that was screwed to the wall, Still others are simply placed onto a board or brick that was fastened to the wall again when the fireplace was constructed. Quite frankly if you can imagine a way, it may have been done that way. Look carefully around the top and bottom of the existing mantel. Look for any tiny holes from nails or plugs that may have covered over a screw or two. Try lifting it up while rotating it out from the bottom as you lift it. If it wiggles, it should be able to be removed pretty easy.