How do I repair my fireplace mantel?

Janine stothard
by Janine stothard

We had a log burner fitted last year and yesterday the other half fitted an oak over mantel beam. The problem is it's an old house and nothing is plumb. The top of the fireplace opening is not straight about half inch higher on the left as you look at it. This was not noticeable but now the oak mantel has been fitted dead straight the beam looks wonky! Even the kids said the beam is not straight and they never comment on anything. I did suggest taking the beam off and 're fitting at a slight angle to make it look right but he said no as it's plugged screwed and glued and would be an awful job to get off. I then suggested packing or plastering the top of the opening making it straight but he looked at me like I was stupid and said with the heat from the burner it would crumble plus it's metal on the roof of the opening so would not work. Any help or suggestions would be very much appreciated

  3 answers
  • Janine stothard Janine stothard on Nov 11, 2018

    Photo of fireplace and beam

  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 11, 2018

    Janice there is a product called Laterlite fireproof plaster (based on expanded recycled glass beads) or plaster mixes that begin from Laterlite Sand (which is based on expanded clay). So your idea doesn't wound stupid to me. It seems to be the easiest answer to the problem. I don't know if it would be practical but it seems logical.

  • Ellis Ellis on Nov 11, 2018

    What if you were to get a tile or thin stone that would stand up to heat, and using the dead-straight mantle as the top starting point, filed down from there in an artistic design? If it is straight across, noone would notice that the opening is a bit off.

    • See 1 previous
    • Bink Bink on Nov 12, 2018

      I think THAT is a great solution!! Make sure you use fireproof paint...and just don't tell him! He won't know the difference.