Hold your mantel shelf roughly where you think you wish to mount it.
How to mount a mantel to the wall.
Drill mantel holes mark on the rear of the mantel where the lag bolts will hit.
Mount the fireplace mantel.
The mantel needs to anchor to the studs in the wall above the fireplace.
Drive 1 2 or 3 4 inch rebar rods or lag screws into pilot holes drilled into the studs.
Drill 1 2 holes across the back of the mantle to accept the lag bolts.
Use a bit that is smaller than the threads on the screws that you used.
For best support drive them all.
Attach the template board to the wall using 2 screws on the outermost studs.
The mantel should fit around the cleats which hold it in position.
Then use the drill to insert screws through the mantel and into the cleats.
Step 1 hold the mantel above the fireplace at the height you wish to mount it at least 6 inches away from the firebox.
As another bonus mantel shelves are very simple to mount.
Push the mantel against the wall using the drawn lines.
You can purchase a commercially built mantel shelf or even design and build your own.
Place a level on the mantel and adjust the mantel so it sits straight.
Mantel shelves are simple and effective storage solutions and have the added bonus of being highly customizable.
Make sure to measure and mark accurately so that the mantle holes will align perfectly with the lag bolts.