Installing a spalted sycamore mantel

Scott installs a spalted sycamore mantel on a brick fireplace with steel rods.

[@PublicJunkiesHunting]

Great video. I’ve been watching multiple videos and everything else I see is a more permanent installation. Going through the mortar doesn’t destroy the brick. Not using concrete anchors allows you to fill an empty hole in the future. Thanks for sharing

[@thirstypilgrim97]

I would say he should have put some epoxy in the holes and on the bar to get all play out and secure them

[@MrACOUSTICPETE]

Thanks ! I appreciate the " common sense " not ' over technical ' approach . ☺

[@taylorinspace]

SO helpful thank you

[@brilliant334]

Thank you for sharing.

[@pepsimantom]

How much will this hold? The wood mantel I plan to install is a bit heavier than that one. It seems you’ve done this a lot and might hang a good idea. Specially, I’m drilling into studs and the wood mantel weighs about 75lbs. Also, when going into studs do you typically drill through the 2x4 studs or stop short if going all the way through?

[@ScottWunderWunderWoods]

This will definitely hold a few hundred pounds. I know I can fully hang off of one and do it regularly to test it out. I usually drill 3-1/2" to go through most of the stud. You can go all the way through, but have to be aware of what is behind.

[@vhsreclaimed1998]

Hi. Where did you get the router piece you screwed to the wood to drill the hole out in the shelf? Thank you

[@ScottWunderWunderWoods]

It is a guide supplied to install shelves from Sheppard brackets. We use their brackets occasionally, but find them to be a bit floppy.

[@mweiler32]

How big of a hole did you drill in the mortar?

[@ScottWunderWunderWoods]

I drill a 3/4" hole. It ends up a bit bigger with all the jumping around of the hammer drill.

[@mweiler32]

@@ScottWunderWunderWoods Assuming that gets into the brick a little too, right?

[@ScottWunderWunderWoods]

​@@mweiler32 Yes, but not too much.

[@EyeAmCoa]

Very helpful

[@HollyDoucette-zs9pt]

Hi Scott, I was wondering where you got your steal rods?

[@ScottWunderWunderWoods]

Home Depot or Lowe's. They are metal stakes for concrete forms.

[@Sophos1964]

Is the fireplace solid brick all the through to the chase’s exterior or a single course brick veneer? If it’s a single course brick veneer, wouldn’t you need to mount those rods into a wall stud in order to support the weight of the mantle?

[@ScottWunderWunderWoods]

If I know where the studs are, I will hit those. If not, just the single brick depth is enough to support the mantel.