Fireplace mantel dilemma?

[Mudslinger]

I have a dilemma with my fireplace rock and my mantel. Unknowing to us, this mantel was not attached in any way to the wall or the fireplace rocks. It is a 2 person lift being 84 3/4" long, 5 1/2" thick and on the base it is 8 1/2" wide. It is wider on top in places.

ALSO, the rock is not level and actually slopes from the wall out except for one rock in the center but it is level. There were shims under the mantel but if you put any pressure on the front top of the mantel, it would start to tip and fall. The widest spot from the wall out on the rocks is a little over 6".

My ? is, how can I attach this mantel SAFELY and SECURELY to the wall and or rocks? Not sure using wood or metal corbels under each end and attaching them to the rock would work. The rock face is not flat by any means. I have thought about using under counter iron shelve supports ON TOP of the mantel, anchoring them to the corner studs and then to the mantel. I have also thought about using iron L brackets and anchoring them to the studs across the face of the fireplace above the rock and then sitting the mantel on top and screwing the mantel to the L brackets. The L brackets are mane to be used different than I want to use them, but I could put 6 across and that should give good support for the mantel.

The TV will be mounted on the wall above the mantel.

Suggestions and or thoughts. Thanks

[TxMedic]

When we built our house, the builder drilled into the studs and epoxied 5/8 rebar into the holes. Drilled holes in back of mantel and slid it onto rebar.

[glen]

Tear out Sheetrock and make wall behind load bearing would be my suggestion. You could shave the studs and put L brackets on making it flush and then put Sheetrock up. Instead of L brackets you could just use angle iron attached to studs and Sheetrock over. Lots of options but you will have to have something other than just mounting it to wall to make it right

[slayr]

When I hung mine, I used 1/2” rebar drilled into the stone then drilled a 5/8 hole in back of mantle. Put rebar in wall, then lifted mantle and slid rebar into holes in there. I’ll see if I have any pics.

[TexasBob]

Long half inch lag bolts, threaded into the center of the studs. Mine are about 3" in, the full length of the threads. Cut the head off and drill corresponding holes into the mantle. Epoxy in place if needed, mine was so tight I couldn't get it back off. Holding solid 8 years now.

[Go Pokes]

I did 1/2" rebar as well. My mantel is an old rough cut beam that is 8"x8"X8'. I did three pieces epoxied into the rock and just slid mantel onto them.

[Mudslinger]

I did the smooth steel bars on my mantel at my house in Lubbock. That mantel was not near as big nor heavy so i could do it myself without any help. This one is not that way, BUT I guess this might be the safest and most secure mount.

[Mudslinger]

I did the smooth steel bars on my mantel at my house in Lubbock. That mantel was not near as big nor heavy so i could do it myself without any help. This one is not that way, BUT I guess this might be the safest and most secure mount.

AND, the mantel will sit on top or be on the top side of the rock. I have 6 studs across that I could add bars too for more support. 6 bars anchored into the studs and the mantel drilled at the back and slid onto the bars.

[Dale Moser]

Rebar will work, I like all thread better....more gription.

[Go Pokes]

Mine was a two man job, but I didn't have a second man so I built a rack out of 2X4 to hold the mantel level to where I could slide it back and forth to line everything up and mark holes.

[PROD49]

I had same issue at the ranch I purchased. I just bought some metal fireplace corbels off etsy.

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[RattlesnakeDan]

I would flip it over and cut out the back so it fits over the rock , that way you can shim under it to get it level.
Then find your studs and drill for rebar or your choice of rod, pound those in the holes and drill appropriate holes in the back of the mantle.
I hang my Mesquite mantles that are always over 100 lbs this way if builder did not provide built in brackets.
Since the wall behind the mantle will be hidden you can always cut out drywall at the studs to affix something to the sides of the studs but probably not necessary seeing how the stone may carry a part of the load.

[Big pig]

When we built our house, the builder drilled into the studs and epoxied 5/8 rebar into the holes. Drilled holes in back of mantel and slid it onto rebar.

Same as our new build

[Jon B]

I welded 3/4" cold rolled steel to a 4"x6" 3/16" plate. Drilled holes in the plate and ran 3" decking screws into the studs. I then drilled 3/4 holes in the back of the mantle and shoved it on there. Just make sure the 3/4 steel sticking out is level and shove it on there.

[Briar Friar]

Frame out the ends of the fire place with a solid piece of rock pillars and anchor to base and to wall. Grout the rear vertical and bottom seams. The pillars dont necessarily have to be at the very ends...though thats where Id put them. Itd help with refractory and radiant heat too.

You could get artsy fartsy and taper pillar from top to bottom or vice versa...or stack rock at a slope...etc.

Good luck MrSlinger