| Installing a Travertine, Marble, Granite or Limestone Natural Stone Fireplace Mantel. Brought to you by Cole Farms, Inc. |
The fireplace mantel (mantle) is created essentially by building a box out of stone. As you can see in the pictures the bottom slab rests on the columns and on brackets that are screwed into the wall studs. This spreads the weight out so the columns are not having to bear all the load. Our columns are cement but are not rated as structural so we did it that way to be on the safe side. You can see that one of the biggest challenges in building a stone mantel is supporting it.
The pieces that make up the mantel were precut and then epoxied on site. All the beveling of the pieces was also done off site with special equipment. Our picture pages show more detail and also show the epoxy that was used. The interior of the box is braced with more stone to provide a place for the top to sit and be supported. (see more pictures below)
Once installed, your basic fireplace surround is done. We had originally intended to stop at this stage but since the most difficult part was finished we decided to continue up the wall which is our next article.
You will find below an index of the articles that I have put together on this subject. I have tried to cover building a granite, travertine or marble fireplace hearth, surround and mantle using a step by step approach.
Step by Step Articles on Building a Travertine, Marble or Granite Fireplace Surround.
Intro - An Overview of Designing your Stone Fireplace Surround, Mantel and Hearth - Overview of our articles on Building a Natural Stone Fireplace.
Article 1 - Sketching and Designing your Stone Fireplace Surround - Measuring, planning and sketching out your Natural Stone Fireplace.
Article 2 - Finding an Stone Installer - Choosing a craftsman to build your travertine, marble or granite for your natural stone fireplace.
Article 3 - Finding your Materials - Choosing your travertine, marble or granite for your natural stone fireplace.
Article 4 - Finding your Materials 2 - Finding Marble, Travertine, Granite, Concrete or Cement Columns for your Fireplace
Article 5 - Installing the Fireplace Hearth - Installing your Marble, Travertine, Granite, or Limestore Fireplace Hearth
Article 6 - Installing the Fireplace Surround - Installing a Marble, Travertine, Granite Tile or Slab Fireplace Surround
Article 7 - Installing the Fireplace Mantel - Installing a Marble, Travertine, Granite Tile or Slab Fireplace Mantel
Article 8 - Installing the Fireplace Surround - Installing Wall Tile on a Marble, Travertine, Granite Tile or Slab Fireplace
Article 9 - Grouting the Fireplace Surround - Grouting Wall Tile on a Marble, Travertine, Granite Tile or Slab Fireplace
Article 10 - Enhancing and Sealing your Fireplace Surround - Applying Enhancer/Sealer to your Travertine or Natural Stone Fireplace Surround.
Picture Page 1 - Photos, Pictures, Images of Installing a Marble, Granite, Travertine or Limestone Fireplace Hearth, Mantel and Surround.
Picture Page 2 - Photos, Pictures, Images of Installing a Marble, Granite, Travertine or Limestone Fireplace Hearth, Mantel and Surround.
