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Depth to make fireplace mantle shelf

connie363's picture

Depth to make fireplace mantle shelf (post #176108)

connie363 on Mon, 05/22/2006 - 03:19
in

Wondering if there is a recommended depth to make a solid wood beam shelf for a mantle? Does it look best to match the thickness of the beam, in our case 4"? I would prefer to have a depth of 5" but wondering if it would look out of balance to do that with the height being only 4".

-A +A

(post #176108, reply #1 of 2)

by Danno in reply to connie363 [original] on Tue, 05/23/2006 - 11:22

You could try asking your question at "Breaktime" and you'll probably get more replies--although sometimes they can be kind of harsh.


Anyway, I don't think there are any "rules" about the mantle piece. I think it would look better if it were wider than it is tall. You could also sort of "corbel" it or have brackets to support a wider mantle. For corbeling, you could put a 4x4 under a 2x8 so it steps out. That would look more supported and may therefore be more esthetically pleasing.


Edit: You could also ask at Knots, woodworkers there may be familiar with proper proportions for mantle pieces.


Edited 5/25/2006 11:57 am ET by Danno

(post #176108, reply #2 of 2)

by Jeffwoodwork in reply to connie363 [original] on Tue, 05/30/2006 - 21:38

What is it over a gas fireplace or a wood burning?  For Gas units or zero clearance you need for code reasons a ratio of 1:1.  So for a gas unit the mantel starts 4 inches above the box the mantel can only stick out 4 inches.  This is so the heat can escape over the mantel and not start a fire.  I can't remember the ratio for wood burners.  Most mantels not all tend to be in the 8-10" range and start about 12 inches above the box.  Post over at Breaktime they will be happy to help and are not harsh.


Jeff