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Depth to make new fireplace mantle

connie363's picture

Depth to make new fireplace mantle (post #175933)

connie363 on Mon, 05/22/2006 - 03:17
in

Is there a standard depth to make fireplace mantles? I'm thinking 4 1/2" to 5" for a solid 4" X 62" X 4" wood beam shelf but then began thinking that perhaps it is better to match the thickness of the beam which would mean 4" and not bigger. Any advice? Would like to fit a pair of candlesticks on it.

-A +A

(post #175933, reply #1 of 3)

by Matthew1 in reply to connie363 [original] on Tue, 06/13/2006 - 22:40

I'm not sure exactly what you are asking, but a mantle would usually include the shelf, or were you thinking that you would mount the shelf above the mantle? As far as mantle depth, there is no real standard as far as I know, so you're pretty much free to do whatever you think will look good.

(post #175933, reply #2 of 3)

by neilpuck in reply to connie363 [original] on Tue, 10/17/2006 - 19:08

Some local codes have restrictions on how far fro a fireplace opening you can have flammable material.  it covers distance from opening, as well as projection from the wall. 

(post #175933, reply #3 of 3)

by bristlecone in reply to Anonymous [original] on Mon, 11/13/2006 - 23:12

My Travis Industries wooding burning fire place instructions limit the projection to 8".  The building inspector went off of the instructions and listed setbacks to combustibles