Attaching ledger to brick Fireplace

[Thomas529]

I am installing a floating mantel to a brick fireplace.

The mantel will be made of cherry and be approx 5 ft long, 6 inches thick and 7 inches deep. It will be open in back to accept the ledger.

Question: how is the best way to attach a 2 x 4 ledger to the fireplace brick?

 

[Snoonyb]

If the brick is the typical red brick, it has little or no retention value, so you can use TAPCONS into the grout. If the brick is a manf. cement brick then you can youe them anywhere.

 

[Thomas529]

Any suggestions as to how many tapcon and what size?
The 2x4 ledger will be 4.5 ft long and the mantel will weigh approx 20 lbs. it will be a floating mantel so no other support.

Thanks

 

[Snoonyb]

Again, it depends upon what you are attaching too, cement grout, concrete brick or both.

In grout 5 or 6, 1/4" x 4".

 

[Thomas529]

It is fireplace brick about 20 yr old.

 

[Sparky617]

You also need to take into consideration what may be put on the mantle. I would probably go with an anchor every 12" or so.