How to Hang Free Float Mantle

[dborns]

We tore out the side posts and old mantle, and I built a free floating wood beam mantle. I was going to use a French cleat to mount it to the wall, but I was going to use a 2x4 for the mount , but only have 4” of space for that. A 2x4 French cleat won’t work due to space. I don’t think 3/4” plywood would hold this thing either. It’s not real heavy, it’s just 1x pine, 10” wide by 5 1/2” thick, but it’s still too much for a thin piece of plywood.
My next thought was to screw a 2x4 into the wall and screw the mantle down into it. I can use shims underneath to level it out as we are installing tile up to the bottom of the mantle.
Either way I use, the stud or cleat will be screwed into about 7 studs.

 

[Johnboy555]

I would lag bolt a 2X4 into the wall and use trim screws to anchor the mantle.

 

[dborns]

Good point, I didn’t think about using lag bolts. I was just going to use wood screws. Good idea.
I’m also going to reinforce the mantle with a piece of 1x4 on the top on the inside. I’ll use adhesive and that way it’s got a little more “meat” that the screws are going through.

 

[Johnboy555]

If you glue a 1x4 inside the top you'll have to use a 2x3 to mount to the wall. You'll only have 3 1/4" inside. Unless you want to rip the 2x4 down to size.

 

[dborns]

Yes, I’ll rip the 2x4 down just enough to get it in there.
Thank you for your help!