Louis Brandt
07-20-2006, 9:01 PM
Hello,
I’m almost finished with the construction of my fireplace surround and mantel shelf project, and I need some advice with a last minute issue.
I’m using a double-thick layer of 3/4 inch plywood for the foundation boards. This includes the two vertical legs and the horizontal piece that connects them. The foundation itself is 48 inches tall by 58 inches wide and with its double layer of plywood, is 1 1/2 inches thick, with of course, a large opening for the firebox. The two legs are each 8 inches wide. I intend to secure this entire foundation to the brick wall of the fireplace by using lag screws and metal anchors, so I don’t anticipate any problems with the stability of the foundation as it relates to the brick wall.
My real problem comes with the next step. The project includes another horizontal piece that attaches to the foundation boards. This "architrave" (as I’ve seen it referred to in other designs) is made of 3/4 inch solid oak and is 11 1 /4 inches wide by 55 inches long. I’ve just weighed it, and it weighs 12 pounds. On top of this will sit the mantel shelf, but it’s the architrave that concerns me.
Without going into the reasons why, let me just say that I can’t secure the architrave to the foundation or to the brick with lag screws as I’m doing with the foundation boards. My intention is to simply use 4 long (maybe 2 inch) countersunk wood screws to attach it to the foundation boards, one screw near each of the four corners.
I should add that under the architrave, there will be a 36 inch tall by 4 1/2 inch wide solid oak pilaster attached to each leg. The architrave will appear to "sit" on the two pilasters.
But does anyone (and you’re all much more experienced than I am) think that I’d be making a serious mistake by trying to secure a 12 pound length of solid oak against this foundation by wood screws only?
Louis
I’m almost finished with the construction of my fireplace surround and mantel shelf project, and I need some advice with a last minute issue.
I’m using a double-thick layer of 3/4 inch plywood for the foundation boards. This includes the two vertical legs and the horizontal piece that connects them. The foundation itself is 48 inches tall by 58 inches wide and with its double layer of plywood, is 1 1/2 inches thick, with of course, a large opening for the firebox. The two legs are each 8 inches wide. I intend to secure this entire foundation to the brick wall of the fireplace by using lag screws and metal anchors, so I don’t anticipate any problems with the stability of the foundation as it relates to the brick wall.
My real problem comes with the next step. The project includes another horizontal piece that attaches to the foundation boards. This "architrave" (as I’ve seen it referred to in other designs) is made of 3/4 inch solid oak and is 11 1 /4 inches wide by 55 inches long. I’ve just weighed it, and it weighs 12 pounds. On top of this will sit the mantel shelf, but it’s the architrave that concerns me.
Without going into the reasons why, let me just say that I can’t secure the architrave to the foundation or to the brick with lag screws as I’m doing with the foundation boards. My intention is to simply use 4 long (maybe 2 inch) countersunk wood screws to attach it to the foundation boards, one screw near each of the four corners.
I should add that under the architrave, there will be a 36 inch tall by 4 1/2 inch wide solid oak pilaster attached to each leg. The architrave will appear to "sit" on the two pilasters.
But does anyone (and you’re all much more experienced than I am) think that I’d be making a serious mistake by trying to secure a 12 pound length of solid oak against this foundation by wood screws only?
Louis