What is the quickest method for breaking down this mantle into small pieces?
Asked by Daniel Gibson 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 15, 2024
What’s the quickest way to take off this mantle without breaking it into too many pieces?
Do you need a big hammer for this? How is it connected?
Use a hammer and pry bar to carefully remove the top lip and check how it’s secured, probably with anchors and concrete screws.
Most likely, there is a 2x ledger attached to the brick and the mantel nailed to it with trim nails
Using a chainsaw would result in smaller pieces. Less pieces would align with the advice of .
It’s highly probable that it’s a single unit secured beneath to a base mounted on the brick. No need to cause any damage.
I would suggest starting by removing the items on top and inspecting for nails or screw plugs. It seems like there might be a screw plug on the left corner.
If you’re aiming for minimal pieces, it seems like the top might be a separate section attached to a base. Try removing the molding from the side of the unit just above the bead board (vertical slats). You might find screws or other clues on how it was attached. To remove the molding, use painter’s tape to protect the bead board and try sliding a putty knife underneath to loosen it. Then, use a thicker tool like a small pry bar. If you’re prying against a finished surface, protect it with a thin piece of wood. Be cautious of the glued joint where it meets the front piece. Take your time. This is based on what I can interpret from the photo. There could also be fastening under the rectangular molding at the bottom of the entire structure.
I just made a purchase of a pre-owned item on marketplace…it’s all in one piece and secured with finish screws on top very close to the wall
Typically, mantels are like an open box at the back resting on a ledger board attached to the brick. Finish nails are then used from the top down into the ledger board. rab a flat bar, gently pry starting from the bottom to check if it’s looser at the bottom so you can see the ledger board. Take your time and work on it slowly. You could also check out some examples on YouTube. I recently removed mine to refinish it and run wires to the TV
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Do you have kids? Make sure to tell them to steer clear of the mantle, they’ll bring it down in no time
Looks like there’s a plug at the top end, search for those, drill them out, and probably a few screws holding the entire thing to a cleat
Burn it down! 🔥