Install Your Fireplace Beam In Record Time With These Tips

If you don’t know the difference between a nut and a bolt and hearing the word ‘screwdriver’ makes you want to reach for your cocktail shaker, installing an oak fireplace beam can seem a little daunting.

But fear not. With our tips, installing your oak mantel is as easy as 1, 2, 3…

NB: This article is to help install oak beams supplied with standard 12mm concealed brackets. Our full installation guides for this and other methods of fixing your beam can be found in the ‘installation’ section on a beam’s page. For example, the installation guides can be found by scrolling down on our ‘Oak Fireplace Beam Shaped’ page and clicking on ‘installation’.

1. Gather together everything you need before you start

There’s nothing more frustrating than starting a job only to realise that you haven’t got a vital piece of equipment to complete it.

At the beginning of our installation guide, we list all the tools that you’ll need to install your oak fireplace beam.

Before you begin the installation process, ensure that you have all the tools you require and bring them into the room you’re working in.

2. Install your oak beam with someone else

As our beams are solid oak and are therefore very heavy, it takes at least two people to install an oak fireplace beam.

If there are three of you, this can make the installation process much easier. This way, two people can hold the oak mantel up against the wall and the third person can check that it is level.

A second (and third) pair of eyes to check your measurements are also invaluable. Which brings us neatly to number three…

3. Measure twice, cut (or in this case drill) once

As part of the installation, you will need to measure from the end of your beam to the hole centres and transfer these measurements onto your wall.

Then it will be time to drill the holes.

We would recommend that before drilling, you double check your measurements and make sure that your oak beam is definitely level.

Yes, holes can be filled in with a little filler if you drill in the wrong place. But double checking everything now can save lots of frustration in the future. You don’t want to put your beam up, sit down to enjoy your cup of tea and then realise that your beam isn’t quite straight.

Installing your new oak mantel is simple…

With a little planning and the right tools, installing an oak fireplace beam isn’t as difficult as you may think.

Depending on the type of oak beam you order from us, how you install it may be slightly different. Full installation guides are available on our website.

Still unsure about how to install your oak beam? Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any advice. We’re more than happy to help!