installing wood mantel over granite tile?

[wisepd1]

I'm tiling over a bare brick fireplace with granite tile. I've skim coated everything with thinset and tiled the top of the raised hearth so far but now I'm stuck with indecision on the best way to tile the vertical section. I plan to build/install a new wood mantel with legs but I'm not sure if it's smart to apply the tile everywhere and figure out how to install the mantle over top the tile or install the mantel and then set the tile. I feel that former would result in a cleaner look (no grouting adjacent the legs) but I'm concerned with trying to screw and/or glue the mantel to the granite if I go with with the latter option. Of course the latter would also save $$ on the tile itself too, but that's not as important as a clean looking job. Any thoughts, ideas or experience?

BTW, I'm looking at installing the Lopi Declaration if I can convince my wallet to "give it up".

Thanks in advance.

 

[CJ-SR4ever]

Drilling and screwing into granite is very tricky and if you mess up you can put a big crack in it. Be very careful and make sure you have the right drill bit. Got any pics so we can get a better idea of what it looks like?

 

[begreen]

First be sure that the clearances from the stove top to the mantel are honored. Otherwise a heatshield will be required. Then, I would install the mantel first and then tile.

 

[dafattkidd]

I'm a finish carpenter. I've built many mantles. It is always much easier to install the trim first then install the tile. Other wise you risk having to tile it twice.

There are ways around it though. If you have some pics it would help. Also how wide do you want the legs of the mantle to be? That matters a lot. The wider the legs the easier it will be for you. If you post some pics I can explain what I mean.

 

[wisepd1]

Thanks for the responses so far. I appreciate it very much.

I have looked at the clearance requirements provided in the data for the inserts that I'm looking at and plan to work with that. The hearth/brick surround width is 66" and the firebox opening is about 34"W x 27" tall. The legs will probably be in the 5-8" range, depending on the insert and allowing some fudge room. I'm trying to mitigate the need for a mantel shield so I know the cross piece will have to go fairly high (I don't have my drawings & data in front of me). I also need to put a return on the sides of the mantel & legs.

Anyway, yes, I'm concerned about trying to drill into the granite and possibly cracking it and I'm not convinced yet that there is a construction adhesive out there that would fit the bill. So, based on a couple of comments so far, I'll probably pursue building and then tiling but I'm still open to all thoughts and ideas for the project.

I took the pic just as I was starting to lay the hearth tile last weekend.

Thanks again.

Phil

 

[begreen]

#1 suggestion is to decide on the stove, download the manual and study top and side clearances carefully. The tiles should not be glued on they should be set. Stop over to http://www.johnbridge.com/ for good tiling advice.

 

[wisepd1]

BeGreen,
I understand about picking the stove and adhering to required clearances, but thanks for emphasizing. If I don't pick a particular stove right now, I plan to have say 3 on my list then make sure my clearance is good for the one with the worst case. Also, on the glue, I am setting them with thinset. The glue comment was about adhering the mantel & legs to the granite.

Thanks again.

 

[midwestcoast]

If you really don't want to do the mantel first you could install wood planks to the bare wall before tiling, install tile up to them, then fasten mantel to them afterward so it's all hidden.

 

[wisepd1]

midwestcoast,

That's actually what I was starting to think would be the best idea as everyone's comments started coming in. Good call, thanks.

Phil

 

[dafattkidd]

That's the way to do it. But definitely find out about clearances with your stove or insert first.