In the previous post of, How To Mount a Mantel To A Wall? Part 1, I addressed how to hang a mantel on Sheet Rock / Wall Board / Plastered walls and brick veneer walls. This article concludes with wood paneling and concrete walls.
Wood Paneling
In homes built in the ’70s and 80’s it was common for the builder to install 1/4 thick wood paneling in the living room. The paneling typically came in 4 x 8 foot sheets. To save cost the builder would have the paneling nailed directly over the studs, so there is no sheet rock behind it.
The paneling does not have the strength to hold much weight. If you can, I would anchor the mantel directly into the supporting 2 x 4s using wood screws.
Concrete
Not too many folks have concrete walls in their home, but if you do here are some fasteners that can be used to hang just about anything on your wall. Each of these solutions will require that you drill a pilot hole first, using a high quality carbide drill bit.
· Single expansion anchor. It is made from lead and uses a machine screw to expand the anchor in the pilot hole.
· Lag shield anchors. It has a ribbed body that splits and opens on the back end. Insert the anchor into the pilot hole; seat it by tapping it in with a hammer. This type of anchor accepts lag screws. As the screw is turns into the anchor the back end opens up and grips the concrete.
· Wedge anchor. It has a machine threaded end and the other end has the flare on it. Drill the pilot hole. Put the nut on the threaded end to protect the threads during installation of the wedge anchor. Tap the wedge anchor into the pilot hole. Tighten the nut. As the nut is tightened it will cause the flare to expand out and lock the anchor in place.
· Sleeved anchor. The sleeved anchor has either a hex head or Phillips screw head. Drill the pilot hole. Slip the sleeved anchor through the mounting bracket and into the pilot hole. Tighten the Phillips or hex head to expand the wedge and lock it in place.
These are some of the simplest and effective methods for mounting a mantel to a variety of wall types.
