Attaching a fireplace surround to the wall

Monkey Wrench · Post by **Monkey Wrench** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 1:37 pm

I've just bought a wooden fireplace surround and need to attach it to the wall. The wall has been skimmed so I don't want to hack into it to fit the fireplace if it can be helped.

The fireplace itself is purely decorative.

I was thinking that I need to screw a piece of timber to the wall and probably stick the surround to that. It seems pretty crude though.

Thanks in advance.

M

Wood Magnet · Post by **Wood Magnet** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 4:41 pm

Did it not have any fixing plates M.W.

you could buy a couple of these and fit it to the wall
http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/Shop ... goryID=244

ellie · Post by **ellie** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 5:02 pm

Wood Magnet wrote:Did it not have any fixing plates M.W.
you could buy a couple of these and fit it to the wall
http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/Shop ... goryID=244

Surely this means the plaster will need to be made good after using this type of bracket. I was thinking the brackets would need to be recessed in the plaster to make a proper job, and that means hacking the new plaster work about.

Wood Magnet · Post by **Wood Magnet** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 5:14 pm

Not if you have a mrs. like mine who likes to take the fire surround off when decorating.

If it's a permanent fix i'd just use "no nails"

If you use a "french cleat" it would need fixing at 3 points to stop it moving.

ellie · Post by **ellie** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 5:30 pm

Wood Magnet wrote:Not if you have a mrs. like mine who likes to take the fire surround off when decorating. If it's a permanent fix i'd just use "no nails"
If you use a "french cleat" it would need fixing at 3 points to stop it moving.

With the hook battens the fire place is not permanently fixed you just lift the fire place off the wall when you want to redecorate. As stated one part of the hook batten is fixed to the wall and the second part is fixed to the fireplace.

Wood Magnet · Post by **Wood Magnet** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 5:53 pm

Guess i should have said my first answer was a quick fix, only 2 holes drilled into the wall.
2nd answer is a permanent fix
3rd answer French cleats would need to be fixed at 3 points to the surround and 3 points on the wall, so the wall would need to be drilled at least 6 times even though its hidden.And i do know how a french cleat works ellie, i even knew the proper name

Monkey Wrench · Post by **Monkey Wrench** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:32 pm

Wow that was fast! 6 replies!

Sadly it did not come with any fixings. Grrrrr

I do like the idea of these French Cleat fixings - I'm not too worried if I need to drill 6 holes. Guess the trick is in getting the two parts to line up!!

You have also answered a question yet to be asked about hanging a large mirror.

I'll put on a photo later as there is another matter that is not quite right with the fireplace.

Thanks again.

M

Off to fit some bathroom door locks........