Please read through these installation instructions and visualize the steps before beginning the installation.

Equipment needed for drywall location : Hammer, nailset, electric drill or cordless drill, drill bits, wood saw, measuring tape, woodscrews at least 3 1/2" long (course-thread deck screws work well) or nails at least 3 1/2" long (screws are preferred), screwdriver for deck screws, molly bolt anchors with long bolts (or equal), 2" finish nails, level, stud finder (can be very helpful but not required), “Liquid Nail" construction adhesive or equivalent, and wood putty.

For brick location : Masonry drill bit for heavy duty masonry anchors and companion bolts or screws that will extend 1 1/2" outside the anchor (for mounting board) when fully screwed into anchor. Use a minimum of three to mount mantel shelf mounting board.

General sequence of steps is to momentarily position mantel shelf on fireplace in order to determine preferred height and width, locate where mounting board will go, then install mounting board, then install mantel shelf. (If using leg kit install it first).

Parts list:1 mantel shelf, 2 mantel shelf corners (1 left and 1 right), 1 mounting board (2x4).

(Mounting board for the El Dorado is 1 1/2" x 1 3/4")

Step No. 1 : Place mantel shelf above fireplace momentarily to determine mantel shelf width and height, top is typically 46" to 52" from floor. The Uniform Building Code specifies that wooden mantels have a clearance of 12" from the top and sides of the standard fireplace opening (slightly less in some cases). However, some local codes vary and some firebox inserts and stoves require more or less clearance. Please consult your local fire Marshall or building inspector and the instructions of the insert or stove maker. Conforming to the code is the responsibility of the homeowner/installer. JIFFY-TRIM MANTEL cannot be responsible for incorrect installations of mantels. With these considerations in mind decide on your preferred mantel shelf width. Set mantel shelf aside.

Step No. 2 : Remove either one of the corners (but only one). With the corner removed, mark the amount that needs to be cut off. Starting with the top. Now mark the same amount on the face and bottom (see figure #4). Caution: (when cutting face and bottom do not cut through top). Cut top,then cut face and bottom. Remove cut piece (pull finishing nails if necessary) and sand smooth the area where the face was connected to the top.

Step No. 3 : Slide corner back on mantel shelf and place above fireplace at predetermined height. If mantel height is OK continue on to step No. 4. If height is not OK make adjustment now, (remember to keep proper clearance from firebox) then proceed to step No. 4.

Step No. 4 : With mantel shelf in place and level, on your wall, lightly mark along the top of mantel shelf, also mark center of shelf. Set mantel shelf aside.(Draw a line parallel to the top of the mantel line 3/4" lower). This line indicates the top of the mantel shelf mounting board. Cut mantel shelf mounting board (cut mounting board 6" less than overall mantel shelf length), mark the center of mounting board.

Step No. 5 : Attach mounting board to wall using both “Liquid Nail" and drywall screws (make sure centerline mark on mounting board and centerline mark of mantel shelf are aligned) . Or use masonry anchors if brick or stone surface. Use the long screws or nails into all studs covered by the mounting board. If no studs are present behind the drywall, use molly bolts (or equal) spaced every 12" along the length of the mounting board.

Step No. 6 : Fit mantel shelf over mounting board to desired location. If any adjustments to mounting board is needed do this now. Pre-drill nail holes 3/4" from the wall every 8" across the top of the mantel shelf where it overlaps the mounting board (using a drill bit slightly narrower than the finish nails), then attach the mantel shelf to the mounting board using both “Liquid Nail" all along the top of the mounting board and then the finish nails. With a hammer and nailset, set each nail head. Fill nail holes with wood putty. Allow “Liquid Nail" to dry (per manufactures directions) before placing weight on mantel shelf.

Questions ? call our customer service staff at 1-800-642-8457 Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 12:00 p.m. Pacific time or email us at jiffy-trim@jiffy-trim.com

Safety considerations : Do not put heavy weight on mantel shelf. Over 25 pounds is not recommended. Check local codes and instructions from manufacture of fireplace insert or stove for proper clearance of wood mantel parts from firebox. JIFFY-TRIM MANTEL cannot be responsible for incorrect installation of mantels.