I'm working on remodeling my townhouse and want to replace an old, unattractive mantel that's got a fake electric fireplace. I've stripped away the old drywall and discovered quite a few 2x4s that run from the floor to the ceiling at each end of the mantel. I'm thinking of removing some of these 2x4s, but I'm unsure how to determine which ones are safe to remove. They are wrapped in a vapor barrier. I'll try to share some photos to give you a better idea of what I'm dealing with.
3 Answers
Definitely don’t take any chances! I advise having a structural engineer or a knowledgeable contractor evaluate those 2x4s before you start cutting. You never know what they might be supporting.
The pictures you provided don't give enough context about the location of those 2x4s. If it’s in an alcove, there's a chance the fireplace is on an external wall, which means those 2x4s could be crucial support. I recommend checking with your local municipality for house plans or doing some exploratory work. Consider reaching out to a structural engineer if you're unsure.
It sounds like you're in a bit of a tricky situation! Generally, mantels aren't load-bearing since the load is typically carried by the exterior wall. However, to be sure, we would need to see what’s above that mantel in the ceiling. If it's just a decorative piece, you’re probably fine, but without a good look at what's actually up there, I'd be cautious.
Thanks for the advice! I’ll see if I can find any plans and really look into those 2x4s.