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Installation Hearth and Facing Panels Installation 1.Outline where the hearth will be. Mix and place six to eight piles of mortar on the floor equal distance from one another and the edges of the hearth. Ensure that the height of each pile is higher than the thickness of the hearth and the diameter of each pile is at least 8 inches. Set the hearth level on these piles of thin set mortar. The weight of the hearth will squeeze the mortar down to provide contact between the mortar and the underside of the hearth. Sometimes the floor is not even, do not try to jump or pound on the hearth to level it. Just put shims or washers on in the gap to make the hearth stable and leveled. 2.Install facing panels. Use pencil lines to outline the inside edges of the mantel shelf and legs. Cut facing panels as required and ensure that the beveled edges exposed. When set in place, the level height of each facing panel leg must be identical to provide for a level facing panel header. Apply a generous and continuous bead of construction adhesive (available at The Home Depot or Lowe’s) to ensure continuous contact between wall and bedding surface of the facing panels. Brace facing panels securely until the adhesive sets. Mantel Installation 1.Install mantel legs. Apply a generous and continuous bead of adhesive to ensure continuous contact between wall and bedding surface of the mantel legs. Brace mantel legs securely until the adhesive sets. 2.Install mantel shelf last. Larger mantel shelves are cast with a cavity in the back to accommodate wood blocking support such as a 2x4 stud. Locate the wood blocking position by offsetting the material thickness at the top of the shelf from a pencil line indicating the top edge of the mantel shelf when set on the mantel legs. Place the wood blocking stud about ¼ inches under the underside of the mantel shelf so that when the mantel is set on the legs, its underside will not rest on or touch the wood blocking stud. Screw wood blocking with wood screws into wall studs for greatest support. Apply adhesive on top of mantel legs. Place mantel shelf on top of mantel legs. Install five 3"-long wood screws into the top of the mantel shelf and into the wood blocking below. Locate screw holes approx 1" from the wall. Drill pilot holes first and countersink so that screw heads are located below the surface of the mantel shelf. Mix the facing powder provided with water to create a workable paste. Fill screw holes and tool to a smooth finish. Area may be sanded lightly if required. Finishing Fill any gaps around the mantel with a paintable latex caulk or thin set mortar.