Hi Tom! We just moved into a house with a fireplace in the family room. It has travertine surrounding the fireplace on all sides and a wooden mantle (60″ long) over the top travertine. We would like to add wooden legs (40″) to match the wooden mantle but we’re not sure how to install it. The travertine length also covers 60″ X 40″.

Do we drill holes on the travertine to install the legs or do we have to buy a longer mantle (possibly 72″) and install the legs outside of the travertine area? Thanks for your help.

Hazelle

Hello Hazelle,

I suggest the following. For the bottom, drill a 5/16″ diameter hole in the travertine so that it is 3/4″ deep. Then drill a hole at the center of the bottom of the wood column that is 2 1/2″ deep (same 5/16″ diameter). Use a masonry drill bit for the travertine and a wood bit for the column.

Then cut a 1/4″ diameter steel dowel pin about 2″ long. Slide a 1/4″ steel dowel up in the wood hole. This way, when you set the column in place, it will drop down 3/4″ into the travertine hole and still be 1 1/4″ up in the wood hole. For the top, do the same concept, making the mantle hole deep enough to receive the steel dowel and then it should drop partially into the column when you set it in place. Use clear silicone caulking at the top and bottom of the column for adhesive support.

Best wishes,
Tom Cordova

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