Marble mantelpiece - how can we tidy this up?

[LHL1]

Hi everyone. We had our fireplace opened up recently and a second hand marble mantelpiece fitted. The mantle shelf has been fitted slightly higher than the surround, which has left approximately a 10mm gap. Builder tried to fix it with some shims and caulking on the sides, but it's all visible when sat on the sofa and looks a little messy. Can we do anything to tidy this all up and hide the long 10mm gap?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[Swwils]

Remove and fit properly

 

[HERTS P&D]

That needs removing and refitting or silicone all the joints which would be a bodge, IMHO.

Andy

 

[foxhole]

A bodge but alternative to refit .

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[freddiemercurystwin]

Rake everything out to see what's what would be the first thing to do. Did it all fit together properly in it's old house?

 

[Mike13]

what was the builder thinking? the surfaces need to be fully scraped of all old grout/cement, then try again.

 

[Brigadier]

The mantle shelf has been fitted slightly higher than the surround, which has left approximately a 10mm gap

Why?

Unless someone was messing you about, there must be some reason for this.

Once those is known, the appropriate solution should reveal itself.

 

[LHL1]

Thanks all for your replies. There appears to be a wooden board screwed to the wall behind to support the shelf. I suspect this too high, hence the need for the shims. However, it also looks like the marble panel below the shelf isn't big enough to ever sit flush with the shelf, so there might always be at least a 5mm gap?

 

[Brigadier]

Get the clown back.
Remove the mantel.
Cut down the timber, to level.
Refit mantel flush, this time.

I honestly think the other gap, if as intended at manufacture, will look fine.