Fireplace Accessories Advisor

Archive for the ‘About Mantles’ Category

Fireplaces have been heating peoples homes for hundreds of years — even thousands, some say. Wood was the first kind of fuel to be used in fireplaces, since wood was easy to find and work with. The fireplace mantel was usually made of stone and, much later, of iron.

Around the beginning of the 20th century, wood acquired a new use: it was no longer just a fuel, but also the material from which the fireplace mantel was built. Wood was treated, of course, with substances that made it fire-resistant.

Much lighter than stone and iron and easier to process, wood mantels are now among the favorite ones. Sometimes painted, otherwise left natural, wood mantels always enhance the decor of the room with their beauty.

Today’s fireplaces come in many different shapes and materials, so the customers choice is anything but limited. Fireplace mantels are no exception to this rule: they can be made of stone, metal or wood, each of them with their own exquisite features.

For those seeking to give their living room a natural and classic aspect, stone is often the chosen material for fireplace mantels. The purchasing price is slightly higher than that of wood or metal surrounds, but there are variations depending on the exact type of stone used.

It doesn’t always make a difference to everyone’s eye whether the mantel is made of marble or limestone, especially since there is no second fireplace of a different kind of stone around for comparison. It is therefore a good idea to know the features and compare prices for the existing kinds of stone used.

Cast Stone: Quality and Durability

Cast stone is not exactly stone in its natural form, but rather a sort of concrete. The gravel used in its production consists of very small pebbles, so cast stone is often very well polished, which makes it look expensive. It can be painted in a variety of colors, so that it goes well with the general dcor of the room. It durability and excellent finishes are the features that make many buyers choose cast stone as the material for the fireplace mantel. Denser than natural stone and sometimes containing steel inserts for reinforcement, cast stone can go longer than natural stone without showing signs of deterioration.

Granite: Massive Strength

For those who like the impression of unyielding power conveyed by the barren rock, granite is the best choice for a fireplace mantel. Like cast stone, granite is given a high-quality finish, but you can feel the vigor of the natural rock — and test it, too: you’ll see that granite can withstand scratches, stains and heat without problems.

Sandstone and Limestone: Echoes from the Old World

The traditional countryside look is what people are often searching for. In this case, sandstone and limestone are the materials chosen for the construction of the fireplace mantel. Portland cement is sometimes mixed with limestone to make it more durable. These materials are more affordable than others, while still preserving the classic or antique look of stone.

Marble: Luxurious Beauty

More and more people are opting for marble these days — especially white marble. A variety of designs are available, with carvings ranging from simple to highly intricate, ennobling the interior like no other material can. You’ll have to pay extra for this touch of luxury, of course, but you wont regret it once you see the visual effect it creates.

Fireplace mantels have undergone significant transformations over the centuries. As a result of technical and design innovations, we now have a variety of materials and styles to choose from: stone, iron, and wood come in many different shapes and colors, so that we can always find one that suits our tastes and decorative requirements.

Marble: Durability and Style

The crystalline aspect of marble confers a highly elegant look to a fireplace mantel. Often available in hand-carved forms, marble is usually costly, but design connoisseurs won’t mind paying extra for the stylish touch it adds to the room.

Stone: Simplicity and Endurance

Much more affordable than marble, stone is nonetheless equally durable and the variations available can satisfy even the most fastidious customers. Sandstone, limestone and granite are among the options you can choose from. White Portland cement is often added into the composition of the stone mantel. There are many colors available, so you can choose one that best contributes to the visual effects you want to create in your room. Concrete: Sturdiness and Beauty

Though many people might feel tempted to dismiss concrete in favor of stone or marble, a look at a few concrete mantels will change your mind in an instant. Easier to shape than the two previous kinds, concrete also offers a wide range of colors and styles to flatter any room.

Wood: Subtlety and Warmth

Many people prefer wood, because they find it adds a welcoming feeling to the room. Mahogany is among the favorite choices, along with cedar, oak, and cherry wood. They can be painted in any color you like and are often adorned with hand-made carvings. The types of wood used in fireplace mantels are long-lasting and normally treated with certain substances that further extend their lifespan and render them flame-resistant.

Victorian Mantels: Tradition and Elegance

Using any of the materials presented above, Victorian mantels can add a classic look to your interior. Stores have many ready-made models available, but you can always order one to be made to your exact specifications.

Tips

As far as the style is concerned, you should make sure there’s harmony between the fireplace mantel and the rest of the room. As for the material, the more durable it is, the less youll have to worry about the need to replace the fireplace mantel.