Fireplace screens are the perfect addition to any fireplace. Fireplace screens prevent sparks and ashes from the fire entering you living space but can also be a beautiful accent to your home’s décor.

There are two basic types of fireplace screens, which include flat screen and folded screen styles.

• Flat fireplace screen: Consists of a solid, unbendable structure, which sits directly in front of your fireplace. This type of screen is perfect for those with children or pets that like to get a little too close to the fire.
• Folded fireplace screen: Constructed using panels and sits a little out from your fireplace. The folded fireplace screen is great for those who do not want to have to move the screen each time they tend the fire and for large fireplaces.

Our flat fireplace screens and folded fireplace screens are available in a variety of styles and finishes to compliment any décor. Choose from traditional, antique, contemporary & modern, and rustic designs. Fireplace screens are constructed from a variety of materials including brass, steel, wrought iron, copper, and many more. When choosing the perfect fireplace screen, keep in mind your home’s color scheme and style. If your space features warm colors, we recommend any of our copper, bronze, rust, gold or black fireplace screens. If your space is finished with cool colors, try a brass, stainless steel, pewter, aluminum, or white fireplace screen to add a touch of style.

Before purchasing a fireplace screen, make sure you’ve measured your fireplace to ensure a perfect pairing. If you’re shopping for a folding fireplace screen, we recommend adding 10-12 inches to the width and 1-3 inches to the height to find the right sized screen for you fireplace. If you’re looking for a flat fireplace screen, we recommend adding 1-3 inches. Single panel fireplace screens should overlap your fireplace opening by 1-3 inches for overall spark and ash protection. MantelsDirect.com offers over 30 fireplace screens designs. Add a touch of style to your fireplace with a fireplace screen!

Considering remodeling your home? We recommend replacing an older or outdated fireplace mantel to update the look of an entire living space. Even if you are not an expert craftsman, you can anticipate completing this project within a few hours. Considering that the enjoyment you’ll get from your new mantel will last for years to come, it would be time well-spent.

Here is a list of items you will need in order to complete the job:

• Pry bar / Crowbar
• Tape Measure
• Level
• Saw
• Drill with Masonry bit
• Lag Sleeves and bolts
• Hammer / Nails
• Ledger board (2 x 2 inches)

Step 1: Out With The Old!

Using your crowbar or a pry bar, carefully remove the mantel from the bricks or wall it is fastened to. In most cases, fireplace mantels are usually locked together with glue and wooden pegs. Progress little by little to avoid cracking or damaging the bricks or wall to which the mantel is attached.

Step 2: Measure

The next step is to measure the width and the depth of the old mantel with your tape measure. These measurements will be used to determine the measurements of your new mantel. So remember, measure carefully! If you are planning on installing a surround mantel or wrap-around mantel, make sure to adjust your measurements accordingly.

Step 3: Install the Support Ledger

Now you will need to measure the width of the fireplace opening, and cut a 2 x 2-inch piece of ledger board to match. Position the support ledger at the desired height and level it. Drill the pilot holes in the support ledger board completely through the other side. You’ll need to put in the lag sleeves into the ledger board and screw in the lag screws with your drill or electric screwdriver.

Step 4: Prepping the New Mantel

After installing the support ledger brace board, place the mantel alongside the stone, brick or wall. Line up the new mantel so that it is in the center of the support wall and the fireplace opening, and to where it rests upon the support ledger board.

Step 5: Installing The Mantel to the Support Ledger Board

After you have properly positioning the mantel with the support ledger board and fireplace opening, secure it by nailing the mantel directly to the ledger board.

Step 6: Locking the Mantel

Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instruction for installing the mantel to the bricks or wall. Normally, this process includes either glue and pegs or lag bolts and sleeves. Prior to securing the mantel to the support bricks or support wall, check to ensure that the mantel is level. If not, adjust accordingly.

Congratulations! You have now completed the final step of the installation process. Now the only thing left is to clean up, sit back and enjoy your new fireplace mantel.

Have you been thinking about replacing a dated, tired looking mantel? Maybe you’ve been thinking about adding a mantel shelf to your existing fireplace? Mantels Direct offers a variety of fireplace mantel shelves, mantel surrounds, stone mantels, marble mantels and everything in between. We offer brochures, product samples, and most important – experience to help make your fireplace mantel decision easy. Browse through our selection of resources to help find the perfect fireplace mantel.

For a truly rustic feel to add to your new or existing home, consider installing a Timber fireplace mantel shelf. MantelsDirect.com offers New England Timber Works designs exclusively. The company has been working with timber for over 30 years and is a leader in the Timber mantel industry. Their distinctive timber fireplace mantel shelves are handcrafted, following the tradition of authentic timber framing.

Finishing Options And Wood Types

Each mantel shelf design is available in your choice of four unique, solid wood types and comes completely finished in your choice of stain color. Available in custom sizes, below are the available wood types:

• Hemlock
• White Pine
• Douglas Fir
• Oak

Colors available are Fresh Sawn, Autumn Leaf, Pinecone, Clear, Honeytone, and Birch Bark. Colors may vary with the type of wood chosen. TimberJack® is a specially-developed product used for the application to interior and exterior log and timberframe homes. Formulated to add beauty and protection to your investment in wood, TimberJack conveys remarkable natural hues to augment the rustic character of most types of logs and wood surfaces.

Installing a Timber Fireplace Mantel Shelf is one of the easiest ways to add a rustic centerpiece to your home. When considering updating your home with one of these mantel shelves, contact MantelsDirect.com to provide their expert advice on all-things fireplace for your home.

According to top real estate companies a fireplace isn’t only a beautiful focal point, it’s an opportunity to increase your home’s value. If you have a room with a fireplace, then your fireplace is probably the focal point of your space. If it’s not, it should be! To optimize on both your home’s value and style, take a step back and examine your fireplace. Does it fit into your room? Does it fit the style of your home? Does your fireplace look dated? Maybe tired? Would a potential homebuyer like it?

Whether you answered yes to all of these questions or just one or two, potential homebuyers focus on the fireplace. It’s important to have a fresh, updated fireplace that adds style, warmth, and of course value. MantelsDirect offers a variety of fireplace mantel options, from simple wood shelves to easy to install mantel surrounds, we show you how easy it is to add a spark to your home!

Mantels: If your fireplace has a mantel, you may want to consider updating it with a modern look or fresh coat of paint. If your fireplace doesn’t have a fireplace, you may want to consider adding one. Fireplace mantel shelves are simple to install, available in a variety of styles, and start at only $101.83. A fireplace surround creates a statement of elegance. If your room is large enough for a fireplace surround, adding one can creates a warm gathering spot for friends and family. Potential buyers will be impressed with the quality and elegance of MantelDirects fireplace surrounds.

Fireplace surround facing kits, whether they be granite, marble or slate are relatively simple to install. There are 3 steps to following in order to successfully complete your job. Prior to starting, you will need the following items: a pencil, Micore Board (available at MantelsDirect.com), 2-3 10.3 Fl. Oz. Leech F-26 Waterproof Construction Adhesive (available at MantelsDirect.com) and a tape measure.

Step 1: Installing The Hearth

Using the Micore board or a similar product to create a buffer between the hearth and floor, carefully place the hearth on the Micore with the marble, granite or slate facing the firebox, polished side up. Position it in the center it on the Micore so no additional movement is needed. Apply the waterproof construction adhesive around the perimeter of the hearth; leaving two places for handholds, then a few “zig-zag” lines down the center. Ensure that you are not allowing any voids around the perimeter that would cause a corner to break if someone stepped on it. Quickly but gently lower the hearth; this is the most critical time of the installation, as the weight of the marble can cause it to crack if held flat for any length of time.

Step 2: Adding The Facing Legs

Measure the firebox for the legs, and check both sides to ensure you are fitting them correctly. There is always a possibility you may have to cut the legs differently. Once you have the accurate measurements, cut the legs as needed. MantelsDirect.com recommends using a PY 007 dry cut marble blade because it will give you the best cut. Tape the marble with several strips of quality masking tape to protect the marble from scratches. Make sure to start your cut at the polished edge, if there is a chip caused by the blade it will be on the unfinished edge, which is normally hidden by the mantle leg. Cut with the polished side of the marble up.

Step 3:  Install your facing header and optional riser

Apply the recommended adhesive on the back of the header and place into position. It is usually acceptable if your header extends beyond the outside of each leg. MantelsDirect.com’s fireplace mantels are intended to overlap facing material and can hold up to 5″ on each side in most situations.

Fireplace surround facing kits do vary from one another, so make sure to always read the instructions carefully that come with your kit. MantelsDirect.com has many kits to choose from and their customer service representatives are experts on helping out customers pick out the right kit for their job.

Looking to update the look of your fireplace or a way to incorporate your fireplace into the design of your room? With so many options of both materials and looks available, it’s hard for many homeowners to decide on the right one. We recommend choosing a mantel that can be adapted easily for a new look (particularly if you would like to change your surroundings), or the more permanent variety such as big logs, heavy beams or even stone shelving.

Fireplace Mantel Shelves

Mantel shelves available in several wood types including: Alder, Cherry, Douglas Fir, Hemlock, Maple, MDF, Oak, Pine, and Poplar and many different finishes are available to compliment each wood type. The designs vary from traditional to timber which is considered more of a rustic design. These shelves can come in standard or custom lengths, so the possibilities are virtually endless. If you are a ‘do-it-yourselfer’ you’ll find that fireplace mantel shelves are easy-to-install. In most cases, adjustable brackets are available to complement your selection.

Traditional Wood Mantels

If classic and timeless is your taste, a traditional wood mantel is a viable option for your home. Available in standard or custom sizes, each mantel is offered in Poplar for painting, Poplar, Pine, Maple, Red Oak, and Cherry for staining.

Cast Stone Mantels

Fireplaces no longer have to be constructed of wood. You can choose from many materials, including a variety of stone finishes and colors. Classic Stone Mantels (A MantelsDirect.com exclusive) are lightweight, and provide a quick and easy installation. Each stone mantel is fire resistant and allows for zero clearance from combustible material (no space required between firebox and mantel) making it the perfect choice for gas or wood fireplaces.

Marble Mantels

If you are looking for a unique Victorian-style surround, consider looking into a marble mantel. MantelsDirect.com offers the Imperial Selection of high quality, hand carved marble surrounds. The selection is available in a variety of fireplace opening sizes and return depths and four distinctive fireplace marble colors.

No matter what your style or price point, we recommend gathering lots of ideas and photos of features that appeal to you, and enjoy planning that focal point of warmth for your home.