Nothing adds to the permanent and beautiful nature of fireplaces like stone. A cast stone mantel from Mantels Direct offers ease of installation and an appearance that makes your fireplace look as though it has been in place for a hundred years. Adding a stone fireplace is a fantastic way to renovate your home and can add hundreds of dollars in value to what might once have been an ugly, unused corner of your house. With the easy installation and great prices of cast stone, there is no reason consumers cannot have the stone fireplace of their dreams.

There is a common misconception that renovating a mantle has to be a complex and lengthy enterprise requiring the knowledge of a master contractor and the strength of a dozen men. Fortunately, for those of us who have neither of these qualities at our disposal, there is a relatively simple solution that can give our living rooms the renovation needed. Cast stone mantels perfectly merge the look and feel of traditional solid stone while remaining relatively lightweight and easy to install.

Because of the process which is used to create these mantels they remain manageable to install, allowing for a homeowner or handyman to complete the installation.  With a few common household tools a cast stone mantel can easily be installed in a single afternoon. Cast stone provides the perfect balance between strength, durability and easy installation. They are fire resistant and durable enough to hold up any conceivable mantle decoration yet they are easily installed and provide the texture and organic look of stone.

A Beautiful Stone Fireplace Installation

In addition, cast stone mantels also come in a variety of styles, ensuring that they can be used in a large variety of homes and settings. Models such as the Chelsea offer a more subtle style while more ornate models such as the Venetian can add  to the formal nature of almost any living space.

Regardless of the style you choose, there is no denying that a cast stone mantel is the perfect option for anyone looking to complete a stone fireplace renovation.

The days of entertaining outdoors are quickly approaching and nothing welcomes Spring like a stylish, customizable outdoor fireplace.  There is often a misconception that the installation of an outdoor fireplace will take many hours of backbreaking labor. In fact, Perfect Outdoor Fireplace Kits feature interlocking construction, which allows for quick and easy set up without mortar, glue, or fasteners. This type of outdoor fireplace is also very easy to customize, simply add your own brick or stone for a unique finish that will match your specific outdoor décor. These Perfect Outdoor Fireplace Kits are available in many styles including the BBQ Edition, See Thru Edition, and 3-Screen Edition.

The units include:

• Modular Design – Fast, Easy Assembly. No Mortar Needed! (move later if desired)
• No Brick or Stone Coating Required – Looks great in any of our 8 Colors OR add your own brick or stone for a custom look
• Available in a BBQ/Fireplace unit, See Thru unit or 3 Screen unit
• Multiple Door Options – Choose between 5 great looking Door Handle Designs
• Strong, Durable, Heat-Dissipating Stone – eliminates the problems associated with concrete/cement when exposed to extreme temperatures

So as the weather warms and back yards across the country begin to fill up with families and friends, there really is no excuse to deprive yourself of a beautiful outdoor fireplace.

The world of electric fireplaces is growing and with more and more individuals choosing the convenience and style of electric fireplace inserts these products can often be confusing for customers new to the electric fireplace market. Many customers who are looking for an electric alternative to fit within an existing fireplace consider purchasing electric fireplace log inserts. These inserts are freestanding log sets that are designed to be placed into an existing fireplace. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from 20″ to 24″ wide and 11.75″ to 21.75″ high, depending on the unit.  These units are designed to heat a modest space of 400 sq. ft. and they usually produce between 4600 and 4700 BTUs. For customers who have a two sided fireplace, that is a fireplace facing two rooms, it is often suggested that they consider buying two fireplace inserts and place them back to back. This approach often creates the illusion of a single electric fireplace insert even though there are actually two units lined up against each other.

Another category of electric fireplace inserts are plug-in electric fireplace inserts. These electric fireplace inserts are designed to be installed in previously constructed mantle packages that come in a variety of designs and styles. These electric fireplace inserts are a fully assembled black box that slide easily into place. No assembly is required with these units and they effortlessly plug into any 3-prong, 120 volt household electrical outlet. Units such as these range in price from approximately 250 dollars to 1,100 dollars depending on the size and various features of the unit. They are often sold as a pair in conjunction with a mantle package such as the Dimplex Hartford Package.

The final type of units which are sometimes labeled as an electric fireplace inserts are built-in units. These units are very similar to the plug-in electric fireplace inserts discussed earlier except, they are designed to be built directly into a wall. Built-in electric fireplace inserts can effortless slide into any interior or exterior wall and are a great option for individuals looking to give there home a contemporary feel.  These units are often capable of producing the most heat of all the various types of electric fireplace inserts because they can be directly wired into the wall.

Regardless of which type of electric fireplace insert may suit your needs, it should be noted that each type of electric fireplace insert can be perfect for a variety of situations.

This is an example of a plug-in electric fireplace log insert.

This is an example of a plug-in electric fireplace insert inside of a mantel.

Fireplace mantles represent the center point of almost every home. Fireplace mantles are considered by many to be a place of gathering, a central spot in the home for a family to gather around the warmth of a fire. They represent in many ways, a time before families gathered around televisions or even radios, a time when conversation drove family relationships. It is hard not to picture family when one thinks of a mantle. We think of stockings hanging above a fire on Christmas Eve or a group of friends chatting about the passing days as they sit in their formal living room. A spot to sit around with the people who are important to us and talk without the distractions of the technological world.

For many people who wish to upgrade their existing fireplace the task of putting in a fireplace mantle seems daunting, but the process can actually be quite simple. When trying to decide what type of mantle one wishes to put into their home the sheer variety of fireplace mantles can be intimidating. What type of material are you interested in, stone, marble or a wood mantel? What style best suits your home? Are you looking for a more contemporary style or a more traditional look? All of these questions can seem daunting, however, a mantle can provide a central focal point for a home that is unique and unlike any other piece of furniture. Fireplace mantles represent a place to gather, which is one of the most important aspects of a home. Above all things, most people want their home to be welcoming and inviting, fireplace mantles are an important component for creating that environment.

There is a common perception that fireplace mantles have to be professionally installed and that installations must involve many hours of hard labor. The fact of the matter is, most fireplace mantles can be installed very easily by ordinary individuals in a single afternoon. Whether you are looking to install cast stone, marble or traditional wood, a fireplace mantle can be installed by following the few simple steps found here.  Not to be forgotten, one of the most crucial aspects of fireplace mantles are the fireplace facing kits. These marble, granite, limestone or travertine accents provide the perfect compliment to any traditional wood mantle.

Heritage Mantle with Red Mahogany Finish and a Verde Oriental Dark Marble Facing Kit