When you look around your home, does your fireplace look a little uninviting?  Let us help you reestablish it as the focal point of your room. An easy update to most fireplace mantels is to add new fireplace surround facing material.  “Surround facing” is the material which is between the edge of your firebox and the inside legs and bottom of your mantel surround.  Facings are typically brick, granite, marble or other natural stone material.  Many older homes may still have the unfinished brick which the chimney was made from.  If your fireplace features a hearth, this can also be updated with natural stone.  Adding a new stone facing gives an instant fresh face to your room!

This Granite surround facing brings a lot of appeal to this traditional mantel.

Natural stone facing is the obvious choice for most fireplaces since it is fireproof and easy to maintain.  Granite is a popular choice and if your fireplace is near your kitchen, you may want to select granite in a complementary color to your counter tops.  Marble is always an elegant upgrade and the cost is probably less than you think – so it’s definitely worth considering.  For a more casual feel, natural slate has become a very popular choice.

Using our online measuring guide, we can assist you with the process of selecting the correct size stone for your needs.  Once you have selected your stone, you may either order online or contact one of our helpful sales representatives to assist you.

The Emperador Marron Marble surround facing makes a bold statement against this white mantel.

Worried about installation? Don’t be, it’s easy.  Full installation instructions are online and included with your shipment.  Start by preparing your surface for mounting.  Once this is ready, you will prepare your hearth with adhesive (if installing) and align as you desire.  Once this is done, the facing legs are placed, then the header. If needed, the optional riser would be the final installation.

Consider upgrading your fireplace today with beautiful natural stone facing. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Upgrading or remodeling fireplace mantels is one of the most cost effective changes you can make to your home. In most cases, the hearth area is focal point and a gathering area for family and visitors. A fireplace mantel remodel typically involves the removal of the existing mantel, measuring for a newer model, selection and installation. Choices can include a wood or stone mantel and can also incorporate upgraded facing material including marble, granite or matching stone. MantelsDirect.com offers a simple step by step measuring and selection process that is supported by friendly experts that are on-call. Most models are offered in “kit” form that makes in easy enough for a homeowner or handyman to install in a stort time using step-by-step illustrated instructions. Consider reviewing our Pinterest channel for a whole host of ideas and before and after installations of fireplace mantels.

Unlike decorative accents such as picture frames or small vases, mantels are major assets and are often the primary showpiece of a room. Because of this, it is important to choose a mantel that fits in with your decor but also makes the right statement. With over 100 mantels and mantel shelf designs, plus a variety of finishes and custom sizing, Mantels Direct is sure to have the perfect fireplace mantel for your home.

Hampton Traditional Wood Mantel, shown in Poplar with white finish, Emperador Marron Marble facing kit

Traditional Wood Mantels Our wood fireplace mantels come in 5 unique collections. The Prestige Collection mantels are characterized by elegant fluting and detailed carvings that pair well with marble or granite facing kits. The Traditional Design Collection includes classic, versatile designs, and the Valueline Collection is composed of value-priced mantels in a variety of basic styles.  We offer adjustable Cabinet and Corner Mantels for unique needs and spaces.  Additionally, the handcrafted Timber Mantel Collection is perfect for a cabin or any rustic decor style.

Marble Fireplace Mantels  We offer 7 high quality imported marble fireplace mantels. Each marble fireplace is hand-sculpted by skilled master craftsmen. They are available in a variety of fireplace sizes and return depths, and they are available in white, black, beige and green marble.  These marble fireplace designs exude culture and class.

Stone Fireplace Mantels  Our stone fireplace mantels are true showpieces and exquisite additions to any room. The Majestic and Classic Series stone fireplace mantels offer over 50 beautiful designs ranging from simple to extravagant, and each is available in 8 stone colors.  They include options for facing, hearths and overmantels. The Builder Series and Standard Mantel Kits include hearths and offer simpler, budget-conscious designs. All of our stone fireplace mantels are lightweight, so installation is quick and simple.

Clark Stone Mantel Shelf

Mantel Shelf Designs  For those who are on a budget, have limited room, or just need extra shelf space, our mantel shelf designs are a great option. We offer traditional wood, Timber, and stone mantel shelves.  Ranging from traditional to contemporary in design, each mantel shelf is easy to install, and each wood and Timber mantel shelf is available in custom lengths.  Many are also available in custom U and corner shapes.

No matter your style and budget, one of our mantels will be a perfect match for your home.  Want more information? View our previous post, and then explore your options at MantelsDirect.com.

In April, we discussed three advantages of a cast stone fireplace mantel.  It is simple to install, is available in a variety of colors and stone finishes, and comes in styles to complement any decor.  Today, we’re going to share the four style series in our cast stone fireplace mantels collection.  Each series in the cast stone mantels collection carries a unique style and personality and has numerous options to make it your own.

Majestic Series The Majestic Series of custom-size cast stone fireplace surrounds is our most elegant collection of timeless European stone mantel designs. The scale and detail of this mantel series is exceptional. The beautiful custom facing, along with optional hearths and overmantels, will enhance the fireplace mantel and create a unique focal point for your home.

Classic Series The Classic Series cast stone fireplace surrounds are hand-crafted stone mantels inspired by European designs. Each stone mantel has variations in color and finish that capture the true essence of natural stone. Optional matching surround facing, hearths and overmantels  are available for this collection and are sized to fit your specific situation.  The Claire stone mantel is the most popular item in this series; it is created using a strong composite stone mantel material and is a beautiful accent to a living room or den.

Standard Series Kits These cast stone mantels are available for immediate shipment in a Limestone color. Each stone mantel comes complete with hearth and adjustable facing panels that allow for both small and large firebox openings. The Standard Series Stone Mantel Kits are great choices for a contemporary decor style.

From the Standard Series, this Craig Mantel is shown in the Natural Stone Finish.

Builders Series Kits Our Builder Series Kits are an economical way to have a terrific-looking stone mantel. These simple American cast stone fireplace mantels can be installed quickly with little effort.  The Builders Series Kits include adjustable legs, header facing panel and hearth.

Mantels Direct takes pride in offering fireplace mantels to fit all styles, needs and budgets.  For this week’s post, we compiled a short list of some of the most creative spaces to install our fireplace mantels and shelves.

In the Nursery, in the Kitchen (or any any room on any wall) Modern electric fireplace technology offers safe-to-the-touch heating options. You can now provide the soft glow and warmth of an electric fireplace mantel package. Set-up is simple and no venting or special wiring is necessary. Just plug in and enjoy the flickering flames and the on demand heat option.

On the Patio Mantels and shelves look great above an outdoor fireplace such as the Napoleon Outdoor Gas Fireplace Insert or any of our Rockwood Outdoor Fireplace Kits.  Our line of Timber Fireplace Mantels offers a rustic, natural feel that is the perfect addition to your outdoor fireplace.

Above an Entryway Fireplace mantel shelves such as the Madison or Hunter Fireplace Shelf models look fantastic above an entryway. If you are thinking of installing a mantel shelf in this space, you’ll want to order a custom shelf size to ensure that it fits into the entryway seamlessly.

Mantels Direct customer Pat Todaro installed a Madison Custom Mantel Shelf above this entryway. How creative!

Often remodeling aspects of your home can seem like a daunting task. Whether you are simply interested in adding a bit of shelf space to your living room, or you are looking for a full stone surround as part of a larger remodeling project, the prospect of a fireplace remodel can be intimidating. Fortunately, the process of installing everything from a wood mantel shelf to a large marble mantel can easily be divided into a series of simple steps. The fact of the matter is, with the right tools and a bit of dedication, almost anyone can successfully complete a mantel installation as part of their fireplace remodel.

Most mantel installations involve only a small set of household tools and a little bit of time and dedication. Traditional wood mantels offer a simple yet substantial way to add sophistication and beauty to any fireplace remodel. Wood mantels such as the Hawthorne and Newport styles can transform a room, adding the traditional look of a wood mantle in only a couple of hours.

Here is an example of a Hawthorne Mantel

Here is a recent review discussing the ease of installing a mantel during a fireplace remodel.

“Just wanted to say that we are COMPLETELY satisfied with our purchase at MantelsDirect. Our shipment arrived on a Thursday and the following Saturday we installed it. The instructions were great, the construction “dead-on”, and the ease of installation a breeze. We were so very thrilled at the finished product, which now looks like it was built at the same time the house was. It totally transformed our somewhat-less-than-desirable fireplace into the focal point of our room. The “return” worked perfectly for our raised hearth and the corresponding lip. Thank you for such a good remedy for our “problem” area! We will share your site with all who view our newly installed mantel.”

Carol & Juan Cajigas

Before

After

With reviews like this the evidence is clear that anyone can transform their room with a fireplace remodel in just a few easy to follow steps.