In the distant past homeowners used fireplaces in order to provide heat inside the home. Today with modern heating appliances the fireplace has become more of a home décor item, designed to visually add that special character unique to each style of fireplace mantel. Fireplaces have become more of a pursuit in architecture and made a decoration rather than the primary method of heating. Fireplaces become the focal point of living rooms, game rooms, family rooms, bed rooms, bath rooms, even outdoor patios. These locations become the gathering places for family and friends during special times of the year such as Christmas, New Years, and Thanksgiving.
Log and Beam Style Mantel Shelves
There are several types of fireplace mantels. Log and beam style which come in rugged to refined rustic to country to contemporary. This type of mantel is generally installed above the fireplace by means of self supporting hardware were no supports are needed giving that cleaner look desired by some home owners. Some mantels are installed over mantel supports made of wood, stone, or metal. These mantels can be easily installed over many types of surfaces such as brick, natural stone, cultured stone, tile or drywall. Installation can be done while the fireplace is being stoned, or even installed after the stone or brick is already in place.
Surround Mantels
Surround mantels also come in many styles. They consist of a main horizontal piece supported by legs on either side of the fireplace. Surround mantels are made in wood, stone, shaped fiberglass or metal. Mantels made of wood may come finished or unfinished, painted or ready for stain. Surround fireplace mantels may be plane with simple lines or hand carved and very ornate. Stone mantels and man made stone mantels come in an array of styles that range in weight from less than a hundred pounds to over a thousand pounds.
It is really important that before you do any sort of construction that you verify the building and fire codes. These mantels can be quite expensive, so consider hiring someone to do it. Experts say that this type of job is for professionals only. But look at it this way; if you decide to sell your house, having a fireplace of this magnitude can increase the value of your home.
Greg Secorie: Greg Secorie is a successful craftsman that enjoys artfully handcrafting fireplace mantels and has 25 years of experience in his field. For more great fireplace mantel related articles and resources check out http://www.mantelsinc.com/
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