How to Choose a Fireplace Mantel and Surround
January 25, 2020
Back when they were invented, fireplace mantels were created to help keep smoke contained and away from the rest of your home. Nowadays, fireplace mantels are looked at as art pieces, adding style and character for your home. You shouldn’t look at your surround as simply trim or an accent; look at it as part of your home’s architecture overall. Your fireplace mantel has a huge impact on the aesthetic of your living room. Read on to learn more about what you need to consider when installing a new fireplace and mantel in your home.
Clearance
According to standards set by The National Fire Code, all flammable materials must be at least 1 inch away from the firebox opening for every 1/8 it protrudes from the surface, with 6 inches of clearance all the way around.
Measuring for a Fireplace Mantel
The first thing you need to consider when you’re thinking about a fireplace surround for your home is to get the measurements correct. Depending on the hearth area surrounding your fireplace, you’ll need to take that into consideration. Another thing to consider is whether or not you currently have a fireplace or you’re starting totally new. If you have an unusually sized firebox, a regular fireplace mantel probably won’t work for your home, creating an unbalanced look.
Sizing the Room for a Fireplace Mantel
Once you have a fireplace installed in your home, it’s going to be there for a while. You want it to match your whole home and to be a complimentary piece to your home’s overall style and feel.
Fireplace Mantel Materials
There are many options out there when you’re selecting a material for your new fireplace’s mantel, wood and stone are most commonly used, but our team at Anderson Fireplace has a wide array of options available to customers. We offer poplar, oak, cherry, mahogany, and more when it comes to wooden mantels. And for stone, we offer marble but have more options available via special order.
Fireplace Mantel Budget
Something that all homeowners need to consider when undertaking projects around the home is how much money it’s going to cost. Wooden mantels are typically cheaper compared to stone, but it depends on the type of wood used, the finish of the surround, and detailing involved. Whatever your budget is, if you work with a quality team of fireplace experts, they’ll be able to match you with a mantel that fits your home, style, and budget.
Contact Us
If you are interested in getting a new fireplace or having a new fireplace mantel installed and need help deciding on what type, our team is here to help. Please feel free to reach out to our team at 800-472-1717 or through our online contact form.
