Most of the time mantels are made from various woods, marble or stone. There is such a variety available, that it is possible to get a customized look for any fireplace with the use of other materials such as gold, silver or other metals.

Mantels are generally used to accentuate or compliment a fireplace and owners favor the frame as a perfect place to display ornaments, photos or things of importance they want displayed.

Options Available

Fireplace mantels are around 10-20" deep and can be custom made to suit the exact measurements of your fireplace or come ready made for fireplaces that have standard specifications.

Fireplace Mantels come in many forms including ready-made or custom made to your specifications. Generally, a ready-made fireplace mantle is cheaper and can be delivered faster than one that is custom made. Before ordering a ready-made fireplace mantel, make sure that it will fit the size of your fireplace.

Why Not DIY

Kit mantels are also a great option to consider if you enjoy doing some handyman activities in your home. The greatest benefit of a kit fireplace mantel is that it is inexpensive and can be done at your own leisure, saving you the cost of getting an expert in to do the job for you.

Generally, you can expect the project to take around 18 hours for those who have some DIY experience. Savings can be as much as $1,500 in most cases.

If In Doubt Paint It Out

For those who don't have a great deal of money to spare or don't want to replace an existing fireplace mantle, there is the option of repainting the existing mantle to give it a new lease on life. This can be done at a fraction of the cost of replacing a fireplace mantle with a new one and will take much less time.

It really depends on what the over all desired effect is and the budget that is allowable for the project and time constraints. No matter whether the mantle is replaced, renewed or even given a fresh coat of paint it will certainly make it a new centerpiece in any home.

Summary:

Mantels are generally used to compliment a fireplace and owners favor the top of the frame as a perfect place to display things of personal value. A fireplace mantel doesn't have to cost a lot of money and can turn that ordinary room in the house into something extraordinary.