Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Fireplace Mantel Trends


Fireplace mantels are no longer permanent, immovable wood surfaces. With today�s newer manufacturing processes, fireplace mantels have now become fixtures homeowners can use to update, redecorate or define a rooms look and feel.


Custom Fireplace Mantels5.If you have kids in the house make sure that the fire is never left unattended. Don't allow children to play too close to the fire if you are around.o I recommend using a high quality semi-gloss paint in the color of your choice�but any paint that is used for inside house trim is suitable.6.Most importantly, get a professional to inspect and service your fireplace regularly. You can avoid plenty of huge problems by tackling them when they are small issues. For this, a professional inspection should do the trick. Chimney cleaning and repair is essential as professionals use special brushes, rods, vacuum, and hand brushes to thoroughly remove flaky creosote deposits from the smoke chamber, flue, and firebox. Professional inspectors will tell you what you need to do in order to have a safe fireplace in the best working condition.The first decision that has to be made is whether the new mantel will be painted or stained. Typically this decision is made before buying the mantel as different wood types and materials are used in producing a mantel based on if it will be painted or stained. Stainable mantels use wood types known for their grain and appearance and solid moldings because the wood�s grain will be visible. Most people who plan to stain wood want the grain as well as other natural �blemishes� to shine through and would never cover those natural occurrences with paint. Paintable mantels use finger-jointed moldings and less-decorative wood or MDF (i.e. Medium Density Fiberboard) because the wood won�t be visible. Once it is painted, it is really difficult to tell the material used�that is why many contractors and homeowners alike choose MDF as an economical alternative to wood.4.The firebox should be cleaned at least once every week during the months of active fireplace usage. However, to keep the insulation, let an inch of ash remain at the bottom of the firebox. Heat will be retained and coals will warm up faster. During the months when you don't use your fireplace keep the firebox absolutely clean.Fireplace Mantel Focal Pointo Have different sizes paint brush available. You will want a smaller brush if your mantel has dentil molding so you can get the paint into the small crevices. A larger brush will help you paint faster and avoid stroke marks in the paint.Installing the MantelSo what kinds of fireplace mantels are homeowners clamoring for today? It turns out that ornate, even Victorian, fireplace mantels have reclaimed their throne in American living rooms. Pigott says tiger oak, mahogany and cherry are the most popular woods used to create those ornate mantels.Whether painting or staining I have put together a list of tips below to help homeowners finish their new fireplace mantels.

With more and more homeowners defining fireplace mantels as major d�cor pieces, it�s helpful to know that factory-direct accessibility in today�s fireplace mantel industry makes it easier to afford premium fireplace mantels. At Brick-Anew, we�ve been drawing families around beautifully remodeled fireplaces for years. And with our complete line of every kind of fireplace mantel imaginable available on our Web site, your new family gathering space is just a click away. Choose from hand-hewn or manufactured, finished or unfinished, beautiful Asian choi wood or MDF�you�ll find every style fireplace mantel, for every budget.




Author: Sam Wilhoit


No comments:

Post a Comment