Fireplace Mantels Add Class and Distinction
A nice mantel can really make your fireplace have a truly great look and character. Originally a mantel was intended to extend out past the edge of the fireplace to catch the smoke and direct it up the chimney. Today in most cases the job of a mantel is simply decorative.
There a many types of mantels to choose from ranging from plain, unfinished wood mantels to very intricate detailed stone mantels or marble mantels. Which you choose is ultimately up to you and the look and function your are trying to achieve with your fireplace and related accessories.
If you are going for more rustic woodsy feel you might look into rough pine and birch variations. Oak and maple tend to be used in more sophisticated and expensive fireplace mantels. One thing to keep in mind with any wood mantel is that if you burn regularly, they can take on smoke colours, which isn't bad as it simply adds character to your fireplace.
Stone mantels, marble mantels and tile mantels are also very popular. They are very durable, easy to clean and very safe. Keep in mind however that certain types of grout between tile sections can dry and shrink over time leaving small cracks. This doesn't hurt how they work, but can impact the overall look of your mantelpiece over time.