FREE SHIPPING
+
FREE RETURNS
40 DAYS
MONEY BACK
GUARANTEE
SECURED
PAYMENT
Guaranteed Safe Checkout
When someone walks into a room with a fireplace, the mantel is usually the first thing that catches their eye. Often, the mantel and fireplace are one unit. However, the mantel usually serves as decorative purposes, while also having a large say in how your fireplace integrates into your space.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF FIREPLACE MANTELS?
As the main focal point of your hearth, a mantel gives so much character to your fireplace, while serving functional purposes as well. And while there are several styles and types to choose from, a homeowner should understand the ins and outs of installing a mantel before making a purchase.
For starters, a mantel can offer both protection and storage to the areas surrounding your fireplace. They also serve as protection to the walls around your fireplace, as well as blocking heat from damaging your pictures and televisions. Lastly, the mantel serves as a great spot for showcasing photos, mementos, and other keepsakes in your space.
In this in-depth guide, we will discuss the various factors and building requirements that should be considered when choosing the perfect fireplace mantel. There are countless beautiful mantels to choose from on the market today, but it’s crucial that you select a mantel that satisfies both your taste and your space’s capacities.
TYPES OF FIREPLACE MANTELS
The specific material you choose for your fireplace mantel will determine whether it must be custom-made for your space’s dimensions or whether it can arrive prefabricated. The material also dictates your mantel’s finish, functionality, sizing options, and more. When it comes to styles, this decorative feature has great versatility and can be integrated into all kinds of designs.
MATERIALS
Stone: Stone is one of the two common materials used to build fireplace mantels. These units are usually custom-built to fit your space’s exact dimensions; however, some brands do sell pre-built stone mantels. These pre-built mantels usually only come in standard fireplace sizes and are not adjustable for your space’s specific dimensions. Stone mantels typically come in neutral, pale tones and traditional styles.
These mantels are exceptionally durable and require no minimum clearance requirements when installing in your home. However, stains can be difficult to clean off due to the stone’s porous nature. Stone is also a heavy material, which makes installation often difficult and more expensive.
Wood: Wood is another common material used for fireplace mantels and offers more variety than its stone counterpart. These units usually come prefabricated, rather than custom-built for your fireplace’s dimensions. Regarding its finished appearance, wooden fire mantels can come with traditional wood stains, rustic unfinished appearances, or even more contemporary looks with vivid colors. This provides homeowners with plenty of creative freedom to customize their units to fit their space. Wood is also a great choice for homeowners with varying budgets since various grades of material come at all prices.
The downsides to owning a wooden mantel include its lower durability when in comparison to stone mantels. These units can easily get dented or damaged over time, as well as darken as the wood absorbs paint. For safety reasons, minimal clearances to the fireplace must be maintained.
STYLES
Fireplace mantel shelf: The simplest of mantel styles, this fireplace mantel consists of a single shelf that may or not come with additional legs. This shelf hangs above a fireplace and solely requires proper width and adequate clearance requirements to install.
Full fireplace mantel: This style is the most common mantel look, and is usually what comes to mind when people envision a mantel. It consists of a shelf with legs that extend to the floor. The installation process for these units is more complicated than the mantel shelf and requires that you know your fireplace’s exact weight, height, depth, and clearance before you purchase & install.
Corner mantel: Corner mantels, as suggested by their name, are designed to go with corner fireplaces. These mantels look like traditional mantels but slide into the corner of a room where your corner fireplace sits. This style also has specific installation requirements; therefore you should still know your fireplace’s exact weight, height, depth, and clearance before you purchase & install.
Bookcase mantel: This style of mantel includes cabinetry on either side of the fireplace. In other cases, this includes bookshelves that are built to either side or above a fireplace. Because these mantels also come with clearance built-in, your books, candles, and other belongings are kept safe from the heat.
Non-combustible mantels: Cast stone and other non-combustible mantels do not have specific clearance guidelines. This means that they can be placed near fireplace openings without heightened risk. However, porous materials, like stone, can crack if overheated from constant heat exposure. In some cases, manufacturers may require clearances to be observed, regardless of if your mantel is made from non-combustible material. If your unit falls into this category, you are required to follow the same projection requirements as combustible mantels.
Custom mantels: Some manufactures can create custom mantels that solely work with their fireplace models. Homeowners who choose to go with this option must follow the specific installation requirements placed by the manufacturer. Failure to do so will void your warranty and possibly violate clearance requirements.
Mantels for open masonry fireplaces: Open masonry fireplaces are not manufactured in factories; therefore, they have their own set of specific guidelines to follow.
The 2018 International Building Code section 2111.12, exception 4 for Masonry Fireplace clearance says:
"Exposed combustible mantels or trim is permitted to be placed directly on the masonry fireplace front surrounding the fireplace opening, provided that such combustible materials shall not be placed within 6 inches (153 mm) of a fireplace opening. Combustible material directly above and within 12 inches (305 mm) of the fireplace opening shall not project more than ⅛ inch (3.2 mm) for each 1-inch (25 mm) distance from such opening. Combustible materials located along the sides of the fireplace opening that project more than 1 ½ inches (38 mm) from the face of the fireplace shall have an additional clearance equal to the projection."
SIZING
Besides making sure that your mantel fits the dimensions of your fireplace, homeowners need to measure clearance as well. Clearance is usually 12” above your fireplace and 6” to either side of your fireplace. These requirements are usually set in place by manufacturers who make combustible fireplaces.
SAFETY
Because your mantel meets heat both directly and indirectly, it’s crucial that certain safety protocols be followed to prevent dangerous accidents, damages, or injuries. Here are some of the top safety risks and concerns every homeowner should be aware of.
Mantel Projection: Heat from a fireplace is not intended to escape through the chimney, but instead radiates into a room. However, it’s important to know how much your fireplace’s heat will affect your mantel’s safety requirements. Mantel projection refers to the depth of the mantel shelf and legs for a full mantel surround. Having an idea of how far your mantel projects heat is important for keeping proper clearances. The greater the heat projection, the more space you’ll need between the mantel and the top of your fireplace opening to dissipate heat.
Anchoring: Projection depth also determines what type of anchoring is required for the shelf portion of your mantel. The more your mantel shelf projects, the more anchoring support you’ll need in your wall.
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR SHIPPING?
Manufacturers usually follow their unique shipping guidelines, but they tend to be similar. Wooden mantels often arrive via parcel because of their design. Like a DIY bookcase, consumers are usually required to assemble them themselves. This also applies to shelf mantels, which can be done on your own with the proper tools and measurements. This still requires guidelines to be followed properly, as stated on the package.
Large wooden cabinet mantels or stone mantels will be shipped by freight due to their heavyweight. Installation is usually no DIY and will require a professional to properly anchor the unit in your wall to minimize the risk of injury or wall damage. This will also ensure that your manufacturer's clearance guidelines are met.
For all mantels, regardless of material, type, or manufacturer, inspect for damage. Damages will not only affect the aesthetic appearance of your mantel but also potentially pose safety risks by impacting heat projection.
CONCLUSION
Purchasing a mantel for your fireplace at home is an excellent way to bring an immense amount of character and style to your hearth. It will not only boost its appeal as the focal point of your space but also bring additional functionality. By understanding the safety requirements that come with installing mantels, homeowners can confidently choose a mantel of their liking based on design, materials, and more. While each mantel brings its unique qualities to your home, not every mantel will be the right one for your space.
Looking For Your Next Fireplace?
Fireplace Deals’ inventory has dozens of design options for your perfect installation—whether you’re focused on a more efficient burn or having the most inviting centerpiece for your next family get-together. Browse our selection to learn more. Or check out the rest of our Learning Center for more Homeowner Resources. To speak with one of our NFI-certified experts call 866-848-3473 or send us an email. For more information browse our selection or read through the other articles in our Learning Center.