Mantel Kits

If you are "all thumbs" when it comes to woodworking or working with power tools in general, then a fireplace mantel kit can be a life saver.

A mantel kit will allow you to eliminate the high price of a contractor and turn that empty black hole in the wall (your fireplace) into an eye-catching work of art.

A fireplace mantel is a wonderful way to add home spun comfort and charm to your bedroom, living room, den, family room, or other place in your home that you want to transform into a welcoming retreat and becomes an ideal spot for placing mementos, photos, or other memorabilia that you want to "show off".

Multitude of Mantel Kits Available

Like the Renaissance-inspired fireplace mantels of years gone by, there are mantel kits for every décor taste. A mantel kit will contain most or all of the needed materials that will make up your fireplace mantel.

You can choose to have an entire fireplace surround or only a shelf mantel, and there are kits for either one. There are a variety of choices when it comes to the material that the mantel kit is made of.

Some popular selections include wood (walnut, elm, oak, and others), or metal, plaster, glass, gypsum, cast stone, iron, and more. There are even sophisticated choices like marble or granite. Many homeowners will choose a matching tile to surround the fireplace mantel as well.

While building your own fireplace mantel can be frustrating and take hours of work, a fireplace mantel kit can give you the custom look without the price and hassle.

The mantel kit you will choose will include, among other items, the shelves and ornamental designs that will make your fireplace a beautiful focal point in your room. Some kits will come with over the mantel decorations, columns, and pilasters.

Always look for a mantel kit that includes decorative crown molding to add a finished appeal to the fireplace. Whether you are buying a mantel kit for a new fireplace, or just want to renovate your room and update the look of your fireplace, the least expensive option that you have is the mantel kit.

Installing Your Mantel Kit

An important thing to remember when working with your mantel kit is to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. While some mantel kits may require that you trim the shelves and other pieces to your specs, others may be ready-fabricated to the right size.

If you must cut the pieces in your mantel kit to fit, be certain to measure twice so that you only have to cut once. Most fireplace mantel kits can be easily installed and are a one-man kind of job.

A big consideration when purchasing your mantel kit is to order the appropriately sized kit for your fireplace. This is a big safety concern because you do not want the mantel being too close to the fire.

According to the National Fire Code, your mantel must be one full inch away from the firebox opening for every 1/8^th of an inch that the mantel sticks out from the surface and there must be at least a six inch clearance around the firebox.

Check with your local fire code to make certain that even stricter codes don't apply in your locality. Additionally, you want to make certain that the piece is secured properly to the wall so that it does not fall over, which is another safety concern.

All in all, reading the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and installation of your new fireplace mantel kit will allow you to be confident in the new mantel that you install.

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