Further Reading

See the new models of fireplace surrounds and electric fireplace mantels made available for purchase. The long standing materials used match the long used designs on it. Find the perfect mantelpiece or fireplace surround to use on either your family's older gas or coal fired fireplace, or more modern electric fireplace.

Poplar, Pine, Maple, Red Oak, Knotty Alder and Cherry are some commonly used woods to build the modern fireplace surround and mantel. Aside from that, you can get bare timber wood, and also stone mantels made of gypsum, cast stone or hand carved marble. Also available are metal mantels & fireplaces. Bear in mind, however, that metal is a heat conductor.

Before purchasing a new fireplace surround, you will need to plan for it.Extensive planning is needed before buying or replacing a fireplace surround. You need to measure out the dimensions that best suit your fireplace. You may find the need to redecorate. Or, you may have to replace the fireplace you have. But even if it has to be taken away, you can still use a floating mantel.

Afterwards, you get to decide what style you want the room to have. You can opt for high quality European or similar styles from the older craftsmen who use traditional techniques. On the other side of the spectrum, you can find a fireplace surround made of stone or bare timber for a different look.

Another point to consider in planning is how you will be using the fireplace surround all year round. Usually, you would only think of the fireplace surround when it's time for the holidays. If you treat them like extra shelves, you will get more value out of them. Examples of what can use them for are candles, family portraits, miniatures.

Finally, make considerations for fireplace surround maintenance. A common mistake to allow candles to melt off on their surrounds or mantels. And then you'll also want to refrain putting glasses on the fireplace without coasters. And lastly, don't forget to regularly clean and maintain the fireplace and surround.

Check out the new electric fireplace mantels and fireplace surrounds available in the market today. They are now made of the most durable materials like Poplar, Pine, Maple, Red Oak, Knotty Alder and Cherry, and use wonderfully ornate designs. Whether you use modern electric fireplaces, or prefer the more traditional gas fireplaces, the fireplace surround or mantelpiece you're looking for is out there waiting for you.