A quality fireplace mantel can be a focal point in your living room, so choosing the best material for the mantel and ensuring it is installed correctly is crucial. Different materials are prominent in home designs like modern or farmhouse styles, and your fireplace mantel should match. Depending on the design style of your home, there are more appropriate colors or materials for fireplace mantels. Just like with any home design trend, your own personal style should still shine through.
Rasmussen Custom Cabinetry can craft mantels out of many types of wood. We also offer stains and paint that can transform the look of wood into something that is unique for your home. Wood fireplace mantels are becoming more popular in modern homes, so jumping on the trend now will help elevate the look of your home.
1- Reclaimed Wood
The most popular option for fireplace mantels is wood. There are multiple options that look well for fireplace mantels, including recycled or reclaimed wood. The only difference between reclaimed wood and other wood is that it is more sustainable. Because reclaimed wood is used more than once, it could be less durable, but it is usually just as stable and stunning as newly cut wood.
Reclaimed wood can come from any wood species. Pine, oak, alder, and other wood types may end up in a reclaimed wood manufacturer stock that you can use and reshape to fit your mantel design.
2- Alder (Softwood)
If you are looking for freshly cut wood, one popular option with a variety of colors is alder. Alder has a similar grain pattern to oak and both of these wood types are durable. Alder is lightweight but has low bending strength which makes it a great option for home projects, furniture, and more.
Alder wood is affordable and sustainable because it has an abundant supply. It is appealing for home projects because it looks clean in multiple home design styles.
3- Poplar (Hardwood)
The species Poplar is even more common for fireplace mantels than Alder. If your home or business design is rustic, Poplar is the best option. Softwoods are easy to carve, sand, and stain to help create a beautiful and unique look for any homeowner. The straight grain and uniform texture are characteristics that make it one of the most popular and affordable options. Many people add stains to change the color of Poplar because of the clean grain.
Craftsmen enjoy working with Poplar wood when creating decorative moldings or trim. If you enjoy intricate work on a fireplace mantel, choosing Poplar will make it easy to create and save you on labor costs.
4- Stone
One of the most durable materials for fireplace mantels is any type of stone. They help you achieve a timeless look that is not susceptible to cracking or rotting. Limestone, marble, and cast stone have all been used for residential fireplace mantels. Stone can be carved and molded to fit the type of design you wish to create. While it may not be as moldable as wood, stone comes in many color variations, has unique designs, and is durable against the heat of a fire.
Stone works well with home designs that are modern or traditional. Modern designs like the smooth and gray look of limestone or marble. Traditional homes can mimic a wood-like texture, or use a stone like marble to bring in a more natural color like brown, red, or yellow.
5- Stainless Steel
A very modern option is stainless steel or other metals. These mantels can be powdered to be colors like black, gold, red, copper, silver, navy, etc. Many people who choose stainless steel want the shiny finish to shine through their home, so they leave the natural color and finish on the mantel.
Stainless steel mantels can have added fake details like metal straps, iron bands, “painted” sections, or a contrast-colored trim. The downside to stainless steel fireplace mantels is that they are one of the most expensive options. Having a luxurious feel comes with a fairly high price tag.
Our Priorities Here At Rasmussen
Our goal at Rasmussen Custom Cabinetry is to provide top-of-the-line products at an affordable price. Our designers, consultants, installers, and staff all work together to make sure your home looks unique. Our team has many years of experience crafting cabinets, fireplace mantels, and built-in shelving, so you can have peace of mind about the durability of your wood storage options.
Jump on the trend of natural wood throughout a home by working with our cabinet experts and include cabinets in your kitchen, living room, bathroom, and more!
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