Adding Style to your Fireplace with a Fireplace Screen

Fireplace screens are the perfect addition to any fireplace. Fireplace screens prevent sparks and ashes from the fire entering you living space but can also be a beautiful accent to your home’s décor. There are two basic types of fireplace screens, which include flat screen and folded screen styles.

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

How To Replace An Existing Fireplace Mantel

Considering remodeling your home? We recommend replacing an older or outdated fireplace mantel to update the look of an entire living space. Even if you are not an expert craftsman, you can anticipate completing this project within a few hours. Considering that the enjoyment you'll get from your new mantel will last for years to come, it would be time well-spent.

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Product Spotlight: Timber Fireplace Mantel Shelves

For a truly rustic feel to add to your new or existing home, consider installing a Timber fireplace mantel shelf. MantelsDirect.com offers New England Timber Works designs exclusively. The company has been working with timber for over 30 years and is a leader in the Timber mantel industry. Their distinctive timber fireplace mantel shelves are handcrafted, following the tradition of authentic timber framing.

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Add Value & Style to Your Home With a Fireplace Mantel

According to top real estate companies a fireplace isn’t only a beautiful focal point, it’s an opportunity to increase your home’s value. If you have a room with a fireplace, then your fireplace is probably the focal point of your space. If it’s not, it should be! To optimize on both your home’s value and style, take a step back and examine your fireplace. Does it fit into your room? Does it fit the style of your home? Does your fireplace look dated? Maybe tired? Would a potential homebuyer like it?

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

How To Install A Fireplace Surround With A Facing Kit

Fireplace surround facing kits, whether they be granite, marble or slate are relatively simple to install. There are 3 steps to following in order to successfully complete your job. Prior to starting, you will need the following items: a pencil, Micore Board (available at MantelsDirect.com), 2-3 10.3 Fl. Oz. Leech F-26 Waterproof Construction Adhesive (available at MantelsDirect.com) and a tape measure.

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Fireplace Mantel Design Options

Looking to update the look of your fireplace or a way to incorporate your fireplace into the design of your room? With so many options of both materials and looks available, it’s hard for many homeowners to decide on the right one. We recommend choosing a mantel that can be adapted easily for a new look (particularly if you would like to change your surroundings), or the more permanent variety such as big logs, heavy beams or even stone shelving.

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Fireplace Mantel Ideas for Every Style

As the weather starts to change and we switch our focus from outdoor living to indoor living updating your fireplace mantel can bring new life to a tired looking room. A fireplace is the focal point of any room; it creates a warm, inviting gathering spot for friends and family. At Mantels Direct we offer mantel shelves, fireplace surrounds, stone mantels, and everything in between to help you create a restful retreat.

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Types of Outdoor Gel Fuel Fireplaces

If you love outdoor fireplaces but are concerned about the smoky emissions they emit every time they're used, then you might want to consider purchasing a unit that runs on gel fuel. Gel fuel is an environmentally friendly product that is made from isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, plus some thickeners to provide additional stability. The resulting flammable concoction burns cleanly, releasing almost no smoke, odors, soot, or other harmful pollutants.

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Product Spotlight: Napa Collection Outdoor Fireplace Kits

Are you getting four-season use and enjoyment from your backyard, or do you have to retreat inside your home as soon as summer ends? If cold weather is cutting short your efforts at outdoor entertaining, then it's time to add a hearth product to the equation. Most people choose to use outdoor fireplaces as a primary source of heat in the yard. Wood-burning units in particular are known to generate the amount of warmth necessary to keep your outdoor space comfortable no matter what the calendar says. This is a major reason why our Napa Collection is such a hit with customers.

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Safety Tips For Outdoor Fireplaces

Outdoor fireplaces are so closely linked with positive qualities such as beauty, warmth, and coziness that it's easy to forget they also pose serious safety hazards if not used properly. Not only can burning embers and flying sparks escape from the firebox and threaten your deck, house, or yard, but the unit itself might tip over due to careless installation practices.

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Enjoy Fall Evenings with an Outdoor Fireplace

Chase away the chill in the coming months with the addition of a fire pit, chiminea, or outdoor fireplace to your backyard. These options allow you to spend more time outdoors with your family as cooler weather arrives. Our team of experts has put together a few tips to enjoy the changing season.

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Product Spotlight: Patina Products Outdoor Fireplaces

Summer is just about ready to give way to fall, which means this is a terrific time to start looking at hearth products for your patio or yard. Full-sized outdoor fireplaces, or even a smaller fire pit, can provide heating and cooking functions while also adding aesthetic appeal and increasing the value of your home.

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Adding a Fireplace Mantel Surround

Do you have an outdated brick or tile fireplace that you’d like to update? MantelsDirect offers a variety of fireplace mantel surround facing kits that are easy to install, available in a variety of finishes and colors, and competitively priced. Whether you’re looking to increasing your home resale value or simply wanting to update your living or family room our fireplace surround kits are sure to give you an elegant, stylish look. We offer natural stone, granite and marble surrounds.

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Product Spotlight: Outdoor Patio Heaters

Nothing brings a fabulous backyard party to an end faster than chilly night air that sends guests scrambling for jackets and shelter. But unless you want to limit your outdoor entertaining to the summer months, dealing with colder conditions at some point is a fact of life. Fortunately, all it really takes to solve this problem is the addition of a few outdoor patio heaters in strategic locations around your deck or yard.

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Sleek, NEW, Modern Patioflame Linear Outdoor Fire Pit

Its back-to-school time but they are still plenty of outdoor evenings to enjoy! MantelsDirect.com now offers the Napoleon Linear Patioflame outdoor fire pit. This fire pit features a slim, sleek, modern design, which adds style to any outdoor décor. There’s nothing more enjoyable than spending time outdoors with family and friends, outdoor fire pits allow you to keep you loved ones comfortable even as the seasons start to turn.

Posted on August 20, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Autumn Mantel Design Tips

As the weather begins to turn and your family gathers around the living room fireplace, create a beautiful autumn mantel design to welcome the changing of the seasons. Richly colored leaves, warm fall candles, and classic pumpkins make these mantel designs as fun as they are stylish. Don't forget the leaves, pumpkins, and candles!

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Outdoor Gas Fireplace Inserts

Is it time to remodel your outdoor living room? Have you just moved into a home where the previous owners didn't know the first thing about taking care of outdoor fireplaces? If so, then you might think replacing that old unit is the best way to improve the area. But before you spend a ton of money tearing down all that brick and masonry, you should consider installing a gas fireplace insert instead.

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Inspiring Fireplace Mantel Designs for Summer

Who says you can’t use your fireplace in the summer? MantelsDirect has put together decorating ideas to keep your fireplace and mantel looking great even in the off-season. Often times simplicity is key in living spaces, especially in the summer when outside surroundings are alive with color and texture. By adding a fireplace surround you add an element of design without needing much else. We suggest adding a few punches of color and you’ll create an inviting space to enjoy!

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Creating a Beautiful Outdoor Fire Pit

With the temperatures cooling down, MantelsDirect.com shows you how to extend the outdoor season with our kick-off to fall entertaining guide. By creating a beautiful focal point to your outdoor room you’ll add seasons to your outdoor living. Fire pits have been on the rise that last few years with people spending more time outdoors entertaining and relaxing. MantelsDirect has highlighted a few of our favorite outdoor firepit designs giving you the inspiration to create your own oasis!

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More

Product Spotlight: Tabletop Fire Pit Options

Outdoor entertaining is about creating a distinctive ambience. You want your guests to have all the comforts of the indoors, while at the same time providing a few unique touches that make the al fresco experience memorable. That's one of the reasons why many hosts and hostesses choose to use a tabletop fire pit as a centerpiece instead of more traditional flowers or candles.

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Matt Dorrance | Read More