MARBLE FIREPLACE MANTEL

Of the many types of stone mantels, including onyx, granite, and cast stone, the traditionally most popular materials are marble and limestone:

Marble mantels: 

• Material - The term marble is loosely applied to any limestone or dolomite that takes a good polish and is otherwise suitable as a building or ornamental stone.  More specifically, marble is the metamorphic form of calcium carbonate.

• Finish – A marble fireplace mantel will usually have a polished finish.

• Size – A marble fireplace mantel is usually rather small.

• Style – A marble fireplace mantel is often quite ornamental.  A modern marble fireplaces mantel is often a replica of an antique marble mantel.

• Construction – A marble fireplace mantel is usually composed of several flat pieces, about one inch thick, which are pieced together.  Therefore, a marble fireplace mantel is usually hollow (see photos below).

.

Antique Marble Fireplace Surround (3/4 view)

Antique Marble Fireplace Surround (3/4 view)

Limestone Mantels:  

• Material – Limestone is the sedimentary form of calcium carbonate.

• Finish – Limestone fireplace mantels usually have a honed finish (smooth, but not polished).

• Size – A limestone mantel may be small, but they will most often be larger than a marble fireplace mantel.

• Style – Limestone mantels range in style from simple, classic designs to very ornate.

• Construction – Limestone mantels are usually made from solid pieces of stone (unlike marble mantels).  Therefore, larger mantels may be quite heavy.  Some of our mantel designs weigh over 2,000 pounds!