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Money Saving Tips to Make Homes More Energy Efficient This Holiday Season December 12, 2006

Posted by Topher in Fireplace, Mantels.
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STAMFORD, Conn., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ — New York residents can reduce their energy bills this holiday season by taking a few simple steps, according to Direct Energy, one of the largest non-utility retail energy providers in North America. The company, which offers fixed price electricity and natural gas plans to New York residents, is providing these tips to help customers better manage their energy usage.

“The first step a New York resident can take to better manage their energy expenses is to review the competitive offerings from Energy Service Companies in their area,” said Mike Beck, vice president of sales and marketing for Direct Energy. “ESCOs, such as Direct Energy, offer the opportunity for lower rates versus the utility and a variety of innovative energy products, including fixed price plans to protect against future price spikes.”

Additional simple measures that Direct Energy recommends to help reduce energy usage and maximize efficiency:

– Keep the Lights Burning Twenty strings of 100 holiday lights can cost more than $20 per month to keep lit. Direct Energy recommends using light-emitting diode (LED) lights to decorate your home this year. LED lights last 20 times longer and use 90 percent less power than traditional incandescent bulbs.

– Cook Your Holiday Dinner in the Microwave Microwaves use 75 percent less energy than traditional ovens so consider using it for cooking holiday meals. If using a stove top, place the center of the pan over the burner and make sure to keep the lid on.

– Store Leftovers Smartly Your freezer requires more electricity to run when ice builds up, so be sure to defrost regularly. Keep a refrigerator at least three-quarters full to maximize efficiency. Also, avoid placing hot food directly in the refrigerator or freezer, as it requires more energy to cool down.

– Fire Up, Not Out Fireplaces may add to the holiday atmosphere but aren’t an efficient way to warm a home since about 80 percent of the air heated by a fireplace is lost up the chimney. When you are not using the fireplace, be sure to close chimney dampers tightly. If you don’t use your fireplace at all, consider sealing the damper with weather stripping and stuff the chimney with fiberglass insulation.

– Seal the Deal Install weather stripping around windows and doors to keep cold air out. Measure the perimeter around each window and door and then purchase an extra 5 to 10 percent for waste. Also, make sure to look for the ENERGY STAR logos on products which have been independently certified to be the most energy efficient.

About Direct Energy

Editor’s Note:These tips are provided as a public service by Direct Energy and are based on information from the following Web sites and publications*:* Direct Energy is not affiliated with the publications or companies inthe Web sites listed above.

Bask in the glow of our favorite public fireplaces December 7, 2006

Posted by Topher in Fireplaces, Mantels.
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A roaring fire burns away the bitter cold, eases the mind and soothes the soul.

A good meal and a warming cocktail don’t hurt, either.

Blending all three forms a fine respite as winter’s gray skies gather, biting winds howl and swirling snows descend. It’s days like these that send the weather-weary to the comforting confines of a hearth and the inviting pleasures it promises.

There may be no place like home, but there are also many fireplaces in public places to soak up the warmth and welcome.

A touch of class

The lobby of the Pfister Hotel radiates opulence, elegance and class, so it’s only natural that one of Milwaukee’s grandest hotels also offers one of its most impressive fireplaces.

Tucked into a corner by the bar, the massive, ornate fireplace is perfectly positioned for sipping drinks and listening to the live piano music, which drowns out most of the banter at the bar when it’s crowded.

“One of the great things about the Pfister is the lobby – it’s the grand salon of the hotel,” said Pfister concierge Peter Mortensen. “We have a lot of people from the city who make it a point to come in and watch the world go by. You have a lot of mingling of Milwaukee with the world.”

Two plush, velvety loveseats are angled around the hearth, with a facade that is emblazoned with an intricate pattern of spiraling leaves and cherubs.

The scene is perfect for a couple of couples – a cozy nook for an intimate conversation.

“People automatically respond to a hearth,” Mortensen said. “It is a magnet. It relaxes people. I think it breaks down defenses and makes whatever place it’s in feel a little bit like home. By offering these to people, it’s a little extra something people don’t know they miss until they see it.”

The fire is fueled by gas, so there is no romantic crackling or smoldering of burning wood. But the heat is gentle and relaxing, in sync with the mellow lighting.

The firelight illuminates the visage of a Roman on a chariot sculpted in the back of the fireplace, a symbol of commerce, Mortensen said.

The fireplace is accented with a decorative, low-lying wrought-iron screen crafted in a fleur-de-lis design.

A stately grandfather clock oversees the scene, and a towering armoire opens to reveal a television usually tuned in to Packers games.

Those not lucky enough to grab a hot spot on one of the fireside loveseats can choose from several tables within bar service and earshot of the piano.

The Pfister also has two other venues with fireplaces: Blu, the hotel’s 23rd-floor cocktail lounge, and the recently opened Mason Street Grill, an airy, modern restaurant on the ground floor that is polished enough for professionals but still casual.

“We are carrying the tradition of the warm hearth of the Pfister into the 21st century,” Mortensen said. “Anyone who comes here can be bookended by fireplaces.”

Read the full article here…

And be sure to check out custom fireplace mantels at Agee Woodworks. They can customize your mantel exactly how you want it!

Get Creative with Your Christmas Decorated Fireplace Mantel September 25, 2006

Posted by seoscribe in Christmas, Christmas Decorations, Custom Wood Fireplace Mantels, Custom Wood Fireplaces, Decorating, Fireplace, Fireplace Mantel Shelves, Fireplaces, Mantels.
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When you begin to decorate your home for the holiday season, remember that the purpose and parameters of holiday décor are the same as decorating your home any other time of year – creating a comfortable space for your loved ones to gather, enjoy each other, share old memories and create new ones.

There are no limits when it comes to decorating ideas for the holidays, given the myriad of traditions that vary from one home to the next. However you and your loved ones will be celebrating the holidays, your Christmas decorated fireplace mantel can be a main display in your overall décor. Whether you are trying to create that cozy feeling of home, or you are going for an over-the-top theme to wow your guests, your fireplace can be the focal point of any room that it occupies.

Because your Christmas decorated fireplace mantel is such a strong element, the décor you choose for the fireplace should be echoed all around the room for consistency. And if your holiday tree and fireplace share the same room, you definitely want both to duplicate a similar theme, because you don’t want them to compete with each other – rather, you want them to complement one another.

Keep in mind that your theme will be influenced by the room where your fireplace is located. For example, a fireplace in the den is going to have a different decoration style and create a different kind of mood than a fireplace in the bedroom. In other words, you do not necessarily have to duplicate the same theme and/or design on every fireplace mantel.

As you begin to review possible ideas for your fireplace mantel Christmas decorations, from celebrating a different culture to showcasing your own family traditions over the years, below are a few themes to brighten any room in your home.

Holidays Around the World

Do you have a favorite country that you have visited or would like to visit? Are you from another country and want to incorporate your heritage into your mantel decorations? You can use your Christmas decorated fireplace mantel project as an opportunity to learn more about celebrating the holidays in a different country, whether your family has visited there or not. If you have visited the country that is central to your theme, you can incorporate your souvenirs into the fireplace mantel’s decor. If you have emigrated from another country, use this space to display any keepsakes or novelties of sentimental value, or items that are unique to your culture.

Travel Back in Time

Take this idea one step further by not only focusing on a different country, but also a different time in our history. For example, you can focus your décor around the theme of Colonial America, French Provincial or the Victorian era. If you have more than one fireplace mantel in your home, you can choose to focus on different time periods for each one.

Just One Thing

If you want a very clean, scaled-down look for your Christmas decorated fireplace mantel, you can choose one type of item, such as candles or flowers, and add some Christmas mantel scarves and some garland, to create an elegantly simple display. You can personalize this idea by specifically choosing your favorite type of plant or flower, or choosing an aromatic candle with a scent that speaks to you. And don’t limit yourself to traditional holiday greenery and aromas, such as poinsettias and pine. You can use any plant or flower from bamboo to orchids to roses, and any candle aroma from gardenia to sage.

Gifts Aplenty

Your fireplace mantel can serve as another place to display gifts – think of is as an extension of the space under your Christmas tree. Use your mantel to display gifts you have received, or some gifts you intend to give. Putting gifts around the room, not just under the tree, creates unexpected surprises.

Artifacts of Christmas Past

Dedicate your fireplace mantel Christmas decorations to a collection of handmade crafts, sentimental gifts or special items from holidays your family has shared in the past.

  • Perhaps a relative sent you a special gift one year that relates to your family’s cultural history – if so, place it on the mantel with some relevant accessories.
  • Maybe one year you and your family decided to visit a major city during the holiday season, such as New York or Washington D.C., and you have an exquisite souvenir that would make a beautiful centerpiece for your Christmas decorated fireplace mantel.
  • You can share a traditional family recipe for sweet treats such as cookies or candies, making them the centerpiece or part of your display, accompanied by a picture frame that contains a brief written history of how the recipe has been enjoyed for generations.
  • A simple photo gallery, with several picture frames, can include photos of how your family has grown and changed over the years, from one holiday season to the next.

Your Favorite Christmas Scene

Your Christmas decorated fireplace mantel can be an opportunity for you to display your favorite holiday scene. Many of us are familiar with the Christmas Nativity scene celebrating Jesus’ birth, but there are other scenes that remind us of the holidays as well. You can expand your scope to the many scenes that are known from age-old Christmas stories, such as Santa on his sleigh or on the rooftop with a sack of toys. You can display a scene from a more specific story, such as the battle between the Prince and the Mouse King from the Nutcracker ballet, or when the Grinch meets Sally Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas or when the children follow Frosty as he sings the theme song from Frosty the Snowman.

The holidays are a magical time, and your holiday decorating activities are an opportunity to capture some of that magic in a space where your family, friends and guests feel comfortable. Get creative and have fun, combining your imagination with your own signature style, and your fireplace mantel Christmas decorations will be an important part of creating a memorable holiday experience.

Make Fireplace Safety Your First Priority August 18, 2006

Posted by thoughtful in Custom Wood Fireplace Mantels, Custom Wood Fireplaces, Decorating, Fireplace, Fireplace Remodeling, Fireplaces, Mantels.
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Summer is coming to a close, and with the fall and winter seasons approaching, it won’t be long before many of us will be decorating our fireplace mantels for the holidays and gathering around the fireplace to make more memories.

But as we head toward chillier temperatures, keep in mind that safety should be the first priority. Before lighting the first fire of the season in your fireplace, take precautionary steps to minimize the risk of a fire burning out of control in your home.

Below is an article from the United States Fire Administration with some tips:

More than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heat sources in their homes. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels.

Heating fires account for 36% of residential home fires in rural areas every year. Often these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently.

Keep Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean

  • Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.
  • Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
  • Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces. Leave glass doors open while burning a fire.
  • Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.
  • Keep air inlets on wood stoves open, and never restrict air supply to fireplaces. Otherwise you may cause creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire.
  • Use fire-resistant materials on walls around wood stoves.

Safely Burn Fuels

  • Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
  • Use only seasoned hardwood. Soft, moist wood accelerates creosote buildup.
  • Build small fires that burn completely and produce less smoke.
  • Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace or wood stove.
  • When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace on an adequate supporting grate.
  • Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
  • Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside your home.

Protect the Outside of Your Home

  • Stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet away from your home.
  • Keep the roof clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris.
  • Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester.
  • Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents.

Protect the Inside of Your Home

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing the new long life smoke alarms.
  • Provide proper venting systems for all heating equipment.
  • Extend all vent pipes at least three feet above the roof.

Text by The United States Fire Administration
Copyright The United States Fire Administration

Spruce up that Fireplace – Decorate It! July 26, 2006

Posted by thoughtful in Custom Wood Fireplace Mantels, Decorating, Fireplace, Fireplace Remodeling, Fireplaces, Mantels.
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I found this great article about fixing up your fireplace! Written by Zoe Courtman Smith, the article talks about decorating your fireplace all year long, whether you use it or not! Lots of really great ideas. An edited version of the article is below.

Where do you start when decorating the fireplace? Start by surveying the fireplace itself. Brick paint or fireplace paint that’s specially-formulated to withstand the demands of a fireplace can wash over the drab, old brick – even if it’s been painted before – and completely revitalize your fireplace and your room.

The process is easy, fun, and can be completed in a few hours.

After brightening the masonry, step back and see how your mantel fits into your fireplace decorating project. Does it compliment or compete with the fireplace? What color is the mantel? Does it draw the eye with an attractive, clean style and finish? If not, see what other mantels might fit better.

Since the fireplace mantel is at eye-level, it’s natural that its decoration draws attention first. Heirloom, pictures, beautiful knick knacks and things dear to the heart will make the truest statement about your home. Artwork is always striking above your fireplace, so include unique displays like a single, bold piece in a beautiful frame, or try clustering smaller paintings or prints in asymmetrical groups for contemporary, interesting impact. You can also group items of similar shape or color on your mantel for a whimsical look, again trying differently symmetrical configurations since an aspect of incongruity is pleasing to the eye.

Now move to the hearth, the next area of your fireplace decorating project. Balance is the name of the game when it comes to your hearth, so try a potted plant or topiary on either side of your fireplace opening. Beautifully polished andirons also create a classic, balanced tableau. If your mantel displays candles, sculptures or vases in equal measure on each side, try shaking up the scene on your hearth with a stunning set of fireplace tools at one end, and a gleaming wood holder at the other. If you prefer a sleek, bare look you can try a simple, striking clock or a wreath hung over the mantel.

Fireplace decorating is important even if you don’t use your fireplace regularly. Placing a candelabra inside your empty fireplace adds a touch of personality and gives your fireplace a polished look. Seasonal variations like a cornucopia in the fall, a basket of pine cones in the winter, flower arrangements in the spring and even a collection of sea shells and driftwood in the summer make your fireplace a living part of your home.

As you move to the end of your decorating project, don’t forget form when thinking function. The very finish of your fireplace tool set, wood holder, andirons and firebacks pull together your complete look. If your living room style is understated and elegant, polished brass pieces always look smart. If you have a more casual décor, copper, bronze and even black iron tools look stylish, not fussy. If you are going for a contemporary look, nothing says ‘modern’ quite like brushed pewter. Underscore your preference in finishes by choosing a matching fireplace screen, or the perfectly brilliant pair of glass fireplace doors, which work well for masonry, prefabricated and firebox insert fireplaces.

Fireplace decorating is the quickest, easiest way to pull together a total look for any room. If you create a warm, beautiful and inviting environment, you’ll find your fireplace becomes a focal point around which your family can’t wait to gather.

Fireplace Decorating Quick Tips:

* Paint the inside of your fireplace with black fireplace paint.
This will cover any unsightly stains and make the opening look like new.

* Look to see if your fireplace mantel color competes with the overall look of your fireplace. No mantel? Try a pretty wreath instead.

* Balance your accessories. Try a large mirror in the middle and a topiary on each end. Or, a large picture in the middle and decorative vases or urns on each side. But remember, asymmetrical groupings can make interesting focal points, too.

* If you have a real wood burning fireplace or wood stove, a hearth rug will protect your floor from falling embers. Decorative fireplace tools are also a plus.

* If you don’t use your fireplace, you can still decorate for a stylish, easy look. Try a large fern in the opening, or a candelabra.

* Seasonal fireplace decorating is always fun, and may be the easiest place to start. A collection of grape vines, white lights, small pumpkins and gourds creates a great fall look. Re-use those white lights with greenery and red candles for the merriest mantel during Christmas.

Zoe Courtman Smith

Sponsored by Brick-anew.com. Brick-anew.com provides fireplace decorating ideas and products to implement these ideas.

New site redesign! April 20, 2006

Posted by Topher in Fireplace Remodeling.
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We recently launched our new website redesign. I’m sure you all will find it to be a nice improvement. Be sure to check it out & let us know what you like or don’t like about it. Thanks!

http://www.ageewoodworks.com/

If you would like to see what our website used to look like, check out the captures at the Internet Archive WayBackMachine.

New Paint, a Fireplace Mantel and More: Decorating Tips to Update Your Living Room April 4, 2006

Posted by Topher in Fireplace, Fireplace Remodeling, Fireplaces, Mantels.
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By Carol Agee

Your living room is the entertainment and living center of your home. Chances are that you've had some very memorable gatherings there, and it is where you relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. Because this room tends to be such a high traffic area, and to have so much time spent in it, it is often the first room to show signs of wear and tear and to begin to look dated. Luckily there are small changes (like switching out light bulbs) and big changes (like installing a new fireplace mantel) that can give your living room a new look and won't turn into a major DIY project, or turn your home into a construction site.

Consider painting your living room. A splash of paint can brighten things up or give your living room a different vibe altogether. You can repaint your living room the same color which will refresh the color and get rid of any scuff marks and dings. If you decide to paint the entire room, starting from the ceiling and working down is a good idea. On the other hand, if you'd like a bit of a color change without covering everything in plastic, a feature wall could be an option for you. Picking an interesting color that goes well with the room but adds a little spice can be an excellent way to transform your living room in no time at all.

The fireplace is an often neglected area of many living rooms, and this is a pity because it can be such a lovely focal point if handled properly. Installing a new fireplace mantel – either buying one for the first time or replacing an existing one – does not take as much work as you think. If you don't have a fireplace mantel, consider getting one as it will give your fireplace a more finished, polished look. If you have a fireplace mantel, replacing it with something a little different can have a major impact on your living room. A wood fireplace mantel is easy to install so you don’t have to hire a contractor. You can paint or stain a wood mantel to match the décor of your room. Fireplace mantels are excellent places to display items of importance to you and your family such as heirlooms and family pictures. A fireplace mantel is also an excellent place to hang stockings and display cards around Christmas time.

Changing the lighting in your room can also make a major difference. Different lampshades can create a different atmosphere as they diffuse soft light with a hint of color about the room. If you find your living room a little dull, adding a few more lamps can brighten it up, and also add accent to certain areas. For an even simpler modification, try changing the wattage of your existing bulbs. Going from 60 to 120 watts makes a big difference; you might see things you had forgotten were there at all! Changing to a lower wattage can create a cozier, intimate feel.

A little heavy lifting can change your living room; rearranging the furniture can create a totally different feeling in the room. Create a new focal point to the room by orienting the seating around the fireplace and not the television, or perhaps put the couches and chairs so that people are more encouraged to talk to one another. And don’t just think about the seating, moving the coffee table, the end tables and bookcases can make a difference. If you need a new look without buying new furniture consider switching out the living room furniture with items from other rooms of the house
 
Finally, taking a look at what you have on display in your living room can give you some ideas for small changes that have a high impact. Do you have a vase of fake flowers that has been there for a decade? Perhaps now is a good time to replace it with something a little more modern. The artwork you have on your walls might also be due for some scrutiny too. Prints can be obtained fairly cheaply, and can really change the ambiance of your room. Remember that every little item and picture adds something to the room – it is up to you to decide whether or not it should be changed out for something new.

About the Author
Carol Agee is the vice president of Agee Woodworks which has been building quality custom fireplace mantels for 10 years.

How To Finish Your New Fireplace Mantel March 10, 2006

Posted by Topher in Fireplace Remodeling.
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By Carol Agee

Congratulations on your new fireplace mantel! Many people purchase an unfinished fireplace mantel so they can paint or stain it to match the décor of their home rather than having the factory paint or stain it one of their standard colors. I have found that after receiving their new mantel, many people have questions and want advice on the best ways to go about finishing a fireplace mantel.

Painting or Staining?
The first decision that has to be made is whether the new mantel will be painted or stained. Typically this decision is made before buying the mantel as different wood types and materials are used in producing a mantel based on if it will be painted or stained. Stainable mantels use wood types known for their grain and appearance and solid moldings because the wood’s grain will be visible. Most people who plan to stain wood want the grain as well as other natural “blemishes” to shine through and would never cover those natural occurrences with paint. Paintable mantels use finger-jointed moldings and less-decorative wood or MDF (i.e. Medium Density Fiberboard) because the wood won’t be visible. Once it is painted, it is really difficult to tell the material used—that is why many contractors and homeowners alike choose MDF as an economical alternative to wood.

Installing the Mantel
While it is not really necessary to finish a mantel after you install it, it does make the job easier if you do this while it is on the wall; it is similar to painting any other wood trim. If you finish it and then mar the mantel when putting it up, you will have to repair it. Certainly many people paint or stain their fireplace mantel prior to installing it.  It is really a personal preference.

Whether painting or staining I have put together a list of tips below to help homeowners finish their new fireplace mantels.

Tips for Painting Your Fireplace Mantel
o    I recommend using a high quality semi-gloss paint in the color of your choice—but any paint that is used for inside house trim is suitable. 
o    Have different sizes paint brush available. You will want a smaller brush if your mantel has dentil molding so you can get the paint into the small crevices. A larger brush will help you paint faster and avoid stroke marks in the paint.
o    Although priming your mantel is recommend, you do not have to. You can simply apply two to three coats of paint.

Tips for Staining Your Fireplace Mantel
o    Test your stain color on an inside area of the mantel before you install it to ensure the color is what you want to achieve. (If you will be using a polyurethane finish over the stain, I recommend testing the polyurethane on top of the stain so you can see the final appearance of your mantel.)
o    If sanding the mantel, use a fine (220) grit.
o    If applying more than one coat of stain, be sure to let it dry before adding the next coat.
o    Once your stain is dry, apply one or two coats of polyurethane (satin or semi-gloss is recommended) or tung oil to protect your finish.

Finishing a fireplace mantel is a rewarding experience; once it is done you can see how the new mantel enhances the look of the room.

About the Author
Carol Agee is the vice president of Agee Woodworks which has been handcrafting wood fireplace mantels of impeccable style and quality for almost 10 years.

Measuring Your Fireplace for a Mantel December 16, 2005

Posted by Topher in Fireplace, Fireplace Remodeling, Fireplaces, Mantels.
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A fireplace mantel can help you update the look of your room to match your unique taste. Ordering a fireplace mantel online is an excellent way to get a quality mantel at a competitive price in the style that best suits your room. When planning for a fireplace mantel it is important that you take accurate measurements as they will be the basis for crafting the mantel. Taking the correct measurements of your unique space can sometimes be a challenge. This article will help you understand the parts of your fireplace and know what to measure.

Before you begin measuring it is important to understand some terminology:
Facing – the material, usually tile, marble, granite or brick, that surrounds the fireplace opening
Fireplace Mantel – made up of a surround and a shelf, the mantel frames the facing on the top and sides
Fireplace Surround – the part of a mantel that frames the facing helping it meet with the wall to create a more polished look
Hearth – the floor of a fireplace or the brick, stone, or cement area in front of a fireplace

When measuring for your mantel it is important that your measurements include the facing as the mantel will be going around it. If you only measure the fireplace opening the mantel will cover the facing and may represent a fire hazard.

You will be taking 10 measurements in all.

#1 – The Total Width of the Facing Material – Looking at the fireplace from the front, take a horizontal measurement of the facing above the fireplace opening, measuring across the facing from left edge to right edge.

#2 – The Width of the Facing Material, Along the Leg – Looking at the fireplace from the front,  take a horizontal measurement of the facing, from the fireplace opening out to the outer edge of the facing.

#3 – The Height of the Facing Material – Looking at the fireplace from the front, take a vertical measurement of the facing, from the hearth to the top edge of the facing.

#4 – The Depth of the Facing Material – Looking at the fireplace from the side, take a horizontal measurement across the facing, from the wall to the outer edge of the facing.

#5 – The Total Width of the Hearth – Looking at the fireplace from the front, take a horizontal measurement of the hearth along the floor, from left edge to right edge.

#6 – The Height of the Hearth – Looking at the fireplace from the front, take a vertical measurement of the hearth, from the floor to the top edge of the hearth.

#7 – The Depth of the Hearth – Looking at the fireplace from the side, take a horizontal measurement across the hearth, from the wall to the outer edge of the hearth.

#8 – The Opening Width of Facing Material (might also be the same as the fireplace opening width) – Looking at the fireplace from the front, take a horizontal measurement from within the fireplace opening, from the left to the right of the opening. You may do this on the ceiling of the fireplace opening.

#9 – The Opening Height of Facing Material (might also be the same as the fireplace opening height) – Looking at the fireplace from the front, take a vertical measurement of the facing from within the fireplace opening, from the hearth floor to the top of the opening.

#10 – Shelf considerations – Looking at the fireplace from the front, look at the areas on either side of the facing. It is very important that you consider any windows or light switches located nearby as they that might prohibit the shelf (which is the widest point of the mantel) from being installed. Measure from the facing to the nearest obstruction on both sides so you know how wide the shelf can be.

Congratulations! The measurements you have taken will now determine what size fireplace mantel you need. When ordering your mantel online, many websites will ask for these measurements so they can determine if you can use one of their regular mantel sizes or if you require a custom built mantel. Either way, you are sure to be pleased with how your new mantel frames your fireplace and completes the look of your room.

About the Author
Carol Agee is the vice president of Agee Woodworks, which has been handcrafting wood fireplace mantels of impeccable style and quality for almost 10 years. When ordering a mantel from Agee Woodworks, you may submit the measurements above or email a photo of your fireplace to Agee Woodworks so they can determine what areas need to be measured. This ensures that the mantel will fit and takes into consideration unique situations. Permission is granted to reprint this article online as long as this resource box and the link to Agee Woodworks are attached at the end of the article.

Greetings and welcome to the Agee Woodworks Blog. December 14, 2005

Posted by Topher in Fireplace Remodeling.
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Welcome to our new blog. We are a family owned and operated business specializing in handcrafted fireplace mantels of the utmost quality and style. Here we will talk about the goings on with the business as well as post any articles and tips we have. Be sure to check back and thank you for visiting!