Carvings
If you enjoy the beauty of limestone fireplace mantels but not necessarily the price, a cast stone mantel may be a suitable alternative.
What Is Cast Stone
Cast stone is a fine concrete like material that is commonly used for coating the outer surfaces of buildings to give them the appearance of more expensive cultured stone. It is created by mixing crushed bits of limestone, sand or other aggregate, and a bonding agent until a thick liquid paste is formed. The mixture is then applied to the surface of another material, if it is being used for construction purposes, or poured into pre-formed mold, if it is being used to form a cast stone mantel.
Benefits of a Cast-Stone Mantel
Because the mantel does not have to be cut from a solid piece of limestone, the cost is significantly lower. With true limestone mantels, the larger the mantel is, the more significant the cost becomes due to the need for a solid piece of limestone to be cut down. Cast stone can be used in molds of any size or shape. Since the casting process is much quicker and more efficient than carving limestone, mantels can be produced on a much larger and faster scale, reducing costs even further.
Custom Fireplace Mantels
If you are looking for a compromise between the cost of a limestone fireplace mantel and the lack of a specific style of pre-made cast mantels to suit your taste, consider a custom stone piece. The price for a custom piece is somewhat higher than an off the shelf cast stone mantel, but you will be able to have it designed to your exact specifications. Also, if you agree to let the mold maker continue to use the mold for other pieces, he may offer you a slight discount. If you would prefer your piece to be a true one-of-a-kind creation, the mold maker will break the mold once your piece has been cast, ensuring its uniqueness.
Regardless of your preference, a cast stone fireplace mantel can give you the look and feel of limestone at a fraction of the cost.
May 10th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
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