Fireplace Surrounds and Mantels

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

August 17, 2000

Q. My husband and I are in a condo that has an original, working fireplace (about 18 years old). It has a black, metal front with glass doors and an imitation bluestone hearth. It is very "boxy" looking and outdated. How can we jazz it up inexpensively? I would like a mantel. Does that need to be custom made?

-Pat Whaley, East Moriches

A. You've selected an easy part of the condo to freshen up, and you can spend lots of money or do it in an economical fashion.

Mantels and prefabricated fireplace surrounds are simple to stain, paint and install. There are some companies on Long Island that sell custom-built mantels and surrounds, and you can find some kits in home centers or building-supply centers. Kits run from about $200 or so and come in several wood options, including red oak and poplar.

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You'll need to have the measurements of your opening and perhaps the dimensions of the wall around the opening. If your fireplace is on the same wall as an exterior window, for example, you might have a problem fitting a mantel or fireplace surround. (The surround is a decorative mantel with two side panels that forms a one-piece frame around the fireplace opening.)

Here are some local businesses that deal in mantels and surrounds:

All Seasons Gallery, Middle Island, 631-924-0738

Classic Builder's Resource (plaster moldings and architectural details), Port Washington, 516-767-7406

Also, for some ideas before you shop, look at these Web sites: www.millworkproducts.com and www. hawkeyemantels.com.

Update. Bob Lange, who operates a propane refill station at World of Hitches in North Bellmore, wants to clarify some information printed in my Aug. 3 column on gas grills and the newer OPD (overfill prevention device) propane tanks. The column indicated that the flow of propane gas should be controlled by the grill shutoff valves and not the tank valve. Sudden opening and closing of the tank valve results in an uneven flow of propane and a low flame. Lange says this problem occurs when the tank valve is fully open. To ensure a steady propane flow and a high flame, open the tank valve halfway and wait a few seconds for the flow to build before igniting the burner. By all means, Lange says, turn the tank valve off when the grill is not in use.