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