A marble mantel can make a durable and attractive addition to any room. There are also a wide range of colors and styles available from which to choose. Despite their appeal, there are also a few disadvantages of marble mantels. For example, since marble is such a porous stone, it can sometimes become easily stained. It is also more expensive and heavier than other fireplace mantels.
One of the main reasons many homeowners wish to add a marble mantel is its durability. Marble will last for decades, especially with proper care. Unlike wood mantels, which can catch on fire or burn if a spark lands on them, marble mantels are fireproof.
Marble is also considered to be a very beautiful material. It has a natural beauty to it, and can often make a gorgeous, eye-catching mantel. Often, a marble mantel is the main focus point of a room.
Finding a color to match a room's decor is generally easy when choosing a marble mantel. Natural marble comes in a variety of colors, including white, grey, black, pink, red, and even purple. In the rare event that a consumer can not find the color that he wants, because it is so porous, most lighter-hued marble can be dyed just about any color.
Marble's porous quality can also be a disadvantage at times. This can lead to staining. Spilled coffee or dripped candle wax can be easily absorbed into the surface of most types of marble, leaving an obvious stain. Acidic liquids, including soda and most fruit juices, can also make lustrous surfaces become dull. To prevent this, any spills should be wiped up as soon as possible.
Marble is also quite heavy, especially for a fireplace mantel. Many people, even those experienced in home improvement project, may find it difficult to install. It must usually be installed by a professional, which can be quite expensive.
Expense is one common reason people shy away from marble mantels. They are often much more expensive than other types of mantels, like stone or brick. In addition to the price of the mantel, installation charges may also be steep. If a person must have a marble mantel shipped, this will typically add much more onto the final bill as well.