Genuine stone may might not be an option for your fireplace but don't give up--cast stone mantels will fool all but the experts. No matter your style preference, from the traditional to the eclectic to the ornate, stone is a beautiful finish and adds a touch of character to your house design. Whatever you would want in real stone you can have in its cast stone cousin.

Popular choices include granite, limestone, slate, and of course marble. Don't restrict yourself to thinking only about the mantelpiece itself. Cast stone mantels are a good choice, of course. You've opened the door to the look of a family of rich, natural materials you thought out of reach. Think about extending the stone motif to the hearth and fireplace surround. Certainly you'll want to make the most of these classy and elegant textures.

The variety of design possibilities is almost endless. The first fireplaces were, after all, carved out of the stone walls of medieval castles. That's one option. You might envision the dramatic look of cobblestones from floor to ceiling and a wood beam as the mantelpiece topped off by mounted antlers. Perhaps the smooth finish of Romanesque blocks surrounding the fireplace opening and forming the mantle appeals to your sense of tradition and the classical.

Cast Stone Mantels: the Affordable Alternative

Cast stone, after all, has better ASTM ratings (that's the American Society for Testing and Materials) and costs as much as 25 percent to 30 percent less than genuine stone. As you begin to plan, the first thing to do is measure your fireplace. Odds are that yours is one of the standard sizes: 36 inches, 42 inches, or 48 inches. If it is not, you shouldn't have too much difficulty in finding custom sized cast stone mantels in whatever style you select.