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Frequently Asked Questions

Our Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions

Articles and Decorating Ideas From MantelCraft
Fireplace Mantel Return Depth Illustration
Installation Instructions and Sizing Guides
Testimonials and Project Photos
Warranties, Returns and Exchanges
How to Order see below
Shipping Lead Times see below

1. I want a new mantel but do not know how to measure, where should I begin?
A fireplace mantel surround is sized based on the fireplace opening. Measure how wide and how tall your fireplace opening is. If you want a wood mantel, make sure you are aware of the firebox manufacturer's code to combustibles and also the local fire-hazard building codes. Use our Easy as 1 2 3 measuring guide if you are in need of a custom mantel. If one of our two size stock sizes will work for you then it can normally be shipped in 3 business days (if not painted or stained.)

2. I am ready to install my mantel wood mantel surround, how should this be done?
Wood mantel surrounds come in a box in three pieces with three pieces of scribe molding to complete your installation. Installation instructions and hardware are in the box and you can view the installation instructions using the "Installation Instructions" link, above. If you need assistance please do not hesitate to call customer service at 800 820 7177 Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm central time.

3. I am ready to install my fireplace mantel shelf, how should this be done?
Your mantel shelf comes complete in a box with mounting hardware and installation instructions. You can view our Installation Instructions link, above, and if you need assistance please do not hesitate to call customer service at 800 820 7177 Monday - Friday, 8am - 5PM Central Time.

4. Should I hire someone to install my fireplace mantel or is this something I can do?
Our wood fireplace mantel surrounds and fireplace mantel shelves are simple DIY projects. With basic knowledge of hand tools and a little elbow grease this should only take a few hours to complete. Our stone and marble mantels are normally installed by a team of two people with general carpentry skills and some experience working with marble and/or stone projects.

5. What is the lead time for my wood mantel to ship?
The standard sizes of our wood mantels (54 x 42 and 48 x 42) are in stock and normally ship within 5 business days if it is unfinished and within 10 business days if you order it professionally finished in our factory. A custom-sized wood mantel built to exact specifications will ship within 7 business days if unfinished and within 12 business days if order with a professional factory finsish.

6. How much assembly is required?
Mantel shelves are assembled and wood mantel surrounds are shipped in 3 pieces. The legs attach to the header/shelf assembly with the use of cam locks (included.)

7. My wood mantel opening is about 1” wider and ½” taller that I ordered. Why?
The inside opening trim/finish molding, called scribe molding, is ½” thick and is used to finish the installation. Before this molding is nailed in place your opening width will be 1” larger than ordered and your opening height will be ½” taller than ordered.

8. Can I have my marble, granite or slate surround facing kit cut to size to fit my fireplace?
Cutting the marble, slate or granite stone facing kits to size can be done for a nominal charge.

9. What do you mean by return depth?
The return depth is the distance or air space behind the mantel legs and the header. It is the allowance for the depth of your facing plus an inch or so of clearance. The scribe molding neatly hides any gap between the back of the mantel leg and your facing. See diagram:

click on diagram to enlarge

10. Are your stone surrounds a non combustible product?
The stone fireplace mantel surrounds are made of a proprietary blend of gypsum cement and is a non-combustible product. A note of caution, if you are using a vent free firebox or a direct vent firebox that is a heater listed appliance, the you must use a 4” hood and a circulating fan to help prevent heat damage/discoloration to the stone mantel.

How to Order

Fill in all options, wood species or stone colors, finishes, sizes, dimensions, and quantities desired.
Add to cart and proceed through checkout.
- If ordering a custom sized item (i.e. fireplace mantels, shelves, or wood cornices) you will receive a line drawing via email for your approval before production begins. Carefully check all dimensions of the line drawing to ensure that the item will fit correctly.
You will receive a confirmation of your order via email.
You will receive a shipment confirmation of your order on the date the order is shipped.

Shipping - Lead Times

Take advantage of Free Shipping to 99% of all residences in the 48 lower states when you purchase from Mantelcraft! During the fall and around holidays, our lead times might be extended by just one or two days. We can also provide quotes for shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada.

Wood mantels & Shelves: Standard Sizes, Unfinished: Ship within 5 Business Days
Wood mantels & shelves: standard sizes, Factory Finished: ship within 14 Business Days
Wood mantels & shelves: Custom sizes, Unfinished: ship within 7 Business Days
Wood mantels & shelves: Custom sizes, Factory Finished: ship within 14 Business Days
New England Classic wainscoting, Factory Finished: ships within 20 Business Days
Cornices/Wainscoting/Planking: Unfinished: ship within 7 Business Days
Cornices/Wainscoting/Planking: Finished: ship within 14 Business Days
Heritage Collection Marble Mantels: ship within 3 1/2 to 4 Weeks
Classic Stone Mantel Collection: normally ship within 5 Business Days
Designer Stone Mantel Collection: ship within 3 1/2 to 4 Weeks
Marble, Granite, Slate Facing, Standard Kits: ship within 5 Business Days
Marble, Granite, Slate Facing, Oversized: ship within 4 to 5 weeks

Shipping Methods

Items shipped via UPS Ground will arrive as single packages and will be delivered based on the driver’s judgment to make an appointment or leave the package on the premises if no one is present at delivery.
Larger items will require delivery via an LTL (Less than Truck Load) carrier and will require an appointment for delivery. The LTL carrier will contact you to set an appointment for delivery. These items may require someone to help with carrying the package from curbside to the desired location.
Cast stone mantels are shipped via an LTL (Less than Truck Load) carrier and will require an appointment for delivery. The LTL carrier will contact you to set an appointment for delivery. Lift gates are utilized to unload the skidded mantel off of the truck. Removal of packaging at curbside and having someone to help carry individual pieces into your home may be required.

Your total satisfaction is our goal!

Thorough inspections of your order are made during packaging and shipping to ensure your items are in perfect condition when leaving our facilities. However, during shipment, damages may rarely occur. In the instance the outside of your package appears to be damaged when you receive it you should:

Open the package and inspect for obvious damage to the product with carrier present. If any is found please Refuse Receipt of Shipment Due to Damage noting this on the Bill of Lading. Contact us immediately and we will replace the product ASAP!
If you are not present when the product is delivered, please notify us immediately at (800) 820-7177 and we will notify the carrier, begin the damage claim, and replace the product ASAP. (Please note we must notify the carrier within 24 hours of any products that have been delivered with damage).

Warranties, Returns and Exchanges

MantelCraft will refund 100% of your purchase amount should you be dissatisfied with any standard mantel or shelf. Simply call MantelCraft at 800 820 7177 for a return authorization number and return the item in sellable condition in the original packaging, freight prepaid, within 30 days of original delivery to MantelCraft, 4145 Parkway Drive, Florence AL 35630