Lexington Hearth Mantels

Lexington Hearth mantels are hand-cast in patented Burncrete, a non-combustible material made in Lexington, Kentucky that replicates the look of aged wood or stone. This collection includes mantel shelves, one full surround, and a full accessory line for a custom fit.

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What Is a Lexington Hearth Mantel?

Lexington Hearth offers both non-combustible fireplace mantels and real wood mantels, giving homeowners, designers, and builders options for different fireplace applications and design styles.

The Bluegrass Collection consists of non-combustible mantels made from Burncrete, Lexington Hearth's patented formulation manufactured in Lexington, Kentucky. These mantels recreate the appearance and texture of real wood or natural rock while meeting ASTM E136 non-combustibility standards.

For projects where real wood is preferred, Lexington Hearth also offers genuine wood mantels. The Commonwealth Collection is made entirely from real poplar, while select designs in the Architect Series are available in both wood and non-combustible versions.

Bluegrass Collection: Non-Combustible Wood and Rock Looks

The Lexington Hearth Bluegrass Collection is designed for homeowners who want the character of aged timber or natural stone with the benefits of a non-combustible mantel.

These mantels are cast from Burncrete and molded to reproduce the texture and detail of real materials. Depending on the design, a Bluegrass mantel can resemble weathered timber, reclaimed beams, or natural rock without using combustible wood.

Because these models meet ASTM E136 non-combustibility standards, they may be suitable for installations where a traditional wood mantel cannot meet the required fireplace clearances. Always follow the fireplace manufacturer's mantel and clearance requirements for the specific installation.

Architect Series: Choose Wood or Non-Combustible

The Lexington Hearth Architect Series provides additional flexibility when choosing mantel material. The Classic, Horizon, and Federal designs are available in both real wood and non-combustible versions.

This allows you to select a consistent architectural style while choosing the material that works best for your fireplace and installation requirements.

Choose a non-combustible Architect Series mantel when fireplace clearances or project specifications call for a non-combustible material. Choose the wood version when you prefer the characteristics of genuine wood and your fireplace installation permits a combustible mantel.

Commonwealth Collection: Real Poplar Wood Mantels

The Commonwealth Collection consists entirely of real wood fireplace mantels made from poplar.

Unlike Lexington Hearth's Burncrete mantels, Commonwealth models are genuine wood products and are therefore combustible. Required clearances must be determined according to the fireplace manufacturer's instructions and applicable installation requirements.

Commonwealth wood mantels are designed for indoor use only.

The Casting Process: Hand-Cast, Hand-Painted

Lexington Hearth's non-combustible mantels are molded from real timber or stone to capture details such as grain lines, tool marks, checks, knots, and natural stone texture. They are then hand-cast and hand-painted to recreate the appearance of the original material.

A center air gap in the casting reduces overall weight and limits heat transfer to the surface, helping create the substantial appearance of timber or stone without the weight of a comparable solid concrete piece.

Shelf Styles vs. the Hitching Post Surround

Many Lexington Hearth designs, including the Grist Mill, Tobacco Barn, Rickhouse, and Cabin Pine, are mantel shelves designed for wall mounting.

The Hitching Post differs by providing a full mantel surround with a top mantel and side pieces, creating a more traditional framed fireplace appearance.

Finishes and Sizes

Faux wood styles are available in up to five finishes: Maduro, Pale Honey, Weathered Grey, Eclipse, and Roasted Chestnut, with exact finish availability varying by model.

The Rockface mantel, which recreates the appearance of natural limestone, is available in two stone tones: Bluegrass Fog and Turfway Tan.

Sizes also vary by model, ranging from 4' to 6' lengths or approximately 48" to 84" widths depending on the design. Custom sizing is available on request for select products.

Indoor and Outdoor Mantel Options

Installation location depends on the mantel material and specific model.

Lexington Hearth's real wood mantels are for indoor use only, including the poplar mantels in the Commonwealth Collection and wood versions of Architect Series models.

Burncrete non-combustible mantels may have different installation allowances depending on the model. The Flat Sawn Beam is specifically rated for both indoor and outdoor use. For other non-combustible models, check the individual product specifications before planning an outdoor installation.

For hand-painted finishes that are approved for exposure to outdoor conditions, periodic inspection can help identify finish wear.

Accessories: Corbels, Extensions, Wall Boards, and More

Lexington Hearth mantels can be customized with compatible accessories depending on the model and installation.

Options include corbels for additional architectural detail, extensions and mantel corners for larger or corner fireplace installations, bracket trim, and wall boards designed to fill space between the fireplace and mantel for a more complete surround appearance.

Check accessory compatibility with the specific mantel before ordering.

How to Choose a Lexington Hearth Mantel

Start by determining whether your installation requires a non-combustible mantel or allows a traditional wood mantel.

For a non-combustible option with the appearance of aged timber or stone, consider the Bluegrass Collection. If you prefer the Classic, Horizon, or Federal architectural styles, the Architect Series allows you to choose between wood and non-combustible versions. For a genuine poplar mantel, choose from the Commonwealth Collection.

Next, compare the mantel dimensions, finish, projection, and required clearances with your fireplace and wall dimensions. Fireplace clearance requirements vary, so always verify the requirements specified by your fireplace manufacturer before choosing a mantel based on material alone.

Care and Availability

Care requirements depend on whether you select a painted Burncrete mantel or a real wood mantel.

For Lexington Hearth's hand-painted non-combustible mantels, use a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose household cleaner. Do not scrub the finish or use abrasive cleaners. These mantels ship with a touch-up kit for addressing minor chips or scuffs.

Availability and lead times can vary by model. Lexington Hearth mantels are not always in stock and may require additional time before shipment. If your project has a firm installation schedule, contact support@modernblaze.com for current availability before ordering.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Lexington Hearth Mantels

What are Lexington Hearth mantels made from?

Lexington Hearth mantels are cast from Burncrete, a patented non-combustible formulation manufactured in Lexington, Kentucky. Each mantel meets ASTM E136 non-combustibility standards while replicating the texture and detail of aged wood or stone.

Are Lexington Hearth mantels heavy?

They're engineered to be lighter than solid concrete thanks to a center air gap built into the casting, which reduces weight and limits heat transfer. That said, they still ship via freight and should be mounted to wall studs with the included hardware.

Can I use a Lexington Hearth mantel outdoors?

Yes, generally. Burncrete is a non-combustible, concrete-based material, so Lexington Hearth mantels are designed for indoor use or covered outdoor installations, such as a covered patio or porch. The Flat Sawn Beam is explicitly rated for both indoor and outdoor use. For a hand-painted finish exposed to the elements, we recommend periodic visual inspection to catch any wear early.

What clearance does a Lexington Hearth mantel need?

Non-combustible construction generally allows for a tighter clearance than a traditional wood mantel, which typically needs around 12 inches of vertical clearance. Exact requirements still depend on your specific fireplace model and local code, so confirm with your fireplace's installation manual before finalizing placement.

How do I clean and care for my mantel?

Clean with a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose household cleaner. Never scrub or use abrasive cleaners, which can damage the hand-painted finish. Each mantel ships with a touch-up kit for minor chips or scuffs.

Is a Lexington Hearth mantel always in stock?

Not always. These mantels can take a few days to ship depending on current stock. Contact support@modernblaze.com for a current lead time before ordering if timing matters for your project.