A hardwood mantel is a type of fireplace surround that adds decoration to a room and makes the fireplace a central design feature. It is always a good idea to choose hardwood, like oak, ash or birch, because they will be very strong and will last longer. This means you will get a piece of furniture that is sturdy and reliable.

Hardwood also looks great and nothing can ever quite live up to real wood. It will make the room look more attractive and will really help emphasise the fireplace area. You can also make use of it, making it somewhere to store items or to place decorative items such as picture frames.

Make sure you choose hardwood from a responsible supplier and that you get a finish that will suit your home. Hardwood can be painted, stained or varnished, so there are plenty of options for changing the colour.