Atop a fireplace, a stone mantel beckons. Its timeless look and natural elements is as close you'll get to the great outdoors.

Actually, stone was one of the first materials used around the 16th century. As fireplace history will have it, stonewalls were cut and fireplaces were formed. Among the choices of stone today are marble, granite, slate and limestone.

There are a lot of prefabricated versions of the aforementioned floating around but you may also want to consider cast stone. Dubbed architectural concrete, cast stone has been around since the 1100's.

Cast stone, a type of fine concrete created by scientists that gives you the look of expensive stone, in different styles, color and length, minus the hefty price tag.

It has the appearance of limestone and if you look closely at it, you will see that it contains small amounts of crushed limestone.

The advantage of using cast stone for a mantel is endless.

It possesses a neutral look that can work with any design. In other words, it is hardly likely that you will have to replace furniture to accommodate your new cast-stone mantel shelf.

Cast stone brings with it an unspeakable elegance, whether alone as a shelf or partnered with a surround in perhaps granite or even limestone.

One thing's for certain, a level of coziness will be achieved. Before you decide on choosing cast stone, we suggest you search through magazines or visit your local hardware or fireplace store so you can get an idea if this is the material for your home.

In most stores, the price of stone mantels starts at $700.

Remember, a fireplace mantel should be a reflection of your personal taste and style and is intended to complement your dcor.