QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP
Adorn your fireplace with a truly stunning accent piece! Our rustic log style mantels are custom crafted from premium hardwood to deliver bold details and exquisite character. While your typical wood mantel shelf is engineered from materials such as medium density fiberboard or even softwood species, our solid wood mantels are individually selected, then hand hewn and finished to bring out the true beauty that lies within each log.
No two trees are alike, and because of this, each log mantel we create is one of a kind. When you explore our mantels, you'll see that the face styles (or the front surface) that we offer each have a different appearance. Depending on your home decor scheme and personal taste, you may prefer a mantel with a smooth face. For a fireplace that needs a little personality, you may want to consider a front surface that features knots, bark, or markings from carving tools. Regardless of the surface texture you choose, please know that a common characteristic in all of our mantels is the appearance of splits on the top, bottom, or ends of the log. During the drying process, all wood shrinks and splits will form. This is no way affects the structural integrity of your mantel. It merely enhances the pastoral appeal of the piece!
TYPICAL THICKNESS AND DEPTH
Log style mantels are meant to be noticed! Our skilled artisans saw each log to over 4 inches thick. Next, the wood will go through a kiln drying process, followed by hand planing and sanding. The finished product averages between 3 1/2 and 4 inches thick.
Mantel depth (front to back dimensions) depends on the size and natural shape of the log. Typically, our most narrow mantels are 7 inches deep, while the largest can be up to 12 inches deep or better. Irregularly shaped wood may be more narrow in the middle or at one end of the log mantel, giving it an organic appearance and making an eye-catching focal point in your home.
Our online inventory showcase will feature a picture of each mantel that is currently in stock, along with a description of the wood species, sizes, and characteristics of that particular piece. Click here to view our mantels now!
Natural Face:
During the sawing and kiln drying process, the bark of certain trees falls off. The exposed wood show clear definition and the true shape of the log, in addition to any knots, wormholes or other markings. (Top image features Walnut log variety; bottom image features Eastern Red Cedar species)
Bark Face:
This rustic style is the result of the bark holding firmly to the wood during the manufacturing process. Because this effect is less likely to occur, you may find that our inventory is limited. Please be advised that the bark which has successfully adhered to the log mantel is not guaranteed to stay tight indefinitely. It may require tacks or glue. You'll be reassured to know that our customers who have chosen and installed bark face mantels over the past 15 years have experienced minimal issues. (Image features Basswood variety)
Square Face:
For a more traditional looking mantel that features a flat surface on all sides, you'll appreciate the square face style. Remember - this is a solid piece of wood! just as if you were to get timber from your local lumber yard or hardware store to construct the framework of a home or building. Our mantels are not pieces of particle board that are glued together. The face of the mantel will display the lovely, consistent grain patterns the same grain patterns and can be seen on the top, bottom and sides of the mantel. (Image features Walnut species)
Draw Knife Face:
At first glance, the draw knife style looks much like the square face style. However, there is a difference and if you look close enough, you'll see it! Sometimes during the logging or manufacturing process, the face of a mantel may be blemished. It is possible to smooth out the wood with a draw knife. This traditional woodworking tool consists of a blade with a handle at each end. The tool is pulled or "drawn" toward the woodworker in an effort to remove shavings, or in this case, undesirable flaws. The log mantel's grain, as well as knots and other character marks, will often present as they would in a square face style mantel, however, the log shape will be more irregular or natural looking. The ends of a draw knife mantel are cut square. (Image features Basswood variety)
Carved Face:
If you are looking for the most unique and detailed mantel style for your home, then the carved face example will definitely appeal to you. The face and ends of this particular log mantel are whittled and shaped with hand carving tools to add distinguishing features to the finished product. Characteristics such as knots, grain distortions, and wormwood markings are emphasized, while cracks that may have developed in the drying process tend to become softened. (Image features Butternut species)
Existing Fireplaces:
Determine where your mantel will be installed over your existing fireplace, then drill holes into the mortar joints. Metal rods that are approximately 1 inch in diameter can be inserted into these holes with anchors or pressure cement. Next, drill holes into the mantel so that they line up with the rods. Now the mantel can slide right on to the rods, needing only the stability from construction cement or small corner brackets.
For irregular stone fireplace facings, the back edge of the mantel should be carved to fit the stone. If you are unsure of how to do this, please consult a contractor or carpenter to help you. If you prefer to use solid wood brackets to support your mantel shelf, click on the "mantel brackets" link at the top of the page.
