MANTELS
Each mantel is naturally unique, so we source wood from around the world and turn the most unique timbers into mantels to ensure you have the piece that speaks to you. From 1800s hand-hewn barn beams and post-industrial revolution timbers to 1600s French oak planks and re-sawn reclaimed hardwoods, we offer mantels to suit every design style and budget. Photos can’t really capture the beauty and feel of these magnificent pieces, so we invite you to come visit our North Yard to see and feel them yourself. Whether you are looking for a single raw timber to process yourself, or a dry, detailed, and finished mantel, we’re ready to help you find the ideal piece for your home or construction project.
SAMPLE MANTELS
COMMON MANTEL SOURCES
HAND-HEWN TIMBERS
To hew a log is to transform its natural round shape into a timber with either two or four roughly flat surfaces, creating hand-hewn beams. Before the advent of sawmills and lumberyards, skilled craftsmen relied on hand tools like broad axes and adzes, along with immense effort and precision, to shape logs into usable timbers.
This meticulous process left distinctive adze marks, which lend each beam a unique character and authenticity while honoring the lost art of hand-hewing. Many of these beams still feature original mortise pockets and tenons from their historical joinery. Since each timber was crafted by hand using locally sourced logs, the dimensions and wood species naturally vary, adding to the individuality and charm of this reclaimed material.
ORIGINAL PATINA TIMBERS
Crafted from the dense, tightly grained wood of old-growth trees, these antique timbers once served as the structural backbone for agricultural buildings, factories, warehouses, hangars, shipyards, and other commercial structures. Produced after the rise of industrial milling, these timbers showcase impressive durability and craftsmanship.
Their sizes range from 4” x 4” to massive dimensions like 16” x 32” and beyond, making them versatile for a wide array of modern applications while preserving their historic significance and character.
RESAWN (MILLED) TIMBERS
Every piece of reclaimed lumber tells a story, bearing the marks of its previous life. While years of use can leave their mark on the surface, we breathe new life into these timbers by resawing them to reveal the hidden beauty within.
The resawn surface not only highlights the timber’s rich character but also provides a smooth, clean finish that readily accepts stains and other treatments. This makes it an excellent choice for projects requiring a consistent color palette or a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, while preserving the charm of reclaimed wood.
DETAILING OPTIONS
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FULL DETAIL: Brushed, occasional chisel work, and sanded. The goal is to preserve the character while making the mantel smooth enough to be wiped/cleaned easily.
LIGHT DETAIL: Nylon brushed. Small amount of sanding. Semi-rough to the touch.
RAW STOCK: As-is timber from the structure. No sanding or processing.
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During the demolition process, timber ends are often cut, leaving an unfinished appearance. To enhance their versatility, we’ve perfected two distinct end detailing options to suit your project’s aesthetic.
For a rustic, textured look, our distressed end option retains subtle character marks while ensuring the surface is smooth enough for easy cleaning. If you prefer a sleeker, refined finish, we offer a cut-and-polished option, resulting in a finely sanded, clean end-grain appearance. Whichever style you choose, our expertly crafted end details add the perfect finishing touch to your reclaimed timber project.
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Concerned about the holes you see in the beams? These are remnants of the original joinery that gave the structure its incredible strength and durability over the years. To suit your desired design aesthetic, we offer various methods to fill or highlight these features, ensuring the perfect balance of authenticity and style.
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Our custom-fit steel brackets provide a secure and seamless solution for mounting your fireplace mantel. These brackets can be mounted directly to the back of the mantel or recessed into the back (let-in), allowing for a flush installation against the wall or fireplace. Not sure which option works best? Our team is here to help you make the right choice for your project!
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Nails, knots, checking, and other historical defects can be filled with epoxy to create a smooth, flat face or top.
NOTE: Epoxy can only be poured on resawn (fresh sawn) surfaces.
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We offer both water and oil-based finish options, to allow for easier cleaning and protection of your mantelpiece, as well as adding character.
REMOTE MANTEL SALES
We average about 3-5 hours per remote mantel in back-and-forth communication plus freight time.
Due to the high demand and volume of our mantel offerings, remote mantel orders require a non-refundable $300 deposit to cover pulling timbers, taking photos, and the back-and-forth communications to ensure you understand what you are purchasing. This deposit is credited towards the cost of the final mantel price.