Enhance the "country" or "rustic" look of your fireplace with a Log
Style Mantel. Most fireplace mantels are made from thin pieces of wood
assembled to look like a solid beam. Now, a true solid wood mantel is
available. These mantels are sawed to emphasize the irregular shapes
and natural character of wood.
Log Style Mantels are sawed over 4" thick to offer a bold look above
the fireplace. After kiln drying, planing and sanding, the finished
thickness will end up between 3 1/2" and 4".
The width of the mantels will vary depending on the size of the log,
but the narrowest pieces are about 7 inches wide and the widest can be
as much as 12 inches or more. Often the natural shape of the log can
cause the mantel to vary in width along its length.
Because each log is different, the front face of each mantel is
unique. Some will be smooth along the face, while others will have
knots or character marks showing. It is common for a Log Style Mantel
to have some splits on the top, bottom, or ends because of the shrinkage
that occurs during the drying process. This does not affect the
structural strength of the mantel and often adds to the character of the
piece.
Our online inventory shows a picture of each mantel that is currently
in stock, and the description of each mantel will explain the sizes and
characteristics of that particular piece.
SPECIES OF WOOD USED:
Three native hardwood species have a
natural advantage for making a Log Style Mantel. These woods are quite
stable while drying, which means they will have less cracking, shrinking
and twisting than other species. Each wood offers its own unique
character.
- Basswood : Because it is both light in weight,
and light in color, Basswood will make a very interesting mantel. The
wood grain is not very visible, but it does offer a variety of streaks
and character marks.
- Butternut: A medium brown colored wood with
rich grain patterns, Butternut is also relatively light in weight and is
quite popular as a mantel. It is often chosen by customers interested
in matching Oak woodwork, because of its similar appearance.
- Walnut: A dark brown wood popular for use in
cabinets and furniture, Walnut makes a beautiful Log Style Mantel.
Although somewhat heavier and harder than the other species offered,
Walnut still works well for a mantel because of its stability.
STYLES:
This refers to the front surface of the mantel which faces the room and is most visible. Five styles are available:
| Natural Face: With
some logs, the bark of the tree comes off during the sawing and drying
process. The exposed bare face will show the shape of the log, along
with knots, worm track or other character marks. (Shown in Walnut) |
|
|
|
| Bark Face: Sometimes the
bark adheres quite well to the mantel piece throughout the manufacturing
process. These mantels offer the most rustic look available. The bark
cannot be guaranteed to stay tight indefinitely without some tacks or
glue, but customers who have installed these mantels for the past
fifteen years report very few problems. Bark face mantels are more
difficult to find than the other styles, so the inventory may have fewer
choices available. (Shown in Basswood) |
|
|
| Square Face: This style
has a more traditional looking flat surface on all sides, but it is
still a solid piece of wood rather than glued up thin pieces. The face
will show the same grain patterns that are seen on the top and bottom of
the mantel. (Shown in Walnut) |
|
|
| Draw Knife Face: If the
face of a mantel is scarred in the logging or manufacturing process, we
can sometimes smooth out the wood with a draw knife. The grain will
often show as in a Square Face mantel, but the mantel will still have
the natural log shape. It is also common for knots, or other character
marks to show on the face. The ends of a Draw Knife mantel are cut
square. (Shown in Basswood)
|
| |
| Carved Face: The front face and ends of this style mantel are molded and shaped with
carving tools to add depth and character to the final product. This
carving will accentuate knots and other characteristics in the mantel
face. Cracks that may develop in the drying process will also be
softened. (Shown in Butternut) |
|
|
HOW THE MANTELS ARE MANUFACTURED:
After cutting a Log Style Mantel on our sawmill, it goes through an
extensive drying process. We first air dry it in our yard, and then
put it through our dry kilns. This may take up to a year or more. Once
dried, the mantels are sorted by style. The 4" thickness is surface
planed top and bottom to remove rough saw marks, and to bring out the
grains and character marks of the wood. This is also when the carving
or wood burning designs are done. The mantels are sanded before
shipping, but we do not apply a finish. That is best done at the time of
installation to allow matching of other woodwork in the home.
-
Each mantel is unique because every log is different
-
Front face styles to fit different design needs
-
Mounting brackets available to match mantel styles
-
Wood-burned designs available with some style mantels
-
Complete inventory is on the website with a digital picture, price and description of each mantel
Find something you like? Call or email us with any questions. We can place your order for you and have it shipped directly to you.
Shipping and Handling:
Mantels up to 90" long are shipped by FedEx ground, UPS ground service,
or a similar carrier. Charges are based on Mantel size and shipping
distance.
Phone: 303-660-0072
|
|
