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Log Style Mantels
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.
Mantels can be cut at one or both ends. Charge is $30 per cut. For a one cut situation customer must specify which end they want cut. For a two cut situation customer must specify how much they want off of each end.
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.
Log Style Mantel Installation
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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.
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Natural Face Log Mantel
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)
This refers to the front surface of the mantel which faces the room and is most visible. Five styles are available
Follow Link To Order Log Style Mantel - Shipping Not Included On Log Style Mantels
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Bark Face Log Mantel
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)
This refers to the front surface of the mantel which faces the room and is most visible. Five styles are available
Follow Link To Order Log Style Mantel - Shipping Not Included On Log Style Mantels
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Square Face Log Style Mantel
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)
This refers to the front surface of the mantel which faces the room and is most visible. Five styles are available
Follow Link To Order Log Style Mantel - Shipping Not Included On Log Style Mantels
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Draw Knife Face Log Style Mantel
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)
This refers to the front surface of the mantel which faces the room and is most visible. Five styles are available
Follow Link To Order Log Style Mantel - Shipping Not Included On Log Style Mantels
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Carved Face Log Style Mantel
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)
This refers to the front surface of the mantel which faces the room and is most visible. Five styles are available
Follow Link To Order Log Style Mantel - Shipping Not Included On Log Style Mantels
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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.
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