Mantel Description.

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Our Log style mantels are sawed 4" thick to offer a bold look above the fireplace. 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.

SPECIES OF WOOD USED:

Three native Wisconsin hardwood species have a natural advantage for making a hardwood 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 (Linden): Because it is both light in weight and light in color, Basswood will make a very interesting mantel. Th wood grain is not very visible, but it does offer a variety of steaks and character marks.
Butternut: A medium brown 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 the appearance of Oak because of its similar appearance.
Walnut: A dark brown wood popular for use in cabinets and furniture, Walnut makes a beautiful log mantel. Although somewhat heavier and harder than Basswood and Butternut, Walnut still works well for a mantel because of its stability.

We also make some mantels from an imported species:
- Honduras Mahogany: Some of the highest quality furniture uses Mahogany and now that same elegant wood can be used as a solid mantel. It has a rich dark red color.

Style- This refers to the front surface of the mantel which faces the room and is most visible. Five treatments are available.

Natural Face: On some logs the bark of the tree comes off during the sawing and drying process. The exposed bare edges will show the shape of the log along with knots and character marks. These mantels are our best value (Shown in Basswood).

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Bark Face: Occasionally the bark adheres quite well to the mantel piece through the manufacturing process. These offer the most rustic look available. The bark cannot be guaranteed to stay on indefinitely without some tacks or glue,but customers who have installed these mantels for the past eight years report very few problems (Shown in Basswood).

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Square Face: This style combines the look of a solid wood mantel with a more traditional flat face.The face will show the same grain patterns that are seen on the top and bottom of the mantel (Shown in Walnut).

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Draw Knife Face: If the face of a mantel is damaged in the manufacturing process we can sometimes smooth out the wood with a draw knife. The grain will normally show as in a Square Face mantel, but the mantel will retain the log edge look. The ends of a Draw Knife mantel will stay square (Shown in Basswood).

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Carved Face: The front face and ends of these mantels are molded and shaped with carving tools to add depth and character to the final product. This carving will accentuate knots in the mantel face. Cracks that may develop in the drying process will also be softened (Shown in Walnut).

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See our "options" link for information on wood burned scenes that can be put on our mantels.

HOW THE MANTELS ARE MANUFACTURED:

After sawing mantels from the logs, they go through an extensive drying process.We first air dry them in our yard and then put them through our dry kilns. This may take up to a year or more. Once dried , they 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 mantel are not sanded, nor is a finish applied by us. These processes should be done at the time of installation to allow matching of other woodwork in the home.

INSTALLATION:

The method of installation will vary with the individual situation, and your personal preference. Here are some of the approaches that have succeeded for customers:

New Fireplaces: If you install the mantel before the brick or stone face is put on the fireplace, the mantel can often be mounted with hidden lags or support boards. It may also be possible to use construction cement if a masonry shelf is built in the fireplace. The brick or stone can then be put on around the mantel. You may also use some of our wooden mounting brackets shown on the "options" link.
Existing Fireplaces: One of the most common installation techniques for an existing masonry fireplace is to drill holes in the mortar joints where the mantel will be installed. Metal pipes or rods about 1" in diameter can then be installed in these holes with anchors or pressure cement. Drill the mantel to line up with the pipes and slide the mantel on. Construction cement or a small corner bracket can be used to prevent the mantel from vibrating off. If the stone face of your fireplace is irregular the back edge of the mantel should be scribed to fit the stone. Again please see the "options" link for wooden mounting brackets that may be useful on an existing fireplace installation.