Custom wood fireplace mantels add individuality and charm to your fireplace, giving your home a decorative piece of wood that will be admired for years to come. Custom means that you make the decision to select a style and finish that suits your home’s décor.
Carpenters have been designing and building wooden mantels for fireplaces since the 14th century. Back then, most hand carvings took months to finish. Today they are manufactured at a much faster rate, however the same designs are still used. They range from a simple mantel shelf to an elaborate pedestal mantel that spans an entire wall.
Mantel Shelf
A mantelpiece mantel consists of a top, approximately 12″ deep, with molding set below. Crown molding is the norm for this application, however styles that are more rustic may be layered of staggered wood. Decorative corbels added below serve as supports. A vertical skirting placed behind the corbels gives the mantel a chunkier look, while more crown molding cut between the corbels adds even more ornamentation.
Pedestal fireplace mantel
The pedestal mantel starts out as a mantel shelf, often adding a second step of crown molding. Legs attached to each side extend to the floor or hearth. These legs are often decorated with flutes, inlays, or raised panels. Between the legs and below the shelf, a panel is added creating a frieze, which gives the shelf its thickness. Corbels are often added to the top of the legs, just below the shelf, adding more detail and character.
If you are considering purchasing a custom wood mantel for your home, do some research on the various styles available. Start by searching the internet for pictures, then call your local cabinetmaker for more ideas.
