Authentic Reclaimed Wood Fireplace Mantels

The right mantel size depends on the width of your firebox, the fireplace surround, available wall space and the overall proportions of the room. Mantel width, depth and thickness all affect how substantial the finished fireplace will look.

As a starting point, the mantel should usually extend beyond the firebox opening, but there is no single proportion that works for every fireplace. Stone surrounds, large walls and taller rooms may call for a longer or more substantial mantel.

For detailed sizing recommendations, measurements and examples, see our Complete Fireplace Mantel Sizing Guide.

A hand-hewn beam is a timber that was shaped from a round log into a squared structural beam using axes rather than modern sawmill equipment. Many of the reclaimed beams used by Modern Timber Craft were originally prepared this way for historic barns and structures built in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The hewing process leaves distinctive axe marks across the surface, along with natural checking, peg holes and Mortise Pockets from the beam’s original structural use. These details are part of what gives authentic reclaimed Hand hewn beams their character and makes each one unique.

For more information on hand hewn beams, checkout the following articles from our blog!
Signs That Reveal a Hand Hewn Beam
Hand Hewn or Rough Sawn Beams?

Original-surface mantels preserve more of the aged exterior character of the reclaimed timber, including weathering, color variation, texture and other marks developed over decades of use. They have a more rustic appearance and typically feel rougher to the touch.

Planed-and-sanded mantels are milled to remove more of the aged outer surface and expose the wood grain beneath. The result is a smoother, more refined finish while still retaining the natural character, checking and variation that make authentic reclaimed wood unique.

Both options are made from authentic reclaimed wood—the difference is primarily the amount of original surface character that remains visible and the overall level of refinement.
If you have any questions about our different types of reclaimed wood fireplace mantels or beams, please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can help.

Yes. Mounting hardware is included with our reclaimed wood fireplace mantels.

Hand-hewn and 6×6 saw-cut mantels include our heavy-duty mounting bracket as standard. These mantels are pre-routed and pre-drilled to accept the hardware.

Our 3-inch and 4-inch thick mantels include standard floating mounting hardware and are pre-routed for installation. The mounting holes are drilled to correspond with the final bracket placement.

For mantels over 24 inches long, you can also upgrade to our heavy duty mounting bracket. With this option, the mantel is pre-drilled for the bracket as well.

Our hand-hewn and 6×6 saw-cut mantels are shipped unfinished so the natural character and color of the reclaimed timber remain intact. We do not apply stain to these mantel styles before shipping.

If you plan to apply a stain or oil after receiving your mantel, we recommend testing it first on the back of the piece. Reclaimed wood can absorb finishes differently from one timber to another, so testing helps ensure the finished color is what you expect.

If you prefer a naturally lighter or darker timber, you may leave a note in the Special Instructions section at checkout. We will do our best to accommodate the request based on the reclaimed material available.

Yes. If you need a length that is not listed, select the next available size up. For example, if you need a 58-inch mantel, order the 60-inch length.

Then enter your exact requested length in the Special Instructions section of your cart. We’ll cut the mantel to that custom length before shipping.

The oiled finish deepens the natural color of the reclaimed wood and brings out more of the grain and character. Because every timber has a different history, the finished color will vary from piece to piece, typically ranging through medium brown tones with possible red or golden undertones. Natural variation may also occur within the same mantel.

The unfinished option preserves the lighter, natural color of the wood after it has been cleaned and prepared. It can be left unfinished or stained, oiled or sealed after you receive it if you prefer a different finish.

Hand-hewn and 6×6 saw-cut mantels are shipped unfinished as standard.

The architectural shelf or beam above a fireplace is correctly spelled “mantel.” “Fireplace mantle” is a common alternate spelling people use when searching, but “mantel” is the proper term for the feature above the fireplace.

Modern Timber Craft offers authentic reclaimed wood fireplace mantels in hand-hewn, saw-cut, original-surface and planed-and-sanded styles.

Our fireplace mantels are made from authentic reclaimed wood sourced from historic American barns, homes and other structures, primarily dating from the late 1700s through the early 1900s. The timber is reclaimed rather than newly harvested or artificially distressed.

Each piece preserves characteristics created during its original use, which may include axe marks, Mortise Pockets, peg holes, checking, weathering and natural color variation. Because no two are the same, each mantel has its own combination of historic character and surface detail.

A provenance letter is included with each order to share the known history of the reclaimed material used for your piece.