Rustic Basswood Mantel Shelf

This mantel shelf is crafted from basswood, the American Linden Tree. The name originates from the inner fibrous bark of the tree known as bast. It is a popular wood for model building and intricate carving.

Details about Log Cut Styles

Bark Face: This cut offers the most rustic look available. The bark is not guaranteed to stay on indefinitely without some tacks or glue, but customers who have installed these mantels report very few problems.

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.

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.

Draw Knife Face: If the face of a mantel is damaged in the manufacturing process, the wood is smoothed out 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.

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.