Cedar Fireplace Mantel

The Cedar Fireplace Mantel is not available in a Bark Face Finish

STYLES – This refers to the front surface of the mantel which faces the room and is most visible.  (shown in order top to bottom)

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 the best value because no extra labor is required to prepare the mantel for sale.

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 ten years report very few problems. Bark face mantels are more difficult to find than the other styles, so the inventory may have fewer of them available.

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 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.

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.

SPECIES OF WOOD USED: Four native hardwood species have a natural advantage for making these mantels. 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.

Eastern Red Cedar: A combination of red and white colors in this wood makes a beautiful mantel. This species is also sometimes called Aromatic Cedar, and normally has a number of small knots and lots of rustic character.

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.

Cedar Tree Facts: Uses

They are grown as ornamental plants in temperate climates.

Cedar wood has been used in ancient times to build ships, even for Alexander the Great. It is said the King Solomon’s temple was built with cedar wood.

Cedar trees are also grown for their scented and decay resistant wood. Cedar wood and oils derived from it, can act as natural repellents to moths. Hence, they are used in modern closet linings.

Guitar soundboards are made from western red cedar trees, while guitar necks are made of Spanish cedar.