Fireplace Mantel.....My daughter wants a fireplace mantel......I need help

[Robert Long]

Hello out there!
Daughter wants a fireplace mantle. I know I can handle it, but I would like advice or direction on where to go to get info on mantels.  She is open to whatever I come up with so I am looking to do something unique.  The stone masons will be installing natural stone.  There is all the details.

Thanks for your input!

Robert

[Don P]

From the legal department;
Woodwork or other combustable materials shall not be placed within 6 inches of a fireplace opening. Combustable material within 12 inches of the fireplace opening shall not project more than 1/8" for each 1" from such opening.

We've had the masons embed either a pair of rocks for support under a mantle or stick 2 pieces of steel rod out that I can slip into holes bored in the back of the mantle. I make up a dummy out of scrap that they can stone around, slip it out when they are done and slip in the finished one.

[WDH]

Here is one I did for Dodgy Loner's Aunt...............Ash 4" by 12"'.  

[Fla._Deadheader]

  When we got the "Right " log, we would take 4-5 cuts through and through. The top and bottom cuts were curved on one side. Cut the back side off square and use  curved
holders, like a cradle effect. The center cuts were left natural edge.

  Does she like Rustic ??  Our logs had the water worn look from years being in the river current.  You can take a heavy wire wheel and similate the same look. 

[Robert Long]

WDH 8)

Thanks a lot!! I really like what you have done with that mantel, and ash..we have a lot of ash around here.  In fact I am going out to the barn to hunt up some nice figured ash I put away a while back.

Thanks for tak'en the time to post the pic and answering to the question. 8) 8)

Robert

[Robert Long]

Don P ;) ;)

I need that info, great.

I will heed to all those measurements!

Robert

[Robert Long]

Fla.-Deadheader 8)

Thanks for the responce....Good question!!

Now I need to ask her if she wants the rustic look or a more formal look.

I was also thinking of two small mantel shelves at two different heights made with a couple thick slices of root.

Robert

[WDH]

The beads on the top and botom edges gives a more formal look.  The ends are cut on 45 degrees.  The finish (after much sanding to 220 grit) is Minwax Danish oil.  3 or 4 coats. 

[Robert Long]

Thanks to all who viewed and gave advice, the stone mason is now finished and the mantel is in....sorry I do not have pics to show at this time.

Robert

[WDH]

We will give you the pics on credit for now, but you still have to pay up!