The Perfect Rustic Mantel
It’s Not What You Think
Rustic Mantels are one of the hottest trends in the hearth industry. They are being used in traditional, transitional, and even modern-style homes. We Will look at the different types of rustic mantels and the pros and cons of each. We will also discuss the different types of materials used to create your perfect Rustic Mantel.
What is a Rustic Mantel?
A Rustic Mantel is a very generic term. You will also hear them referred to as Log Mantels, Beam Mantels, Timber Mantels, or Barnwood Mantels, depending on the look you are going for and the area of the country you live in. Let’s look at the two major types of Rustic Mantels.
Log Mantels
As the name implies, a log mantel is typically made from a log. It normally retains the rounded edges and some or all the natural bark, giving you the live edge look that is so popular today. We normally see these installed in cabin-style homes. Still, recently we have noticed an increase in Log Mantels being used in modern homes where the owners are looking for just a pop of contrast to highlight the contemporary aesthetic. These are even popular over linear electric fireplaces.
Beam Mantels
Again, as the name implies, a beam mantel is typically made from a salvaged or new-cut wooden beam. You will also hear these referred to as timber or barnwood mantels. The width of these beams varies according to personal taste. They will also display more or less of the wood grain and hand-hewn details typical of a salvaged beam. This detail can include mortise and tendon joints, checks, and cracks. The details can also include some of the original bark.
Traditional Materials Used in a Rustic Mantel
Depending on the look you are going for, a Rustic Mantel can be created from Pine, Oak, or any number of other natural woods. The dimensions, weight, and details vary greatly from one piece of wood to another. Additionally, these fireplace mantels can be created from salvaged or virgin timber.
Considerations when Selecting Your Rustic Mantel
Natural Wood Mantels are Flammable.
Since your beam or log mantel will usually be mounted over an open flame there are restrictions on how close to the heat source a wood mantel can be mounted. It is always best to check your fireplace manufacturer and local building codes to determine where you can mount any mantel. These restrictions can be problematic if you are mounting a large-screen TV over a fireplace.
Solid Timber Mantels Can Be Very Heavy and Difficult to Mount.
Sometimes weighing hundreds of pounds depending on the type of wood used and the overall dimensions. In some cases traditional log or beam mantels will require specialized tools and skills to complete your installation. Depending on how the mantel will be attached to the wall you should ensure that your existing farming will support the weight of the mantel.
Natural woods expand and contact over time especially as they heat up and cool down. This can be problematic depending on how you have your rustic mantel mounted to the wall. Aesthetically this can also create issues if the bark details separate and fall off leaving raw wood exposed.
Every piece of wood accepts stains differently and the depth of the color varies over time. This is not an issue unless you are looking for an exact color match to tie a room together or if you are trying to tie the color of the mantel to a surround. Typically, virgin timber will accept color more consistently than a salvaged beam that the environment over the years.
When Using Salvaged Beams Beware of Odors.
Salvaged beam mantels can absorb odors from their environment and these odors can be pronounced when your beam mantel heats up and cools down. For example, if your timber was salvaged from an old tobacco barn, it should be no surprise that it may have absorbed the natural odor of tobacco plants that are hung in the barn to dry. There are steps to mitigate these odors, but your best bet is to ensure your salvaged barnwood mantel is thoroughly sealed to help contain these types of smells.
Lexington Hearth Rustic Mantels are a Better Solution.
Lexington Hearth manufactures a full line of Rustic Mantels that are designed to avoid these pitfalls. Our log and timber mantels are exact recreations of salvaged beams and logs found in the central Kentucky region. They show the rich wood grains, the natural checks, and the cracks of wood mantels. The mortice and tendon joints as well as bark details are all recreated in exquisite detail.
Lexington Hearth Rustic Mantels are made from our exclusive Burncrete material and are non-combustible. They can be installed closer to a heat source making it easier to mount a big-screen TV and due to our hollow core design, they can be typically be installed by two people using standard framing and no special tools. Our Rustic Mantels are more dimensionally stable than wood mantels, so you don’t have to worry about your mantel becoming unstable as the wood expands and contracts. They also do not absorb odors so there are no unwanted smells.
Lexington Hearth Mantels are lighter in weight and much easier to install than traditional wood beam mantels
Due to our hollow core design and mounting system, most Lexington Hearth Rustic Mantels can be installed by two people in less than two hours. They are also designed to work with standard framing systems and do not require any specialized installation tools or skills. Lexington Hearth Rustic Mantels gives you more design options and allows you to create the fireplace of your dreams
