Hand Hewn Beam Authentic Reclaimed Wood Fireplace Mantels

Finish Options
All our hand hewn mantel beams come unfinished to accentuate their natural characteristics. A lacquer finish is available as well.

Dimensions

Available sizes include 6 to 8 inch thickness (approximately) by 6 to 8 inch depth (approximately).

Lengths are available from 48 to 84 inches (custom sizes available).

Thickness and depth sometimes vary up to 1 inch**.

Characteristics
Checking- a “check” is usually a long crack that appears parallel to the grain as the sapwood shrinks around the heartwood (the center of the tree) during the drying process. CHECKS IN RECLAIMED WOOD HAPPENED DECADES OR CENTURIES AGO! Checking does not affect the structural properties of a piece of wood, it adds character and rustic appeal to your project!

Knots - knots in wood are where the base of a tree branch met the tree trunk, interrupting the flow of the grain pattern. The knot is where the branch was cut off. Knots display round dark areas, some are solid and some can fall out partially or completely.

Worm Holes/Markings - Lyctus beetles occur only in hardwoods, especially species such as pecan, hickory, ash and oaks—where they feed only on sapwood. Females lay their eggs in the relatively large pores these hardwoods contain. Our Mantels are treated to prevent any future powder-post beetle activity.

Nail Holes - distinct markings where nails penetrated the surface of the wood. All of our products are denailed to the absolute best of our ability.

Hewing/Axe Markings - derived from the word hew which means To make or shape with or as if with an axe In woodworking, hewing is the process of converting a log from its rounded natural form into lumber (timber) with more or less flat surfaces using primarily an axe. It is an ancient method, and before the advent of the industrial-era type of sawmills, it was a standard way of squaring up wooden beams for timber framing.

Checking (a natural characteristic of wood), knots, nail holes, hewing/axe marks, mortise pockets and worm holes. Almost all Hand Hewn Mantels have Checking and Mortise Pockets , and ALL have Axe Markings.

Wood Origin

These handcrafted pieces are made from authentic reclaimed hand hewn barn beams salvaged from historic barns throughout the Eastern United States dating from the 1700's to the early 1900's. Popular locations include Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Ohio and Kentucky.