A solid wood mantel, done right.
Walnut Wood Works builds solid-hardwood fireplace mantels to the exact size, up to 120" long and 7" to 12" deep, 2-1/2" to 5-1/2" thick, in black walnut, white oak, hard maple or cherry, mounted on a hidden steel bracket. Before you order, check clearance: building codes limit how far a wood mantel can stick out when it sits close to the firebox opening.
Clearance comes first.
A wood mantel is a combustible material, so its position is set by code before it's set by taste. For masonry fireplaces, the model residential code (IRC R1001.11) keeps anything combustible at least 6 inches from the fireplace opening.
Within 12 inches of the opening, it also limits how far the wood can stick out: no more than 1/8 inch for every inch of distance. So a mantel 8 inches above the opening can project at most 1 inch.
Factory-built, gas and electric fireplaces list their own clearances in the manufacturer's manual, and local codes can differ from the model code. Confirm both before you choose a depth.
Length, depth and thickness.
Length: a common rule of thumb is a mantel at least as wide as the fireplace surround, often a few inches longer on each side. We build up to 120" long, cut to the 1/16 inch.
Depth: 7" to 12"; 8" leaves room for frames and candles. Thickness: 2-1/2" to 5-1/2". 3" is our standard; go thicker for a beam-like look.
Clearance sets the depth. The wall sets the length. Taste sets the thickness.From the shop
Mounting.
Our mantels float on the same hidden steel bracket as our shelves, rated about 150 lb per bracket when screwed into wood studs. The mantel is pre-drilled to slide over the bracket, so no hardware shows.
Over brick or stone, the bracket needs masonry anchors suited to your wall, so talk to your installer before you order. Thick mantels ship in a custom crate.
Wood and finish.
A mantel isn't a work surface, so choose purely on look. Every finish we offer works on a mantel; conversion varnish is the most protective and needs no upkeep.
Black walnut
The classic dark statement piece.
White oak
Suits light, modern rooms.
Cherry
Deepens to a rich reddish-brown with age.
Hard maple
Clean and bright.
What they cost.
Delivered prices for popular sizes, 3" thick with a natural oil finish, on the hidden bracket. Free shipping to the lower 48 states; lead time 4-6 weeks.
| Length × depth | Black Walnut | White Oak | Hard Maple | Mountain Cherry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48" × 8" | $517 | $543 | $509 | $509 |
| 60" × 8" | $658 | $692 | $648 | $648 |
| 60" × 10" | $804 | $846 | $792 | $792 |
| 72" × 8" | $775 | $815 | $763 | $763 |
| 72" × 10" | $950 | $1,000 | $935 | $935 |
| 84" × 8" | $992 | $1,038 | $978 | $978 |
Mantels, answered.
How far above a fireplace should a wood mantel be?
How long should a fireplace mantel be?
How thick should a wood mantel be?
How is a floating mantel mounted?
What wood is best for a mantel?
How long does a custom mantel take?
Size your mantel to the 1/16 inch.
Set the length, depth, thickness and wood; the price updates as you go.