Solid One-Piece Hardwood Mantels

Discover the lasting beauty of thick, solid Pennsylvania hardwood mantels.

   

Real hardwood with authentic natural tones serves as a premium architectural anchor that instantly elevates the space's visual appeal. Our thick solid hardwood mantels soften harsh, rigid room features with flowing grain patterns and rich natural color tones.

These are solid Pennsylvania Hardwood Timbers, air-dried for more than 3 years before they are kiln-dried and ready for use.

                

We offer both live-edge and flat-edge floating mantels in black cherry, black walnut, English Walnut, Ambrosia Maple, and Maple in various sizes.  Mantel thicknesses range from 2.5” to 6” thick. Character-grade Beauty – Each mantel has natural imperfections like knots, mineral streaks, and varying color tones that give it its genuine organic appeal.

The authenticity of real hardwood character cannot be mimicked by plywood/veneers, fiberboard, lightweight faux-wood, or molded mantels. Use the accompanying images of finished mantels as examples of the color, character, and lustrous CCV finish our mantels offer.

Our kiln-dried mantel inventory is limited and changes constantly, so we'll need to help you choose the right one.  For assistance, please contact stephen@zimboards.com or call me at 610-310-9625  

       

                 

Special Wood requires Special Care

It takes 3 years or more to make a real solid hardwood mantel. We mill our mantels from native hardwood logs we purchase from local arborists/tree services who remove storm-damaged or dying trees. Instead of cutting this beautiful wood up for firewood or grinding it into mulch, we give it a more noble purpose.

We saw these logs into thick timbers, either live-edge or flat-edge, and place them in low-light conditions with adequate air circulation to air-dry for 2 to 4 years, depending on the wood species and thickness. Once the timbers are air-dried to an acceptable internal moisture (below 20%) they are placed into a kiln where they are stabilized and ready for indoor use.

Because of the limited supply of dried timber and specific customer needs, we sell all mantels made to order.       

                

 The Finish Makes the Mantel

Thick hardwood mantels need protection from fluctuating humidity, and Catalyzed Conversion Varnish (CCV) delivers the highest level of furniture finishes. Epoxy fills knots and cracks to maintain structural integrity and a smooth surface.  Our Catalyzed Conversion Varnish is a high-performance, two-part protective coating that creates an exceptionally tough, plastic-like shield, protecting these thick solid wood timbers from drying out and watermarks.

CCV maintains slight elasticity so it can expand and contract naturally with the thick wood without cracking. CCV also enhances the wood’s grain and rich appearance, resists yellowing over time, and provides a satin, smooth sheen.

Without protection, sunlight, water, and household chemicals can damage wood shelves and mantels; furthermore, without an adequate finish, wood can dry out, crack, and warp.

It took years to dry these mantels – the CCV helps keep moisture out, minimizing the chance of the wood drying out and cracking.

                       

Hardware

Solid hardwood beams are heavy, so they require strong steel floating mantel brackets. We rout and drill the back of the wood mantel to accept the steel bracket that, when installed, is completely hidden inside the shelf.

The thick steel backplate is ¼” thick and 2.5” to 3.5” wide, which establishes contact area between the bracket and wall. Laser-cut fastener holes are positioned at one-inch intervals, increasing wall stud cross-over. Top and bottom fastening anchors the bracket solidly to the wall.  

Sturdy bracket rods are solid ¾” steel and securely welded into the back of the bracket backplate. Rods are typically 6” long – the wood mantel slides onto the rods and is pushed flush to the wall.   

     

How to choose your Hardwood Mantel

 

Mantel Size – Measure your installation area – window width and preferred overhang – fireplace firebox width and preferred overhang. Most customers prefer an overhang of a few inches past the opening/frame, whether it's a fireplace or a floating windowsill.

 

Whatever the project, a mantel provides both beauty and functionality. It’s a visual anchor in the room, and we want it to shine. We must get it right the first time and exceed your expectations. To do that, we’ll need to collaborate.

 

Collaborating gives us the opportunity to discuss the project and your preferences. With your dimensions, desired wood species, and edge style, we’ll select and send photos of options. When you decide on a specific mantel, we’ll send a quote.  

 

Need help? Please contact Steve at stephen@zimboards.com or 610-310-9625