Virtually all fireplaces you see have a mantel of some sort mounted above them. They are made from pine or other wood, stone, brick, granite, marble, or quartz. They add a finished or decorative touch to any size fireplace.
If you are contemplating building a new home or cabin, consider adding an attractive and functional fireplace and log mantel. The favorite type today is a pine half-log with wood supports.
What Is A Log Fireplace Mantel
A log fireplace mantel, also known as a mantelpiece or chimneypiece, dates back to medieval times. In bygone days, it served as a functional hood that caught smoke coming from the fireplace. It has evolved into an aesthetic feature that frames a fireplace and often serves as a shelf to display personal items.
A log mantel is also a personal expression of the theme or décor of your home. Its material, size, and shape can complement not only a fireplace but also the décor of an individual room Fireplaces are used all over the world in many styles of homes, cabins, cottages, and offices.
Benefits And Functions Of A Log Fireplace Mantel
A mantel is not technically necessary for a fully functioning fireplace. Log fireplace mantels serve many purposes and functions that homeowners appreciate, including:
- Framing a fireplace that creates charm
- A display for many types of personal items
- Protects wall and items above it from heat discoloration
- Prevents upward-flying sparks from damaging anything
- Adds warmth and natural beauty to any room
- Serves as a decorative focal point of an area or room
Log fireplace mantels can be stained any color to create a mood or special touch for a room or area. They always catch the attention of anyone coming into the room.
“They (mantel) add a finished or decorative touch to any size fireplace.”
Pine Half-Log Mantels Are Favorites
Of the many materials used for fireplace mantels, knotty pine is a favorite and half-log is a popular shape or profile, and here’s why:
- Knotty pine is a sustainable material
- This wood is rustic and natural-looking
- Knotty pine has beautiful characteristics
- This material is easy to sand, saw, drill, and finish
- Knotty pine logs are affordable
Knotty pine is the natural choice if your home is made with knotty pine log siding or full logs. It also complements homes and cabins with knotty pine wall and/or ceiling paneling. These half- log mantels look super finished with a clear coat or a stain color of your choice.
What Size Should I Use
The size of your fireplace mantel depends on several factors and mantels don’t have to be the same size in every room. The factors to consider include:
- Size and shape of the room
- Size of the fireplace opening
- Open fireplace or metal insert
- What will be displayed on it
- Material that surrounds the fireplace
The popular widths are 10” and 12,” and the popular lengths are 4’-6’ and 7’-10.’ The longer mantels need support with two knotty pine cradles, especially if you want to put a lot of items on display.
Colors For Log Fireplace Mantels
Log fireplace mantels should be stained and not painted to allow the wood to “breathe” naturally. Colors for knotty pine range from clear to dark finishes. Most homeowners choose between a color that blends in with the wall color or one that contrasts with the walls.
Favorite log mantel colors range from a clear natural finish to brown tones, gold tones, and red tones. Professional staining results can be obtained with these name brands:
- Transformation
- Perma-Chink
- Capture
- Nano+Poly
Half log knotty pine mantels are available in unfinished and pre-finished conditions.
How Are Mantels Installed
Log mantels can be professionally installed by following a few simple steps. All you need are basic woodworking tools and appropriate fasteners. After the cradles are installed and securely fastened, place the mantel on them and check to see if the mantel shelf is level.
If you find the cradles or mantel shelf are not level, adjust them with wooden shims and re-tighten the lag screws. Following the instructions in the website is understandable and makes the job of mounting half-log mantels fun.
Are Log Mantels Expensive
The prices for completed fireplace mantels vary but if you shop around you can find high-quality mantels at affordable prices. The prices vary depending on the length, thickness, and width of the log, type of wood, and with or without support cradles.
The cost of knotty pine half-log mantels with cradles ranges from $150 to $658 depending on the above variables plus whether they are unfinished or pre-finished. The Log Home Shoppe offers kiln-dried and hand-inspected mantels online.
Enjoy your knotty pine half-log mantel and let it be a focal point in your room.
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