Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do I need to do before installation?

Q: Does my mantel come fully assembled?

A: All mantels come with the legs (and returns) detached. For most mantels the legs are attached at their installation using twelve screws (included, 6 in each leg). Be sure to check out our Installation Instructions.

Q: When I follow the directions for sizing my mantel, I do not have room for the shelf of the mantel because of some obstruction. Is there anything that can be done to make the mantel fit in my space?

A: First you should complete our free shipping cost calculation form. In most cases, the answer is yes. Contact us by phone (931)-724-5491 or e-mail and we will let you know what options you may have. Once we have your measurements, our exclusive software can usually determine if the mantel will fit. We are continually developing this software to serve you better. We do not charge for this service. We do not build cabinet style, corner style (we may be able to help here), or "wrap-around" mantels.

Q: How are your mantels attached?

A: Complete illustrated installation instructions are included with your mantel. Installation instructions are available in a printer friendly on-line version as well. Just click here to go there.

Q: My facing material is the same length as my hearth length. Can anything be done to prevent the mantel from overlapping the hearth?

A: In most cases the answer is yes! This is not usually an issue unless your hearth is above the level of the floor. Your mantel can straddle the hearth and the inside returns can lap over onto the hearth. Decorative blocks may also be used under the legs for some installations where sizing is an issue.

Q: I do not yet have my facing material installed. Can you calculate my shipping costs and mantel dimensions?

A: Yes... but -- Most mantels we build are based on the size of the facing material (except shelves and faux [artificial] fireplaces). If you are building an artificial fireplace you should indicate this in the "comments" portion of the appropriate form. We have recently updated our exclusive software to size mantels without facing material. You should be aware that many fireplace inserts and building codes require noncombustible facing material around the firebox, however. It is the customer's responsibility to comply with local building codes. If you determine this is feasible for your installation please contact us directly. Let us know the mantel style and as much specific sizing information as you can (such as shelf length, opening height, etc.) We do not guarantee fit for our mantels if our sizing forms are not used.

Q: I do not yet have my facing material installed. What can I do to insure your mantels will work with my installation?

A: If your installation includes a hearth, make sure that it extends at least 9" beyond the outside edge of the facing material. Try to have 19" of clear wall space (free of obstructions, corners, windows, doors, light switches etc.) on both sides of your firebox. This will work with any of our mantels and leave 8" of facing material on each side of the firebox. You may wish to have less facing material on the sides of your firebox. If so, make sure it conforms to your local building codes and insert specifications. Conforming to codes / instructions are the responsibility of the homeowner. If you plan to use a gas insert make sure the cut-off valve is well clear of where the mantel will be --particularly the legs. If your mantel will be on a chase or in a corner make sure you have adequate clear wall space for the mantel to fit. Should you want to build your mantel in a corner, the area should be sheetrocked in. No more floor space is lost than if a cabinet / corner style mantel were used -- and in our opinion it looks better. If you have any further questions feel free to ask us.

Q: How will my mantel be shipped?

A: We will ship with the least expensive carrier that will accept the package. The least expensive options of which we are aware are UPS and Fed-Ex. If shipped directly to your home, we will try to ship by UPS or Federal Express if possible. Should the packaging exceed Federal Express or UPS maximum weight or size requirements, it will be sent by common carrier.

Q: How will my mantel be packaged for shipment?

A: It will be boxed in a 1/2 inch plywood box. Sufficient padding will be used to prevent damage during shipment. If your mantel is damaged during shipment send it back. We will repair or replace your mantel and refund your shipping cost.

Q: I have not yet installed my facing material. Can you calculate shipping costs?

A: Maybe. If you let us know the dimensions of the facing material, we can. Otherwise, you may want to look at the space requirements for our mantels. We generally need this information first.

Q: Why does it take so long to ship?

A: For most of our mantels and shelves it takes about three weeks to ship. Since we build our mantel products to fit we do not start to build until we get your payment. If you order a cherry mantel it can take longer since we do not keep cherry lumber in stock. Moreover, mantel sales is a very seasonal business. In colder months we sometimes get behind. Weather can also play a role. Rain or even excessive moisture in the air can make the finish turn a whitish color thus causing further delay. There is little recourse but to wait for better weather. We usually ship Tuesday through Friday so if you order on a weekend you may have to wait a few more days.

Q: What materials are used in the construction of your mantels?

A: Our oak mantels are made of selected veneer and solid oak. We do not use MDF (medium density fiberboard). Our primed white mantels (for painting) are made of selected birch veneer and solid woods. Regardless of type wood, all our mantels are of the highest quality materials and workmanship.

Q: What is wrong with MDF?

A: Our materials are lighter so they save you shipping costs. MDF is not very resistant to moisture. Moisture can be a problem with some unvented fireboxes.

Q: Do you offer your primed white ready-to-paint mantels with no primer?

A: No.

Q: Do you offer your oak mantels unfinished?

A: Yes.

Q: If I purchase an unfinished oak mantel do you have any tips to help me finish it?

A:
We have found that it is better to stain the mantel and apply one coat of "sanding sealer" before filling the brad holes. This is the reason we don't attempt to putty the holes before shipping the mantel. We use a pre-colored putty that matches the stain color. This prevents the putty from causing discoloration around the nail holes that often occurs if a "neutral" colored putty is used on raw wood. In fact, some neutral wood putties do not take stain very well.

After staining, applying a sanding sealer, and puttying the nail holes with colored putty, the mantel should be hand-sanded with 220 grit sand paper. Caution should be used in sanding to prevent sanding through the sealer coat and removing the stain with the sandpaper. Always sand with the grain. If polyurethane is used for the finishing coats, sand lightly with 220 grit paper between coats. Always be sure the polyurethane is dry before attempting to sand in order to prevent gumming. After each sanding, gently wipe off the dust and grit with a lint-free cloth (or if you have an air compressor, blow off). Light applications work better than heavy coats. There is also less chance of causing runs in the finish. Normally, three or four coats of polyurethane are applied with light sanding between each coat.

Q: Do you have a catalog?

A: We do not have a catalog. We are in the process of developing new styles. We plan to offer many more styles and do not yet know which mantels we will include in a catalog. After assessing the popularity of these new styles we may offer a catalog in the future.

Q: I am trying to match a particular color. Can I send a sample?

A: We use Minwax stain colors so if you want to match a Minwax color this is not a problem. Otherwise, we do not attempt to match colors. If you wish to use a non-Min-Wax color we recommend you order our products unfinished. Wood is an organic product. Hence, the natural grain can affect the color of the finished product. Oak and Cherry, naturally become darker and redder with age. This process can take a few months. This is especially true of naturally finished (finished with no stain) products. Cherry may range in color from a deep brownish-red to blond. We do use selected cherry to insure we use the darkest, reddest grain available. We do not keep cherry wood in stock so we cannot be sure of the exact color until we have it.