Get the dimensions of your firebox or stove. You will need to follow the code for your area as to how far all wood should be from the firebox or stove. By adding these two measurements together you will have the minimum size of your mantel . Then you can decide the final size of your mantel in accordance with your room plan.
Decide on a style. Look at the pictures I have in the mantel gallery section, look in magazines, and at open houses. You will need to decide whether you want a whole mantel surround or just a mantel shelf, or perhaps a carving inset in stone or brick.
Decide on the wood. Most trim is done in oak, pine or poplar. I carve on pine and poplar. Oak isn't a good wood for relief carving ,but poplar works very well with oak and most people will not realize it is not the same wood. Walnut, cherry, and maple cost more to carve because they are harder. A dark wood such as walnut or cherry will not show the carving as well as a lighter wood.
We can provide the whole mantel or just the carving. If you are within a days drive of us, we will be happy to come install a whole mantel. Many people have their finish carpenter make the mantel and we work with them to provide the carving.
Now comes the fun part. Along with the measurements, send me pictures, a theme or just your ideas of what you would like carved on your mantel. I will sketch examples and work with you till we get exactly what you want.
After the carving is done, and the mantel if we are building the whole piece, we will put on the stain of your choice. If you want to match your other trim you can send us the name of the stain and/or an example. Decide if and how much color to add to the carving. If we are building the whole piece we will work with you on finish options.
Cost of the just the carving is about $75 a foot. Depending on style, wood and size a whole mantel would be approximately twice as much as just the carving.
If you have any more questions about the whole process, feel free to email me, linda@blackdogwood.com, or call me at 479-872-1809.
