| Black-Dog Wood Studio Unique, Hand-crafted Wooden Furniture and Accessories Tom and Linda Archer 17879 Bluff View Dr, Springdale, AR 72764 479-872-1809 Email: Service@blackdogwood.com |
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Custom Carved Mantels
I hand carve the mantels using a rotary tool. I use some commercial patterns, but
many patterns are inspired by pictures. I usually use Poplar wood, because it is a
straight grained, easily obtainable, light colored wood that can be stained to match
most other woods. Cherry and Walnut also make good carving woods, but are more
expensive to buy and to carve. Oak is not a good relief carving wood.
The cost of a carving is usually $50 a running foot. This can change with wood
species and height of the mantel. Most patterns will cost more if the height is less
than 4", because the perspective requires more pattern per foot.
Ordering a mantel requires 3 basic steps.
1. Deciding on the style of mantel you want
2. Measuring for the mantel
3. Planning the carving(s) and their wood species, stain and coloring
many patterns are inspired by pictures. I usually use Poplar wood, because it is a
straight grained, easily obtainable, light colored wood that can be stained to match
most other woods. Cherry and Walnut also make good carving woods, but are more
expensive to buy and to carve. Oak is not a good relief carving wood.
The cost of a carving is usually $50 a running foot. This can change with wood
species and height of the mantel. Most patterns will cost more if the height is less
than 4", because the perspective requires more pattern per foot.
Ordering a mantel requires 3 basic steps.
1. Deciding on the style of mantel you want
2. Measuring for the mantel
3. Planning the carving(s) and their wood species, stain and coloring
Step 1; What style do you want?
Mantles come in 3 basic styles.
Beams are very simple. If you have or want a beam I suggest you order a carved overlay to be put on the beam
with construction adhesive or screws. I do not carve on the beam itself because it is very likely to crack as it
expands and contracts with the heat of the fire.
A traditional mantle will have a top shelf and the carving is usually placed in the front portion under the shelf.
(fig 1) Sometimes the carving is placed on top of the shelf.(fig 2). Many times side pieces will have a separate,
but related carving. Pilasters (the columns on each side) can be added with more carving.
fig. 2
The simplest mantle utilizes just the overlay, perhaps with a simple framework around it. If you choose to have a
framework you can use multiple individual carvings. (fig 3)
fig 3
Mantles come in 3 basic styles.
Beams are very simple. If you have or want a beam I suggest you order a carved overlay to be put on the beam
with construction adhesive or screws. I do not carve on the beam itself because it is very likely to crack as it
expands and contracts with the heat of the fire.
A traditional mantle will have a top shelf and the carving is usually placed in the front portion under the shelf.
(fig 1) Sometimes the carving is placed on top of the shelf.(fig 2). Many times side pieces will have a separate,
but related carving. Pilasters (the columns on each side) can be added with more carving.
fig. 2
The simplest mantle utilizes just the overlay, perhaps with a simple framework around it. If you choose to have a
framework you can use multiple individual carvings. (fig 3)
fig 3
Step 2: Measure the mantel
If you want a beam the overlay will be the width and height of that beam.
For a traditional mantel measure the desired height, width and depth. If you want to include pilasters
measure their width and height. Decide placement and number of carvings. Be sure that wood will be as far
away from the firebox as your building codes require. 8-12 inches should be enough.
To use just the overlay measure the height and width. If you want a framework around the carving(s) indicate
that and the number of individual carving you desire.
If you want a beam the overlay will be the width and height of that beam.
For a traditional mantel measure the desired height, width and depth. If you want to include pilasters
measure their width and height. Decide placement and number of carvings. Be sure that wood will be as far
away from the firebox as your building codes require. 8-12 inches should be enough.
To use just the overlay measure the height and width. If you want a framework around the carving(s) indicate
that and the number of individual carving you desire.
Step 3: The Carving patterns
You can specify one of the patterns shown here, but I encourage you to personalize them or to request a
theme that has meaning for you. You can send me pictures or just ideas and I will work with you until we
come up with a pattern that is your own.
Birds
Country Church Scene
Deer
Fish
Leaves
If you want a special species of wood please indicate so. If we are going to make the entire mantle indicate
what wood you would like. Oak is the most common wood used for parts not carved. If you want a specific
stain indicate this.
I add just a hint of color to many of my carvings for added interest. If you prefer certain color themes or no
color indicate this.
You can specify one of the patterns shown here, but I encourage you to personalize them or to request a
theme that has meaning for you. You can send me pictures or just ideas and I will work with you until we
come up with a pattern that is your own.
Birds
Country Church Scene
Deer
Fish
Leaves
If you want a special species of wood please indicate so. If we are going to make the entire mantle indicate
what wood you would like. Oak is the most common wood used for parts not carved. If you want a specific
stain indicate this.
I add just a hint of color to many of my carvings for added interest. If you prefer certain color themes or no
color indicate this.
Please call or e-mail to get this
information in a brochure or to discuss
your specific needs.
information in a brochure or to discuss
your specific needs.
fig 1
click for larger pisture
click for larger pisture