The Lumber Shack: A Family Owned And Operated Live Edge Wood Supplier
Live Edge Mantels add a natural charm to your fireplace
Shop Live Edge Mantel SlabsWe have a large inventory of live edge wood slabs crafted to create eye-catching fireplace mantels.
We masterfully cut the wood we provide for our Live Edge Mantels
...in a way that emphasizes their natural beauty and character. Our high-quality live edge slabs are kiln dried and heat sterilized in order to ensure that they stay in prime condition. Take a close look at the unique pieces we sell, and you will be pleased that they are set at a price you can afford.
Shop Live Edge Mantel Slabs
Find the wood slab to match the vision for your live edge fireplace mantel project
If you’re looking for a great way to spruce up a boring fireplace, consider making a live edge mantel. Live edge wood slabs have become increasingly popular in the world of interior design and can add a beautiful natural charm to any home.
Here at The Lumber Shack, we have an impressive inventory of Live Edge slabs that would make for stunning live edge mantels. We offer a wide variety of sizes, thicknesses and types of wood. Whatever your preferences may be, we can help you find the right style of wood to compliment the décor of your home.
High quality wood to create a perfect live edge mantel
The Lumber Shack provides high quality, sustainable wood that meets strict quality standards. Our wood slabs are closely scrutinized and virtual listings ensure there are no discrepancies between the slab itself and the product images. We take the guesswork out of buying live edge wood online.
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Every step of this purchase has been smooth!
“Every step of this purchase has been smooth! I have interacted with The Lumber Shack about a number of things and have gotten complete responses and no attitude! I am a newbie to the wooden slab world and had a ton of questions along the way. The slab is AMAZING!”
View Our Google ReviewsWe guide your creativity with tips, inspiration and affordable live edge wood slabs
Our live edge wood slabs fuel your creativity to create live edge mantels, wood table tops, custom tables and any other statement piece for your home. Find tips to guide your woodworking experience, inspiration from other live edge wood creations and great deals on the slabs that make it all possible.
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Helpful tips for selecting your fireplace mantel wood type
We currently stock lumber boards and live edge slabs in the following wood types: walnut, maple, oak, cedar and more. Our products range in price to accommodate many different budgets. We have the most expansive inventory available online so we can provide the live edge mantel slab you’re looking for.
Walnut
Walnut is a popular choice for live edge fireplace mantels. It is a harder and heavier type of wood than most and is extremely durable. The rich dark brown wood is excellent for an impressive fireplace mantel.
Maple
Maple is a popular choice for live edge mantels because it has a unique, swirling grain pattern and a beautiful natural color. Maple wood is also known for its durability and strength, which makes it a great option for a fireplace mantel. A Maple live edge fireplace mantel adds a natural, organic feel to any space. The irregular edges and natural variations in the wood grain give the mantel a rustic, one-of-a-kind look that can't be replicated with manufactured materials.
Oak
An oak live edge fireplace mantel is a stunning and functional choice for anyone looking to add warmth and character to their home's decor. Oak is a popular choice for live edge mantels because it has a distinctive, prominent grain pattern and a warm, inviting color.
Cedar
If you have a preference for a very rustic style, Cedar is a great choice. Cedar typically contains small knots which add a homey feel to any fireplace mantle. Eastern Red Cedar is made up of red and white shades and can be very beautiful as a fireplace mantel.
Due to the natural characteristics of live edge slabs, mantels can vary in width within the length of a single board. This variation in width is determined by the original shape of the log. Narrower mantels can range from about 7 inches wide, or you can select a wider mantel of about 12 inches or more. Most live edge style mantels are around 3.5 to 4 inches thick.
Choosing a style for your Live Edge Mantel
There are three common styles of mantels that are popular to make. The styles are determined by the appearance of the forward surface of the mantel that is facing outward and on display. Unleash your creativity and choose a live edge mantel style that will match the design of your home.
Square Face Mantel
The first style of mantel is square face. Square face is a traditional look and is flat on each side. Square face style mantels are solid wood boards and exhibit the same grain pattern on the bottom, top and face of the mantel.
Natural Face Mantel
The second style is referred to as natural face. Natural face shows off the unique character of the wood and the shape of the log. It may also include marks such as knots or worm tracks.
Bark Face Mantel
Bark face style mantels are a result of when the bark sticks to the wood as it is made. These are perhaps the most rustic looking out of any other style and difficult to find.
How to install your live edge mantel slab
Select Your Slab & Size
When selecting a live edge slab or other wood lumber to create your fireplace mantel the first step is to measure your fireplace surround. You will want to determine the maximum length you need. If you are mounting onto a brick fireplace, then you will want to drill your holes further from the edges so that you don't create cracks.
Next you will decide the size of mantel you want. This includes length and depth. Experts recommend making your mantel 10 inches or less because of weight. You will also need to determine where your mantel will be placed. Anywhere between 52 and 58 inches high is where mantels are most commonly mounted. Create a mark in the middle of the fireplace at the height where you wish to mount.
For New Fireplaces...
Depending on your home and style of fireplace the installation of your wood board mantel may vary. For new fireplaces, you can install your mantel before the stone or brick and attach a support system that will be hidden when the stone or brick is added. You can also use construction cement. After you install the mantel, brick or stone can be placed around it.
For Existing Fireplaces...
For existing fireplaces, the best installation method is to drill holes directly into the mortar joints. Use a hammer drill to put holes where you have marked off. You want to be sure to drill perfectly straight, so the installation is effortless. This is where you will install the mantel using one-inch rods in combination with pressure cement or anchors. You can use a hammer to drive a setting tool into the shoulder of the anchor to expand it against the brick and create a durable mounting spot for your bolts. Next you will need to mark and cut your bolts to the right length. The length of your bolts will be determined by the depth you want. You can cut your bolts using an angle grinder and metal cutting wheel. It is easiest to cut your bolts while they are placed in the holes. You will line up the mantel with the rods, drill matching holes into the mantel and lay it on top of the bolts. You need to be sure that your bolts are all angled correctly, or you will need to straighten them.
Finally...
Finally, push your mantel onto the bolts. You can use small brackets on the corners to steady the mantel, or you may use construction cement to keep it in place.
After all the hard work is done, you can enjoy displaying your unique and beautiful wood fireplace mantel masterpiece.
More live edge furniture options
After creating your live edge fireplace mantel, explore more options for live edge furniture. Your next project could be a solid wood table top, eye-catching live edge river table or other live edge wood creation.