Rustic Fireplace Mantels
If you are looking for a unique fireplace mantel and with an air natural beauty, marble or stone mantels may not be the best choice. A rustic fireplace mantel made from wood, however, may fit your tastes perfectly.
Why Rustic Mantels Are So Popular
One of the biggest consumer markets for rustic fireplace mantels are people who appreciate nature even when it's in its more unpolished forms. The charm of rustic mantels comes from the fact they are typically made from lumber that may not appear completely finished, which lends to its handmade charm. They are very affordable and ideal for casual settings, unlike many cultured and cast stone mantels. Rustic fireplace mantels also, almost always, have a one-of-a-kind appearance due primarily to the individual variations within the grain and shape of the wood itself.
Finished or Unfinished
The two main types of rustic fireplace mantels are finished and unfinished. Finished pieces are ones that have been cut into symmetrical planks or logs. They are typically sanded smooth and often finished with a glossier lacquer or sealant. Finished pieces tend to look more modern than unfinished pieces, but they still maintain that unique appearance based on the color and grain of the wood being used to make them.
Unfinished rustic mantels are some of the most unusual while also being unmistakably one of a kid. Unfinished pieces are made from whole branches of trees that are not sanded or planked and still retain their natural outer surface. Because they are not cut, these pieces also retain the slight twists and curvature of the branch, creating a beautiful, albeit not always functional, frame and shelf for your fireplace. Like finished pieces, unfinished rustic mantels have to be coated with a sealer as well in order to protect the wood, however, it tends to be slightly less glossy to maintain a more natural appearance.
Choosing Your Wood
The best woods to use for creating rustic mantels are those with the most variation within the grain. The color of wood, along with the variations of color within the same timber, are also a key factor when choosing. While some woods are easier to work with than other types, nearly any wood can be transformed into a beautiful rustic fireplace mantel.
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