This reclaimed wood mantel displays a nice balance of rustic charm and modern elegance. This mantel is the real deal. Going on its third chapter of life — first as a tree, next as a barn beam, and now as a fireplace mantel, this piece has seen nearly 200 years of history. With a mildly hewn face and a cut top, this balanced style can fit well into both a cozy cottage and a contemporary home. The authenticity of a real barn beam with ax marks from over 100 years ago really is amazing. To think that this beam was worked by hand as folks settled the American landscape gives me pause all the time. In our workshop, we carefully clean, sand, and finish each piece — just adding a bit to the work that’s already been done by nature and history.

This piece is reclaimed white oak, which really is the wood of choice for the best reclaimed mantels. It has great grain characteristics as well as wonderful color. The face and bottom exhibits original 1800s vintage hand hewing. The cut top reveals the beautiful wood grains. There is an original mortise pocket on the face that has been filled — a testament to the original use. The pocket is where two beams once came together. The pegs that held the adjoining beam in place pierce the top and bottom of the mantel.

The original beam came from an old barn in West Bend, Wisconsin dating back to the late 1800s. We purchased this wood from an Amish gentleman who lives out in the rolling hills of Southwest Wisconsin. That area is still dotted with small farms where the cows and other livestock wander out in the pasture. It’s not like the modern farms that we see by our place in Minnesota with hundreds of cows stuffed in a tin building. It is great to see agriculture the way that I remember it as a kid.

This reclaimed wood mantel is a little more expensive that average because of the nearly 7ft length. We can cut this mantel shorter and refinish the ends for an additional for no additional cost. It does have a minor twist on the back. To preserve the depth, this is probably best left as-is and shimmed behind the stonework upon install.

It can be shipped anywhere in the lower 48 states via FedEx Gnd for $150

About the tag – Surprise Shower is a page out of Peggy Parish’s Amelia Bedelia and the Surprise Shower. Peggy Parish debuted her first Amelia Bedelia book in 1963 — 60 years ago already.