This white oak mantel was originally a what is called sleeper beam. Think of it as a big floor joist. Instead of 2-by material, they took a log and hand-hewed two sides. The floor was then attached to the hand-hewn side. This particular piece sports a tree, light face with light-colored sapwood. On the top, you can see the darker hardwood with the hand-hewn marks. On the bottom, we needed to cut the side off to remove some rot.

This piece could have the hand-hewn side up or down, depending on your taste and needs. Oftentimes, the cut flat tops are great for mantel decor.

The original hand-hewn log came from a late 1800s vintage granary in New Germany, Minnesota. The granary had been taken down 12 years before and was sitting as a pile of logs sitting in a shed.  The old granaries were relatively small, but very important buildings on the farm. They stored the year’s harvest of grain. These buildings were well maintained because it was like preserving money in the bank. From sleeper beam to a wonderful mantel, what a transformation. I bet they never imagined their work being used as a fireplace mantel 140 years later.

While this mantel is listed as 92in, it is priced at 80inches. There’s probably a smaller section on this piece that is ideal for the right setting. We will cut down and re-finish the ends at no additional charge.

It can be shipped will depend on final length, but will range from about $125 to $150 via FedEx Ground to anywhere in the lower 48 states

About the Tag: Icy Heart. Can I melt your Icy Heart? Be Mine. What can I say, we love the old valentines. They are such a piece of nostalgia. I’d guess that this one is from the 1960s.