This particular batch of oak beams was cut about 25 years ago and was intended to be used to build a timber frame house. Sadly, that never happened. So, the 6×6, 8×8, and 8×10 oak timbers sat and dried in a headed shouse (shed/house) over the years. We acquired the pile in 2022 and have been working it into fantastic oak mantel shelves and mantel beams. The beams are technically white oak, which naturally has some wonderful warm neutral hues of creams and ivories. In addition, white oak also naturally reacts with ammonia to darken all the way to a nearly coffee black.  So we can go in that direction as well. Treating with ammonia preserves the natural range of colors in the wood and does not freshly accent the wood grains like a typical stain. There are a few samples pictures at the end of the photo set that show other finished beams from the same batch.

This shelf has been sanded, but no finish has been applied. We are happy to work with you to navigate the colors and sheen to finish this one up. That’s included in the price.

This piece shows some natural checking and cracks that are indicative of solid, natural beams. We epoxy-filled a large crack on the bottom. With that lighter splating-like character on the right top and bottom, we have priced this one based on 5ft. Between the spalting and the filled crack, I am more inclined to say that this oak mantel shelf is best finished in the medium to dark color range.

This oak mantel shelf is solid. In most cases, assembled boxes look like that — artificial, assembled boxes. It’s tough to find a good alternative to solid material. But therein lies the challenge. Big wood is difficult to dry. We often say that drying wood is a bit like cooking meat. A 1in steak cooks in 10 minutes or less — leaving it a little raw in the middle. A 4in or 5in roast can take hours. The same is true of drying wood in kiln. If not done right, the middle is still wet (and raw). Wet wood can warp, crack, twist, and do other unexpected things. We don’t want that. Since this batch was sitting in a shouse for 25 years, it is dry and has become what-you-see-is-what-you-get. It shouldn’t yield any surprises.

This particular natural white oak mantel is currently 4.75in tall x 9.25in deep x 72in long. (priced at 60in) It can be cut down to size and re-finished for no additional cost.

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

About the tag – Booklet about Profitable Guernseys. I’m not a farmer, so I know very little about cows. It turns out that Guernseys never gained significant popularity even though they are priced for their quality, high-butterfat, high-protein milk. Guernsey milk is often used to make cheese, butter, and other dairy products.