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Important Facts About Mantels

Recognizing Good Construction

The finest quality mantels are constructed of wide pieces of solid hardwoods selected for consistent color and grain patterns. Cheaper products are made of narrow pieces glued together, often having highly varied colors and grain patterns, making them prone to warping and splitting.

Look for "clear" lumber having few knots, unsanded machine marks, rough surfaces or other avoidable flaws of workmanship.
Moldings and trim pieces should be nailed in place with small inconspicuous brads, with tight-fitting smoothly sanded joints.
Finished mantels should show even staining, protected by a smooth, sealed surface, characteristic of fine furniture, without any open joints or unfilled nail holes.
Collinswood Designs Construction Characteristics

Collinswood Designs combines choice materials and dedicated craftsmanship to create a mantel that will satisfy for generations. Our success derives from attention to details...from initial design to construction, finishing, quality control and packaging.

Selected oaks, cherry and maple. No plywood or by-products are in our mantels.
Careful moisture testing and lumber selection to eliminate warping.
Prudent design and construction to assure tight-fitting joints while allowing for normal wood movement.
Fine detail sanding by hand.
Non-yellowing stains, solvents and sealers are used to avoid discoloration due to ultraviolet light. The only color change will be the natural mellowing of real wood.
Only deep-penetrating oil stains - no sprayed-on surface colors.
Multiple coats of moisture resistant lacquers properly seal the wood. Each layer of finish is hand-rubbed to a smooth soft sheen, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood. You may also choose to order your mantel without finish, or custom stain matching is available.
Each Collinswood Mantel is the result of human accomplishment aided by machine. Each employee deserves both the credit and the responsibility for a job well-done. That's why each mantel proudly bears the signature of the principle assembler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you avoid plywood?

Why do some mantels warp and twist?

Can warping be prevented?

Why buy a factory built mantel?

Will it fit my fireplace?

Why should you avoid plywood?

Poor quality mantels are constructed of plywoods and wood by-products to save cost. While veneers have a legitimate place in quality furniture construction, low-quality plywoods made of cheap "rotar cut" veneers glued to weak core materials are likely to peel apart when exposed to the heat of a fireplace or the moisture absorbed from a masonry wall. Plywoods and wood by-products may also give off toxic fumes slowly over time, polluting our air.

Why do some mantels warp and twist?

After lumber is freshly cut from the log, it is dried before being made into furniture. As it dries, it shrinks and twists unpredictably. If not completely dry before assembly, furniture will warp and joints may spring apart. This is especially a problem for mantels exposed to the drying heat of a fire. Mantels constructed in a dry climate have an advantage since lumber is often drier during construction and less likely to dry any further. All wood furniture can absorb moisture from the environment causing minor swelling. But warping is unlikely if wood is: 1) properly dried at time of assembly and 2) built to anticipate and withstand moisture changes. This applies to plywood as well.

Can warping be prevented?

Prevention is your best approach. First, select your mantel from a reputable manufacturer which guarantees against warping caused by improper drying or faulty construction. Next, your mantel should be sealed with a surface finish such as lacquer, urethanes, etc. These will slow the rate at which wood absorbs or loses moisture, either from the air, or from accidental spills.

Why buy a factory built mantel?

Would you trust your trim carpenter to build your dining room furniture? Then why a complex mantel? With a quality factory-built mantel, you can benefit from the efficiency and experience that comes with specialization. You can also see the design and construction of your mantel before you buy, through catalogs or in-store displays.

Will it fit my fireplace?