Alter Eagle
MASTER CARPENTER
Serving the San Francisco North Bay
MASTER CARPENTER
Serving the San Francisco North Bay
Our Fireplace mantels are custom designed unique pieces
We can build from images or use elements from our examples
Every mantel is from our local woodworking shop made for your fireplace measured and installed by a master carpenter
A mantel surround has two columns with a top section called an entablature that frames the fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds have traditionally been the most popular for mantel designs.
Novato mantel surround with an arched frieze that matches the insert
When updating an existing fireplace with an insert and tiling the face that work is typically done before the surround is measured and installed. I go over the process with you during the site visit. The surrounds are primed and installed then the final paint or stain is done in place.
An overmantel is a fireplace mantel with a decorative section above, typically of a similar mantel design. Traditionally an overmantel was a panel that framed a painting or mirror, today it's popular again for flat screens.
Ross overmantel with an upper panel that ties into the rooms crown
Fireplace overmantels sit on the lower surround. When an inset is used for the wall above that usually requires some rough framing. If the overmantel is going over brick that may need some prep work for the panels and the wiring in place for a TV when they are used.
A fireplace mantel shelf is the top entablature section only. Crown molding is typically used to give the mantel shelf depth.
Penngrove mantel shelf on top of an existing stone fireplace
Fireplace mantel shelves are most often installed on top of existing brick. They can also be placed over a flat surface and have corbel supports.
Fireplace cabinets built in to match the mantels.
Typically the cabinets are open shelf for the TV components.
Sonoma fireplace surround and overmantel with full height cabinets
Fireplace cabinets can be built to go with the mantels in many configurations from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. When used for TV componets they are typically open shelf so they work with the infrared IR. If you are planning on a TV I would need to know the size and usually the wiring would be in place.
Other fireplace mantel designs and some close up details.
Sebastopol fireplace mantel by an interior designer in a craftsman
Fireplace mantel design also need to take into account clearance to combustables, and are largely determined by the firebox or insert size. I can work with you or your designer from images you like or mix and match design elements from the mantels I have built previously.
You can telephone, text or email to set up a site visit.
I can go over the design and estimate the cost onsite.
The paint grade fireplace mantels are usually primed the stain grade are sanded and ready for finishing. They are installed then given their final finish onsite.