Natural Edge Maple Mantle

Natural Edge Maple Mantel; December 2014.

This slab of spalted Big Leaf Maple was a perfect piece for a mantle. An even flowing edge with a slight swell that was not overly extravagant making a smooth even line that is pleasant to touch.

I built a plywood form of the chimneys chase, cut the miters and put in a few biscuit joints to keep them flat, then clamped it onto the form. As the miters slipped under pressure they where held in place by the form. The mantle has a rebate that runs underneath that fits onto a matching piece that is bolted onto the wall studs, a couple of plugged screws then hold it in place. Dimensions; Inside 55.25″ x 18″ x Wide 9″-11′  x Thick 3.25″