What sizes of timber mantels does Tar River Timber Works offer?
Our timber mantel collection includes 24 ready-to-ship SKUs spanning four width ranges and three depth-and-height profiles. Our width options cover 0–48", 49–60", 61–72", and 73–96" to fit standard hearths and oversized fireplace surrounds. Our depth-and-height profiles measure 3-1/2" x 7-1/4", 5-1/2" x 7-1/4", and 7-1/4" x 7-1/4" — a clean ledge, a substantial beam, and a true 8x8 architectural statement. Each size ships in your choice of Douglas Fir or Western Red Cedar, so you can match the profile and species to your fireplace surround on the same product page.
Which timber species should you choose for your fireplace mantel: Douglas Fir or Western Red Cedar?
Your choice between Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar comes down to grain character, weight, and price point. Our Douglas Fir mantels feature tight vertical grain, a warm amber tone, and a denser feel that suits transitional and craftsman interiors — starting at $215 for the 0–48" profile. Our Western Red Cedar mantels offer a softer reddish-brown color, a lighter mounting weight, and natural decay resistance that performs well in outdoor and screened-porch installations — starting at $300 for the 0–48" profile. Douglas Fir delivers a denser, hardwood-like feel at a lower price; Western Red Cedar delivers a rustic, lightweight option that ages gracefully.
How do you measure your fireplace for a timber mantel?
You measure your fireplace for a timber mantel in three steps:
- You measure the exposed wall width above your firebox so your mantel extends a minimum of 6" beyond each side of the firebox opening (NFPA 211 references this clearance; your local code may require more).
- You measure the vertical clearance from the top of the firebox to your chosen mantel bottom — most building codes require 12" of clearance for a mantel projecting up to 1-1/2" from the wall, plus additional clearance for deeper projections.
- You select the depth that matches your design intent — a 3-1/2" depth reads as a clean ledge, a 5-1/2" depth reads as a substantial shelf, and a 7-1/4" depth delivers a true beam profile.
How are Tar River timber mantels installed?
Our timber mantels mount to your fireplace surround using a concealed hardware system. Your installer drills a row of holes into the back of the mantel, fastens a steel cleat or threaded-rod system into your wall studs or masonry, and slides the mantel over the embedded anchors for a clean, hardware-free face. Each solid Douglas Fir or Western Red Cedar mantel ships sanded and ready for finish, so you can stain, oil, or seal the wood before mounting. Tar River Timber Works supplies installation guidance through our spec sheets and care and maintenance resources.
What finishes can you apply to a raw timber mantel?
Our raw timber mantels accept oil, stain, sealer, paint, and clear lacquer finishes. You can darken your Douglas Fir mantel with a walnut or jacobean stain, enrich your Western Red Cedar mantel with a clear penetrating oil, or leave the mantel unfinished for a matte, natural look. Tar River sands every mantel before shipping, so your finish absorbs evenly without additional prep. Our care and maintenance guide details recommended products and reapplication intervals for indoor and outdoor mantel installations.
Why buy timber mantels from Tar River Timber Works?
Tar River Timber Works mills every mantel from solid Douglas Fir or Western Red Cedar at our Oxford, North Carolina shop. Our mantels ship as solid timbers — not veneered MDF and not hollow box mantels — for a substantial feel and a longer service life. We serve architects, designers, builders, and homeowners through trade pricing, custom order support, and a project archive you can browse on our portfolio page. Our pricing starts at $215 and scales transparently by size and species, so you can budget your fireplace upgrade without waiting on a custom quote.
How does Tar River ship your timber mantel order?
We ship every timber mantel order from our Oxford, NC mill via parcel or motor freight depending on length and weight. Our 0–48" and 49–60" mantels typically ship UPS or FedEx ground; our 61–72" and 73–96" mantels ship by motor freight to your jobsite or residence. You receive tracking on dispatch, and our shipping page lists current lead times, carrier options, and freight policies. Damaged-in-transit claims fall under our returns policy — Tar River replaces or refunds any mantel that arrives unfit for installation.
Frequently asked questions about Tar River timber mantels
How much do Tar River timber mantels cost?
Our timber mantels cost between $215 and $880, depending on species, depth, and width. Douglas Fir mantels in the 3-1/2" x 7-1/4" x 0–48" profile start at $215, and Western Red Cedar mantels in the 7-1/4" x 7-1/4" x 73–96" profile reach $880.
What is the largest stock timber mantel size Tar River offers?
Our largest stock mantel measures 7-1/4" x 7-1/4" x 73–96" in either Douglas Fir or Western Red Cedar. Our custom order form accepts requests for longer lengths and alternative species.
Are Tar River mantels solid wood?
Yes. Tar River Timber Works mills every mantel from solid Douglas Fir or Western Red Cedar — no veneers and no hollow-box construction.
Can a timber mantel be installed over a gas or wood-burning fireplace?
Yes, with code-compliant clearance. You should confirm your local building code minimums and your firebox manufacturer's clearance specs before mounting any combustible timber mantel.
Does Tar River offer trade pricing for designers and builders?
Yes. Designers, architects, builders, and contractors can apply for a trade account for tiered pricing and direct project support.
How long is the lead time on a stock timber mantel?
Our stock Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar mantels ship from our Oxford, NC mill within standard processing times listed on our shipping page. Custom orders carry their own lead times confirmed at quote.
Ready to order your timber mantel? Browse the 24 Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar mantel SKUs in the grid above, or request a custom mantel if your fireplace requires a length, species, or profile outside our stock range.
