A good mantel can bring a fireplace into focus without changing the whole room. The tricky bit is choosing one that looks right above your particular fireplace or stove.
At Riverside Timber Craft, we make solid wood fireplace mantels to order in Corr na Móna, County Galway. Here’s what we’d check before choosing yours.
Why choose a floating fireplace mantel?
A floating mantel gives you the warmth and character of real timber without visible brackets beneath it. It can sit above a fireplace or stove, across a chimney breast, or on a feature wall. The timber, dimensions and finish make it just as suitable for a cottage as for a more contemporary room.
See the different styles in our handmade fireplace mantel collection.
What size fireplace mantel do I need?
Start with the width of your fireplace, stove area or chimney breast. Would you like the mantel to sit neatly within that space, or extend beyond it to make more of a feature? Then think about depth from the wall and the thickness of the timber. A deep, chunky mantel has a very different presence from a slim one.
There isn’t one correct size for every home, especially in older properties or renovated rooms. Measure the space carefully and check the dimensions on the product page before ordering. If you can’t find the size you need, send us your measurements and we’ll let you know what we can make.
Natural or rustic timber finish?
For a lighter look, our Natural Finish Floating Fireplace Mantel is made from solid Douglas Fir and finished with natural wax to show the grain and warm tones of the wood. It works well when you want timber in the room without a darker finish.
If you prefer a richer colour, our Rustic Fireplace Mantel is also solid Douglas Fir, finished with rustic wax that deepens the colour and brings out the grain. It feels at home in a cottage or farmhouse interior, and can add contrast to a modern space too.
For another simple timber option, have a look at our Handmade Floating Fireplace Mantel, finished with clear beeswax.
What about a live edge fireplace mantel?
If you’d rather let the shape of the wood lead the design, a live edge mantel retains more of the timber’s natural outline. Knots, grain, colour variation and irregular edges are part of the appeal.
Our pictured Live Edge Fireplace Mantel and Spalted Beech Fireplace Mantel were one-off pieces that have sold. We can discuss making a similar piece from available timber, but it won’t be an exact copy. That’s the lovely thing about working with real wood: each mantel has its own character.
Can I order a made-to-measure mantel?
Yes, if the listed dimensions don’t suit your fireplace, get in touch about a made-to-measure mantel. Tell us the length, depth and thickness you’re after, and a little about the wall or fireplace it’s going above. We’ll let you know what’s possible. This is particularly helpful for wide chimney breasts, alcoves, stove installations and older homes where standard sizes can feel awkward.
How does a floating mantel fix to the wall?
Our standard floating Douglas Fir mantels come with steel anchor bolts, concrete injection adhesive and a wall drilling template. The right installation method depends on your wall construction and fireplace, so check that the supplied fixings and method are suitable for your particular installation before fitting the mantel. Once fitted, the fixings are hidden and the timber takes centre stage.
Handmade fireplace mantels in Galway
Our standard floating Douglas Fir mantels are made to order at our workshop in Corr na Móna, County Galway. Production typically takes around 3–5 working days before dispatch. We offer delivery throughout Ireland, or you can arrange collection from the workshop.
Real timber varies in grain, knots and colour, so your finished mantel will have its own look. If you’re ready to choose, browse our fireplace mantels. If you need a particular size or would like to talk through a live edge piece, send us a message. We’re happy to help you work out what suits your space.