Mantels

Our skilled craftsman in Bozeman, Montana, transform antique timbers into fireplace mantels at MRL North, our retail outlet location set in Four Corners. Separate from our production facility, this yard caters to the public, allowing for same day pickup, by-the-board sales, wholesale bundles, and mantelpieces.

MRL North has a dedicated staff eager to help fulfill your reclaimed lumber needs located at 81601 Gallatin Road, Four Corners, MT, 59718. 406-585-5953.

A distinctive fireplace mantel speaks volumes, and our collection is truly unmatched. From rare, limited-edition hand-hewn French oak beams dating back to the 1600s to rustic barn beams from the 1800s to beautifully re-sawn hardwood timbers, we offer mantels to suit every design style and budget. At our retail location in Four Corners, MT, our skilled team can expertly detail and finish your mantel, or you can opt for a raw timber to customize yourself.

With 70-100 dry and detailed mantels ready to go in our warehouse combined with 100’s of raw timbers in our yard, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect centerpiece to elevate your space.

COMMON MANTEL SOURCES

HAND-HEWN TIMBERS

To hew a log is to transform its natural round shape into a timber with either two or four roughly flat surfaces, creating two-sided or four-sided hand-hewn beams, respectively. Before the advent of sawmills and lumberyards, skilled craftsmen relied on hand tools like broad axes and adzes, along with immense effort and precision, to shape logs into usable timbers.

This meticulous process left distinctive adze marks, which lend each beam a unique character and authenticity while honoring the lost art of hand-hewing. Many of these beams still feature original mortise pockets and tenons from their historical joinery. Since each timber was crafted by hand using locally sourced logs, the dimensions and wood species naturally vary, adding to the individuality and charm of this reclaimed material.

ORIGINAL PATINA TIMBERS

Crafted from the dense, tightly grained wood of old-growth trees, these antique timbers once served as the structural backbone for agricultural buildings, factories, warehouses, hangars, shipyards, and other commercial structures. Produced after the rise of industrial milling, these timbers showcase impressive durability and craftsmanship.

Their sizes range from 4” x 4” to massive dimensions like 16” x 32” and beyond, making them versatile for a wide array of modern applications while preserving their historic significance and character.

RESAWN (MILLED) TIMBERS

Every piece of reclaimed lumber tells a story, bearing the marks of its previous life. While years of use can leave their mark on the surface, we breathe new life into these timbers by resawing them to reveal the hidden beauty within.

The resawn surface not only highlights the timber’s rich character but also provides a smooth, clean finish that readily accepts stains and other treatments. This makes it an excellent choice for projects requiring a consistent color palette or a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, while preserving the charm of reclaimed wood.

DETAILING OPTIONS

Appearance

Full Detail – Brushed, occasional chisel work, and sanded. The goal is to preserve the character while making the mantel smooth enough to be wiped/cleaned easily.

Light Detail – Nylon brushed. Small amount of sanding. Semi-rough to the touch.

Raw stock – As-is timber from the structure. No sanding or processing.

ends

During the demolition process, timber ends are often cut, leaving an unfinished appearance. To enhance their versatility, we’ve perfected two distinct end detailing options to suit your project’s aesthetic.

For a rustic, textured look, our distressed end option retains subtle character marks while ensuring the surface is smooth enough for easy cleaning. If you prefer a sleeker, refined finish, we offer a cut-and-polished option, resulting in a finely sanded, clean end-grain appearance. Whichever style you choose, our expertly crafted end details add the perfect finishing touch to your reclaimed timber project.

MORTISE POCKETS/DUTCHMEN

Concerned about the holes you see in the beams? These are remnants of the original joinery that gave the structure its incredible strength and durability over the years. To suit your desired design aesthetic, we offer various methods to fill or highlight these features, ensuring the perfect balance of authenticity and style.

MOUNTING BRACKETS

Our custom-fit steel brackets provide a secure and seamless solution for mounting your fireplace mantel. These brackets can be mounted directly to the back of the mantel or recessed into the back (let-in), allowing for a flush installation against the wall or fireplace. Not sure which option works best? Our team is here to help you make the right choice for your project!

EPOXY*

Nails, knots, checking, and other historical defects can be filled with epoxy to create a smooth, flat face or top. *Epoxy can only be poured on resawn (fresh sawn) surfaces.

FINISH

We offer both water and oil-based finish options, to allow for easier cleaning and protection of your mantelpiece, as well as adding character.

REMOTE MANTEL SALES

We average about 3-5 hours per remote mantel in back-and-forth communication plus freight time.
Due to the high demand and volume of our mantel offerings, remote mantel orders require a non-refundable $300 deposit to cover pulling timbers, taking photos, and the back-and-forth communications to ensure you understand what you are purchasing. This deposit is credited towards the cost of the final mantel price.

Contact us

Every mantel is unique, and we highly suggest coming to our retail location to see the the one-of-a-kind collection firsthand. We are located at 81601 Gallatin Road, Four Corners, MT, 59718. If you are unable to come in but would like to learn more, please give us a call at 406-585-5953.