Oak Mantel Pieces
PRODUCT CATEGORIES
At Uk Oak we create solid oak mantels from natural materials so each piece is unique to itself. As our mantels are made from dried pieces of oak, they will contain surface cracks, knots and splits adding to the character of the mantel. Our mantels are available in a planed all round finish or a rough sawn finish with an additional distressing and adzing service available to create the overall finish you desire. Our oak beam mantels are made to order from partially dried untreated oak sleepers, so you can finish with your own favourite colour- by using either an oil, stain or wax. We do supply a range of Treatex Hardwax Oils which are available in a selection of colour tones and sizes to help you achie...
At Uk Oak we create solid oak mantels from natural materials so each piece is unique to itself. As our mantels are made from dried pieces of oak, they will contain surface cracks, knots and splits adding to the character of the mantel. Our mantels are available in a planed all round finish or a rough sawn finish with an additional distressing and adzing service available to create the overall finish you desire. Our oak beam mantels are made to order from partially dried untreated oak sleepers, so you can finish with your own favourite colour- by using either an oil, stain or wax. We do supply a range of Treatex Hardwax Oils which are available in a selection of colour tones and sizes to help you achieve this.
Our oak mantels are crafted from the finest quality European oak. No veneers, no composites – just pure hardwood. We mill our own timber from our UK-based sawmill. Therefore, you are purchasing direct from the manufacturer. This ensures you get the best price possible. Moreover, you get the mantel exactly how you want it.
Our oak mantels are made to order from partially dried oak sleepers. This provides you with two main benefits. Firstly, the oak is stable enough to work with straight away. Secondly, the oak is untreated. Therefore, you have the freedom to finish the mantel however you like. You could oil it to enhance the grain. Alternatively, you could wax it for a satin finish. In addition, you could stain it black. Lastly, you could leave it completely natural.
We offer four distinct finish options. However, we believe the majority of our competitors are lacking here. They may offer you one finish option. However, you are only getting one option.
Planed All Round (PAR) – clean faces on all four sides. It's the modern choice. No texture, clean edges. Ideal for oiling or waxing straight away. A modern look is what you are going for? A particular finish? Then Planed All Round is the option you need.
Rough Sawn is at the other end of the scale. The mantel arrives with saw marks visible, so it has instant character and a traditional look from the word go. It’s what oak beams in old homes would look like before the advent of machine planing. Good for period homes, old homes that you’re renovating, or if you’re after a truly rustic look.
Distressed takes the planed mantel and adds marks such as dents, scratches, and scuff marks to replicate the look of age. We use chains, hammers, and other equipment to get the look. It’s good for a fireplace surround in a renovated barn or farmhouse home where you’d like the mantel to look like it’s been there since the farm was built.
Adzed involves working the surface of the mantel with an adze, a tool designed for working with wood, to get the distinctive gouged look. It’s a very specific look, reminiscent of medieval hall houses and Tudor mansions. It’s got great shadow lines from the adzing that look great in the firelight.
All of these styles are available at the point of order. Pick the one that suits your home best, or call us on 01536 267107 if you’d rather talk through which finish would best suit your individual fireplace.
Now, something important to know: our oak mantels will have cracks, knots, and splits on the surface. This is not a defect; it is a characteristic of working with real, honest-to-goodness solid oak wood. When you are purchasing a 100mm x 100mm section of European oak wood, 1.5 or 2 meters in length, you are purchasing a section of a tree. Trees have knots in them because they had branches. Oak wood splits during the drying process because it is releasing moisture. Oak wood cracks on the surface because it is drying unevenly.
These characteristics prove authenticity. A perfectly uniform and crack-free "oak" mantel piece is likely made of MDF and has a photo-printed wrap. We have real hardwood, and it shows. The cracks add interest, the knots tell a story of the tree's life, and the splits are just oak being oak. If you decide to oil or wax your mantel piece, these characteristics will become even more enhanced and visually appealing.
If you want perfection in modern style, then oak is probably not for you. You'd be better off opting for painted MDF or a concrete surround. But if you want character and beauty that will only improve with age, then you want real oak, imperfections and all.
We have eight different lengths available, from 610mm up to 2440mm, in 100mm x 100mm section. The length of mantel piece you require will depend on the width of your fireplace opening. Generally speaking, you want it to overhang each side by 150-200mm. So if your fireplace is 1200mm wide, then you will want a 1520mm or 1830mm mantel piece from us.
All of our mantel pieces are priced individually and available for online ordering today. We aim for a 7-14 day dispatch as each piece is made to order in your chosen finish. We deliver anywhere in the UK. The cost of shipping will be calculated on checkout based on your postcode and the length of the mantel piece you require.
We also supply matching corbels in solid oak if you want brackets on the underside of your mantel piece for added strength and decoration.
Take a look at the mantels above and select the size and style you require. We will send you a payment receipt within minutes and dispatch your bespoke oak mantel within two weeks.
Want a custom size and/or thickness? We can provide custom cutting for any size and thickness you require. Contact us on 01536 267107 or email sales@uk-oak.co.uk with your details and we will provide you with a quote the same day.
No! This mantel can be installed untreated and finished in place, or you can treat it with an oil/wax prior to installation – whichever you prefer! Both methods work perfectly well.
Well, possibly yes! As oak is a living timber, it will react to any changes in humidity within your home. You may notice new surface cracks appear over the first 12-18 months as the timber fully adjusts to its new home. This is perfectly normal and does not affect the structural integrity whatsoever! This mantel will not fall apart and split in two – just surface checks.
Yes, but refer to Building Regulations for the requirements. In general terms, you must have a minimum of 150mm clearance between the top of the fireplace opening and combustible material (which includes oak). If you are installing above a wood burner or an open fire, you must discuss the position with your installer/HETAS engineer.
Mantels are new oak, cut to order from partially dried sleepers. Reclaimed beams are from old, demolished buildings and can be 100+ years old. Reclaimed beams have historic interest, but there may be nail holes, paint splashes, and sizes will depend on what is available. Our mantels are clean, modern, and cut to the size you want.
If you have a modern interior scheme or a new build, choose planed all round. If your home is old, choose rough sawn or adzed. If you have a renovated barn, choose distressed. If you are really unsure, ring us and we will help. We can advise on what will look best depending on photos of your room.
Yes, we do supply oak corbels, decorative brackets, and these are included in the list of products above. If you want hidden fixings such as French cleats and metal brackets, these will have to be obtained from a builders merchant. The mantel is supplied ready to fit using whatever method your installer prefers.
As these are made to order to your own specifications, including finish, returns are not possible unless there is a fault. Please make sure your measurements are correct before ordering. If you are unsure, ring us before buying and we will help you get it right first time.
