Tips for Buying a Reclaimed Wood Mantel

Reclaimed wood fireplace mantels offer unmatched charm, character, and sustainability—but if you’ve never purchased one before, it’s easy to overlook key details that can affect your satisfaction down the line. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some tips for buying a reclaimed wood mantel and what to look out for.

Understand Wood Quality and Characteristics

Reclaimed wood is full of history—and personality. Every mantel or beam tells a story, but not all reclaimed wood is created equal. At Dakota Timber Co., all of our mantels are handcrafted from sustainably sourced, 100% American reclaimed wood.

What to Look For:

Solid Construction: Avoid mantels that are overly dry, cracked beyond surface character, or pieced together from multiple fragments.
Moisture Content: Beams and timbers that are going to be used for residential purposes should be kiln-dried to prevent warping or shifting once installed indoors. This also eliminates any fungus or bugs that might have been present in the wood prior to processing.
Sourcing Transparency: Reputable suppliers will tell you where the wood came from (barns, industrial buildings, etc.), and how it was processed. Our beams typically come from agricultural buildings and barns that are torn down in the upper Midwest.

Choose the Right Dimensions

One of the most common mistakes? Misjudging the size of your space and choosing a mantel that’s either too big or too small. Measure carefully and always mock up dimensions with painter’s tape or cardboard before committing.

How to Get It Right:

Length: Ideally, your mantel should extend 3–6 inches beyond the fireplace opening on each side.
Depth: Make sure it doesn’t protrude so far that it interferes with a TV, artwork, or safety regulations.
Height/Thickness: A thicker mantel has more visual weight—great for rustic spaces—while thinner options offer a more modern, streamlined look.

Consider Your Style and Aesthetic

A reclaimed wood mantel can anchor a room—but only if it complements the overall style of your space. At Dakota Timber Co., we offer a range of styles—from rustic and hand-hewn to resawn and live-edge—so you can find the perfect match for your home.

Tips for Getting It Right:

Browse inspiration photos or mood boards that match your room’s aesthetic.
Consider live edge or curved lines for a natural, organic vibe—or go with squared edges and smooth surfaces for a more modern look.
Ask your supplier if they offer different styles or custom cuts to better suit your vision.

Think About the Finish

Finish plays a big role in both appearance and durability. While we love the look of our raw, unfinished mantels, customers often find that finishing them with an optional clear-coat is preferred. A clear coat will often make cleaning a bit easier and provide an even tone (though it will slightly darken the overall tone of the wood as well).

Things to Keep In Mind:

Choose a pre-finished mantel if you want a consistent, sealed look. This can be achieved with a stain or clearcoat.
Prefer a natural oil or low-sheen polyurethane for a finish that enhances character without looking shiny or artificial. We use a high-quality, water-based poly for our clearcoat.
Always check if your supplier offers custom finish options—or if the wood is unfinished so you can DIY to your exact taste. Dakota Timber accepts custom orders if you have a specific size / style / finish in mind.

Consider Your Mounting Needs

Before you install your mantel, you are going to want to make sure that you have a secure mounting plan in place. Dakota Timber Co. provides the option to add a heavy-duty bracket with your mantel purchase. They’re easy to install and designed to keep your mantel secure and level.

Avoid These Mistakes:

Buying without Brackets: Don’t assume your mantel comes with mounting hardware. All Dakota Timber Co. mantels come pre-drilled with our floating mantel bracket holes and the mantel bracket is an Add-On. However, many suppliers may not provide this option.
Not Considering Wall Type: Mounting to drywall, brick, or stone requires different hardware and approaches. Typically our bracket system can be installed to a variety of walls, but we do often have different suggestions if you are installing on stone or brick (use of drywall screws, etc.)
Underestimating Weight: Solid wood mantels can be heavy—and need proper support. Grab a buddy to help you lift and hang your bracket.

Account for Shipping and Handling Costs

Reclaimed wood is heavy and not easily replaceable if damaged in transit. Make sure your supplier is transparent about shipping costs and packaging. We offer free shipping to the lower 48 states, and we package every piece carefully to ensure it arrives safely.

Final Thoughts

A reclaimed wood mantel is more than just a piece of wood on your fireplace—it’s a statement. And in the case of Dakota Timber mantels, it's a piece of history. We hope you'll consider Dakota Timber Company when you are researching and choosing your reclaimed wood fireplace mantel.