Oak Mantel Beams: Choosing and Fitting a Fireplace Beam

A solid oak beam above a fireplace or wood burner is one of the simplest ways to add character to a room. Our oak mantel beams are planed, solid, air dried European oak, sold as single beams. See the full oak mantel beams range.

Sizes we sell

These are nominal sizes. After planing, the finished size is about 6mm less, for example about 144 x 94mm. Weights are estimates based on green oak plus 10% (per the product page).

What “air dried” means

Air dried oak is dried slowly, and the product pages say several years, then planed on all four faces. It shows the golden colour and medullary ray figure of European oak. Cracks, splits, surface checks, knots and colour variation are normal and part of the character, according to the listings, and do not affect strength. Some further checking and movement can occur when the beam settles into a heated room.

If you want a perfectly clean, uniform beam, air dried character oak may not be what you are after.

Choosing a size

A 1.2m beam suits a smaller fireplace or a floating shelf. A 2.4m beam can span wider chimney breasts and can be cut down. A deeper 200mm face gives a more substantial mantel; 150mm is slimmer. Check the chimney breast width and your stove clearances before choosing. Ask us if you are unsure which size will suit your chimney breast.

Fitting safely

Beams are heavy, so plan for a two-person lift.

• Fix only to solid masonry. Do not rely on plasterboard or stud walls.
• Use heavy-duty fixings, such as concealed mantel brackets or threaded steel rods resin-anchored into the wall.
• Keep a safe distance from the fire. Follow your stove or fire manufacturer’s clearance to combustible materials and Building Regulations Approved Document J. If unsure, ask a HETAS registered installer.

Do not fit a beam closer than the manufacturer allows, however good it looks.

Finishing and care

Beams are supplied planed and unfinished. A hard wax oil gives a natural satin finish that shows the grain; dust with a dry cloth and re-oil occasionally. Oak will mellow and darken with age. For a darker tone, test a stain or oil on an offcut first.

Using a beam as a shelf or lintel-style feature

The product pages describe the beams as suitable above a fireplace or wood burner, or as a rustic floating shelf. A floating shelf needs the same careful fixing: the weight of the beam plus anything you place on it must be carried by solid masonry and suitable brackets or rods. These are mantel beams, not structural lintels, so do not use one to carry load from the wall above.

Why oak?

Oak is a dense, hard timber with a long history in British buildings, from roof frames to fireplaces. It is naturally attractive, ages well and takes oil finishes easily. A mantel beam also pairs well with painted or plastered chimney breasts, brick, stone or timber cladding. If you are thinking of a timber feature wall behind the fire, see our internal timber cladding.

What to check before you order

• Measure the chimney breast width and decide how far the beam should overhang each side.
• Check the clearance your stove or fireplace requires between the heat source and the underside of the beam.
• Confirm the wall behind is solid masonry where you will fix.
• Plan how you will lift and hold a 40 to 55kg beam while fixing.
• Decide on your finish and apply it before or after fitting as you prefer, taking care to seal all faces evenly.

More oak for the room

For matching joinery, see our skirting boards and architraves, including red oak skirting boards and architraves.

Trends to watch

Homebuilding & Renovating’s oak beam fireplace round-up points to several directions. Rustic, weathered beams with textured grain are paired with black stoves and natural stone hearths. Solid oak over exposed brick suits period homes. On finish, it says pale, sanded or limed oak stops a chunky beam overpowering a room, while dark stains add depth. It also describes floating beams mounted without visible supports for a cleaner, contemporary look, and advises sealing with beeswax or wood oil.

Our beams are planed, air dried European oak with natural cracks and checks, so they sit at the character end of that spectrum. They are supplied unfinished, which leaves you free to choose a pale, natural or darker finish. Test any finish on an offcut first.

The same article stresses keeping timber clear of the stove as the manual specifies. Whatever look you choose, follow your stove manufacturer’s clearances and Approved Document J.

Sources: https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/fireplace/oak-beam-fireplace-ideas

FAQs

How heavy is the beam?
From about 21kg to 55kg depending on size. Use two people.

Will it crack?
Air dried oak naturally cracks, splits and checks. This is normal and does not affect strength.

How close can it be to a wood burner?
Follow the stove manufacturer’s clearance and Approved Document J. A HETAS registered installer can confirm.

Is delivery included?
Yes, prices include VAT and delivery.

Ask us

Questions on sizes? Request a quote, see our free timber samples and ask what is available or book a site meeting. Call 0161 504 0011.