Reclaimed Fireplace Mantel

Have you ever wondered how to refresh a reclaimed fireplace mantel? My process involves scraping, sanding, washing and waxing!

If you have been following me for a while, you may know that a friend of mine found this amazing mantel in Round Top, Tx a few years ago. I really wanted a reclaimed fireplace mantel for our Florida house.  Since I love architectural salvage items and the charm they bring to one’s home, I felt a mantel would be the perfect addition to our living area. 

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She sent me pictures of 4 different mantels she found and I just fell in love with this one! The mantel was originally in a home in New Orleans, LA.  Home improvement or redecorating projects are known for taking much much longer than one would like.  To be honest, after the mantel was scraped, sanding and prepped, it was a year and a half before it got installed in the house.  But it was worth the wait!

Let me share the process I went through to refresh it and install it in our home. 

Reclaimed Fireplace Mantel

Why Choose a Reclaimed Mantel

One of the most persuasive reasons to choose a reclaimed fireplace mantel is the distinctive character it can bring to a space. Each reclaimed mantel comes with its own story.  Reclaimed pieces have weathered the test of time.  They offer a depth of character that new materials simply cannot replicate. This unique charm helps add a sense of heritage and timeless beauty to your home.  By selecting a reclaimed mantel,  your fireplace will be a focal point for your home. 

Additionally, reclaimed fireplace mantels are an environmentally friendly choice. By repurposing materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill, you are contributing to the reduction of waste and promoting sustainable practices. This aspect is particularly appealing in today’s eco-conscious world, where homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint. Choosing a reclaimed mantel not only enhances your home’s décor but also aligns with green living values.

Reclaimed mantels often come with superior craftsmanship. Older materials were frequently hand-crafted with a level of detail and durability that is hard to find in modern mass-produced items. This means you are likely to get a high-quality, long-lasting piece that adds both beauty and value to your home. Whether it’s the intricate carvings of an antique wooden mantel or the sturdy elegance of reclaimed stone, these pieces are built to stand the test of time.

The Refreshing Process

In true Kim fashion, it bounced around in the back of my van for several weeks. I finally asked my husband to help me get the mantel out of the van and into the garage so I could start working on it.   

After brushing the cobwebs off of the mantel, the first step was to scrape off as much of the loose paint as possible.

I still had more scraping to do , especially on the top. At some point, someone painted the top of the mantel with latex paint.

My husband found a different scraper and started helping me.

Once he got most of the latex paint off of the top, I got my hand sander out and went to work.

It was a little hot and humid and my goggles kept fogging up but I managed to get the top sanded.  I also used the scraper on the front of the mantel and got almost all of the yucky brown paint off of it.  Once I was done, I washed the mantel using a rag dampened with a solution of water and oil based wood cleaner and let it dry. 

The final step was to wax it before installing it in the living room. 

Once the fireplace mantel was refreshed, it was time to mark the space I had picked out in the living room. We were having some other work done at the time, so I enlisted two of the guys to help me.  Because I was going to be decorating the mantel, I didn’t want it to fall over or pull away from the wall.  The guys located the studs in the wall. 

They used three drywall Molly bolts to secure the mantel. 

I actually had them secure the mantel to the wall before we had the flooring redone. 

This is a view of the room from our dining nook after the mantel was installed but before the flooring was changed. 

After the flooring:

Getting rid of the carpet and installing new flooring was one of the best things we have done to the inside of our home! 

Several months later, we finally put the finishing touch on the fireplace wall by adding an old window.  This window was originally in the Bement United Methodist Church parsonage in Bement, IL.  The pastor’s wife gave it to me when they had the windows replaced.  It hung over the fireplace in our Ivesdale farmhouse for a number of years until we brought it with us to Florida.  It remained wrapped up in a packing blanket for longer than I care to admit before we finally got it hung up! 

I have enjoyed decorating it for the various seasons since we got it attached to the wall. This is what it currently looks like:

Where Can I Find A Reclaimed Fireplace Mantel

Finding a reclaimed mantel takes a little bit of time and effort.  Architectural salvage yards are an excellent place to start if you have one in your area.  These establishments specialize in rescuing and repurposing materials from old buildings, offering a wide range of unique mantels as well as other types of architectural salvage such as doors, windows and woodwork. Visiting a salvage yard allows you to see and feel the mantels in person, ensuring you find one that meets your aesthetic and quality standards.

Local antique shops and flea markets (also known as brocantes)  can also be treasure troves for finding reclaimed mantels. These venues often have unique pieces that you might not find elsewhere. Networking with local builders, interior designers, and home renovation experts can also lead to great finds, as these professionals often have connections to sources of reclaimed materials. By exploring these various avenues, you are sure to find a reclaimed mantel that is both beautiful and well-crafted.

Another avenue would be online marketplaces.  Websites dedicated to architectural salvage, as well as general online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, often list a variety of options. When purchasing online, read descriptions carefully and ask for additional photos or information if needed. Verify the seller’s reputation through reviews and ratings to ensure you are dealing with a reputable source. Also, with an online purchase there will be shipping involved so that could add quite a bit to the price. 

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