A Mantel Piece question

[Phil Mueller]

Quite a number of years ago, I hung a large beam over the fireplace in our cabin. The front was floor to ceiling brick. I don’t remember the actual height that was required above the opening, but I do recall it was easy to research/find. I used rebar. The one thing I remember, is that you need to be careful not to drill holes into the flue. For that reason, I kept the holes well outside the fireplace opening. My pine beam is about 4” thick by 6’ long. I used two holes on each side.

Funny thing is that when I went to dry fit the beam, I couldn’t get it back off...so there it has lived for about 15 years now.

I agree with Tom that your friend should consult with the stonemason.

[Edwin Santos]

I know a woodworker who creates the look you are describing by running stock through a bandsaw with the side guides opened quite a bit. The lateral blade movement will create the roughness and you can vary it. Try it yourself with some scrap.

I think the textured farmhouse look that's all the rage right now is often achieved with sandblasting, another option.

Edwin