Mega Mantel

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I've been working on this mantel for over a month. It's made of African Padauk wood from Owl Lumber in Des Plaines, IL. Tom Coyne introduced me to Owl Lumber several months ago and I am now fantically devoted to them. Owl has the best hardwood lumber in Chicago. I made a buck out of plywood so the mason could run the stone around and tight to the mantel's profile. Once the stone is set, the mantel will be slightly recessed into the stone, allowing it to appear like it was set in real load bearing stone (I hope).