Author: mwcms

If you live in Colorado and crave the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern craftsmanship, barn wood mantels are your secret weapon. These sturdy, character-rich pieces bring warmth, history, and uniquely textured beauty to any room. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know when choosing barn wood mantels from Colorado Wood & Metal, with a voice as friendly and grounded as a Rocky Mountain sunrise.

Why Choose Barn Wood Mantels?

1. Timeless Character & Story
Each barn wood mantel is a piece of history. Salvaged from old barns in the Midwest, these mantels display natural patina, hand‑hewn axe marks, and authentic weathered charm. No two pieces are the same, each has a story to tell.

2. Built to Last
Reclaimed barn wood has already weathered decades, even centuries. Having expanded, contracted, and aged gracefully, it’s highly stable, resilient, and less likely to warp over time.

3. Eco-Friendly Choice
By choosing reclaimed materials, you’re helping reduce demand for newly harvested lumber and keeping beautiful wood out of landfills. It’s a win for your home and for the planet.

4. Versatile Aesthetic
Barn wood mantels fit seamlessly across styles from rugged mountain cabins to sleek modern homes. Whether it’s a raw, rustic vibe or a cleaner live edge look, they elevate the space beautifully.

Colorado-Style Custom Mantels by Colorado Wood & Metal

When you choose barn wood mantels from Colorado Wood & Metal you’re investing in a one‑of‑a‑kind statement piece handcrafted right here in Boulder:

• Local Craftsmanship & Premium Materials
  CO Wood & Metal runs its own kiln and sawmill and maintains extensive inventory of antique barn wood and live edge slabs.
• Reclaimed Mantel Legacy
  Our reclaimed fireplace mantels carry visible hand‑hewn marks from ancestral craftsmanship. These authentic touches make each mantel feel alive.
• Colorado Delivery
  We proudly serve Denver Metro and nearby mountain towns—including Evergreen, Morrison, Conifer, and Genesee.
• One‑on‑One Design
  You can choose lengths, wood types, and finishes to match your vision. Whether it’s a salvage patina or a smooth live edge, your mantel reflects your style.

Types of Barn Wood Mantels & Finishes

CO Wood & Metal offers diverse barrel‑aged textures that let you tailor your mantel’s vibe:

• Hand‑Hewn – Bold axe marks, raw edges, rich character. The most rustic finish.
• Rough Sawn – Milled by early machinery; smoother with angular faces but still full of history.
• Resawn Box Beam – For more precise dimensions and easier installation, CO Wood & Metal may offer hollow box‑beam alternatives trimmed from reclaimed cores. These are lighter, uniform, and optionally finished.

Practical Considerations for Installation & Maintenance

Installation Notes:

• Keep at least 12 inches above your fireplace opening to meet safety guidelines.
• Box beams simplify handling and installation without sacrificing authenticity.

Sealing & Finishing:

• Many choose to preserve the natural patina as-is. A light wax or sealant can soften texture while retaining color.
• Custom staining is an option if you’re seeking a tailored finish.

5 Colorado-Ready Tips for Selecting Your Barn Wood Mantel

1. Set Dimensions First: Measure carefully, especially if a standard size won’t do—custom options are CO Wood & Metal’s specialty.
2. Pick a Texture: For rugged mountain vibes, bloom a hand‑hewn look; for modern rustic, consider rough sawn or resawn box beam styles.
3. Visit Our Boulder Shop: Browse slabs and mantel options in person—see the textures, feel the wood, and talk to our artisans.
4. Local Delivery Matters: We deliver across Denver Metro and mountain towns—no shipping headaches, no markups.
5. Sustainability = Style: Reclaimed barn wood mantels are eco-conscious, storied, and endlessly charming.

Crafted Character, Colorado Style

Barn wood mantels offer a unique opportunity to elevate your Colorado home with warmth, craftsmanship, and eco-style. With Colorado Wood & Metal, you’re not just buying a mantel, you’re bringing home a piece of history, handcrafted for modern-day mountain living.

Ready to transform your home with a truly authentic, sustainably sourced barn wood mantel? Reach out to our friendly team, explore options in Boulder, or schedule a visit. Your perfect mantel, rich in story and built for life, is ready when you are.

If you’ve ever come across a rustic, natural wood slab with an irregular edge, you may have encountered living edge wood. This stunning material has become a favorite in interior design, furniture making, and custom wood projects. At Colorado Wood & Metal, we specialize in turning living edge wood into beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces, combining our passion for woodworking with our commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.

In this blog, we’ll explain what living edge wood is, why it’s so sought after, and how it can be used in your home or business projects.

What is Living Edge Wood?

Living edge wood, also known as live edge wood, refers to slabs or pieces of wood that retain the natural, organic edge of the tree from which they were cut. Unlike traditional woodwork, where the edges are typically straight and uniform, living edge wood maintains the natural curves, bumps, and contours of the tree’s growth. The edges may have bark or a smooth, polished finish depending on how the wood is processed.

The beauty of living edge wood lies in its irregularity. Each slab is unique, offering a natural, rustic appearance that adds character to any project. It’s like bringing a piece of nature inside, showcasing the tree’s history and individuality.

Why is Living Edge Wood Popular?

Live edge wood has gained popularity for several reasons:

1. Natural Aesthetic: The raw, unrefined edges bring a unique and organic touch to any space. The natural lines and textures make each piece one-of-a-kind, making it perfect for people who want furniture or décor with character.
2. Versatility: Living edge wood can be used for a wide range of projects, from coffee tables and countertops to shelves, mantels, and even wall panels. Its rustic charm fits well in modern, industrial, and farmhouse-inspired spaces.
3. Sustainability: Many living edge wood pieces are made from reclaimed or salvaged wood, giving new life to old trees. This makes it an eco-friendly choice for environmentally-conscious consumers.
4. Customization: Because living edge wood is custom-cut, you can find or create pieces that are specifically designed to fit your needs. Whether you’re designing a large conference table or a small home accent piece, living edge wood can be tailored to your vision.

The Process of Creating Living Edge Wood Pieces

At Colorado Wood & Metal, we take pride in turning raw, reclaimed wood into stunning custom pieces. The process begins with selecting the perfect slab of living edge wood, which is carefully dried and stabilized in our kiln. This ensures that the wood is free of moisture, preventing warping or cracking in the future.

Once the wood is properly dried, our skilled craftsmen begin the process of milling and finishing. Depending on the desired look, we may keep the bark on the edges for a more natural appearance, or we may smooth the edges to create a more refined yet still organic feel.

The final touch involves sanding and sealing the wood to bring out its natural beauty, while also ensuring that it remains durable for years to come.

Applications of Live Edge Wood

Living edge wood is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your living or working space. Here are some popular applications:

1. Furniture: One of the most common uses for living edge wood is furniture. Tables (especially dining and coffee tables) are popular, but chairs, benches, and desks also work beautifully with this material. Each piece of furniture will have a unique design due to the natural variations in the wood.
2. Countertops: Kitchen and bar countertops made from living edge wood bring a natural, warm feeling to the heart of the home. The wood’s organic shape makes it stand out from traditional, straight-edged countertops, adding both beauty and functionality.
3. Wall Panels and Shelving: For a truly rustic, cabin-like atmosphere, living edge wood can be used for wall panels or shelving. The irregular lines on the edges of each piece create a more visually interesting, dimensional look that can transform a room.
4. Mantels: A live edge wood mantel is perfect for creating a statement piece above a fireplace. The natural lines add an earthy quality to the room, making it feel grounded and welcoming.
5. Custom Accents: From small décor items like picture frames and mirrors to larger pieces like headboards or room dividers, living edge wood can be used for virtually any type of custom project.

Benefits of Live Edge Wood

• Unique Design: No two slabs of living edge wood are the same. Every piece has a story to tell and carries the natural imperfections of the tree, making it a perfect choice for those who value one-of-a-kind designs.
• Durability: With proper care, living edge wood can last for decades. The natural integrity of the wood, especially if sourced from older trees, makes it a strong material for furniture and other structures that need to stand the test of time.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The natural curves, textures, and patterns in living edge wood bring warmth, depth, and character to any space, making it an excellent choice for those who want their décor to stand out.

Why Choose Colorado Wood & Metal for Your Live Edge Wood Projects?

At Colorado Wood & Metal, we specialize in creating custom wood pieces from both antique barn wood and living edge slabs. Our team of skilled craftsmen works closely with you to bring your vision to life, whether you’re a homeowner looking for a unique piece or a contractor in need of high-quality materials for large-scale projects.

With our kiln and sawmill capabilities, we can process and finish living edge wood to meet your specific requirements. We are committed to providing personalized service, and our focus on quality ensures that every project we work on is crafted with the utmost care and precision.

Final Thoughts

Living edge wood is more than just a material—it’s a way to bring nature’s beauty into your home. Its natural edges and unique character make it a great option for anyone looking to add a personal, rustic touch to their space. Whether you’re building a custom piece of furniture, updating your countertops, or creating a feature wall, living edge wood offers a beautiful and sustainable option for your project.

If you’re ready to bring live edge wood into your next project, Colorado Wood & Metal is here to help. Get in touch with us today to discuss your ideas, and let us assist you in turning them into reality.

At Colorado Wood & Metal, we believe that every live edge wood piece is more than just furniture—it’s a story captured in grain, shape, and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a custom dining table, floating shelf, or statement coffee table, your live edge piece deserves to look its best for years to come. That’s why understanding live edge maintenance is essential.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to care for live edge wood, including regular upkeep, cleaning techniques, and what to avoid, so your handcrafted piece stays beautiful for generations.

Why Live Edge Maintenance Matters

Live edge wood furniture keeps the natural shape of the tree, preserving the unique curves, bark, and personality of the wood. Because of this organic form, it often reacts more noticeably to environmental factors like humidity, sunlight, and spills. Proper care is key to maintaining both its beauty and structural integrity.

1. Daily & Weekly Cleaning for Live Edge Wood

Dust regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth—microfiber is your best friend here. This helps prevent buildup that can dull the wood over time.

For deeper cleaning, lightly dampen your cloth with water or a wood-safe cleaner. Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals, ammonia-based products, or anything abrasive. These can strip away the finish and damage the wood’s surface.

👉 Pro Tip: Always wipe in the direction of the grain, and follow up with a dry cloth to remove any moisture.

2. Preserving the Finish: Oil or Wax

If your live edge piece was finished with natural oils or waxes (like many of ours at Colorado Wood & Metal), it’s important to reapply those finishes periodically.

• For oil-finished pieces, consider refreshing the surface every 6–12 months using products like tung oil or mineral oil. Just apply with a soft cloth, let it soak, and wipe off any excess.
• For wax finishes, a thin layer of paste wax can help restore sheen and add protection. Buff gently with a clean cloth afterward.

This not only enhances the grain but also forms a protective barrier against moisture and wear.

3. Controlling the Environment

Live edge wood can expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. To reduce stress on the wood:

• Maintain indoor humidity between 35–55%.
• Avoid placing furniture in direct sunlight or near heat sources like vents and fireplaces.
• Use coasters and placemats to prevent rings, stains, and heat damage.

One of the easiest live edge maintenance tips is a stable environment that keeps your wood from cracking, warping, or splitting—especially in Colorado’s dry climate.

4. Protecting the Bark Edge

One of the most distinctive features of live edge furniture is the exposed bark or raw edge. While stunning, it’s more vulnerable to wear.

• Avoid bumping or scratching this area, especially if it’s not sealed.
• Dust gently with a soft brush to keep debris out of crevices.
• If your bark starts to loosen, don’t attempt to glue it yourself—contact a professional (like us!) for advice or repair.

5. What to Avoid with Live Edge Maintenance

When it comes to live edge maintenance, less is more. Avoid:

• Saturating with water
• Using all-purpose or glass cleaners
• Harsh scrubbers or steel wool
• Leaving spills to sit (especially wine, coffee, or oil-based liquids)

These can lead to permanent stains, finish breakdown, or warping.

Trust Your Piece to Last

At Colorado Wood & Metal, we build each live edge piece with longevity in mind, using kiln-dried slabs and expert craftsmanship to ensure it stands the test of time. But a little care from you goes a long way.

Whether you picked up a rustic dining table, a modern shelf, or a custom commission from our workshop, regular live edge maintenance helps preserve its natural beauty and keeps your investment looking stunning year after year.

Need More Help with Live Edge Maintenance or Want to Refresh Your Finish?
Give us a call or stop by the shop—we’re always happy to offer product recommendations or even bring your piece back in for touch-ups.

Your wood, your story—let’s keep it looking its best.