Finish of a Cedar Slab Mantle

robert b. emailed the following;
I want to finish a cedar species mantle for a log home we are building. Starting with your unsanded slab, what equipment and materials do I need and what are the steps? Thank you.
 
Robert B.

Bryan Olmsted answered;

You would need a good heavy duty belt sander, an orbital sander and a lot of elbow grease. Since you are inquiring about a slab type mantle we will assume that you are not using log supports.
 
1. The slab will be peeled and rough sawn when you get it. You will need to sand it on all sides. We use 80 grit paper to start with, working down to the level of desired finish by using finer and finer sand paper.
 
2. Once sanded you will need to apply the finish of your choice. We use Minwax Polycrylic, 3 coats at about $40 per gallon. It provides a nice sheen and is easy to work with. Since it is water based, clean up is easy and it dries quickly so you don't have to wait several days to complete the project.
 
3. Once you have it finished, It will be ready to install per your application. We are assuming that you have some type of supports already in place on your wall.
 
4. Or you can order one already finished from us if you prefer, and it will arrive ready to set in place.
 
Thanks
Bryan

Posted March 31, 2008- This article was written and provided by; Bryan Olmsted, President Ozark Log Home Supply, Inc.

Bryan has well over 20 years experience in the construction industry, and has been involved in the design and construction of numerous projects from medical facilities to log homes. He has worked as a estimator, job superintendent, construction manager, general contractor and retired as President and CEO of Olmsted Construction Co.,Inc. in May of 2006. Besides the knowledge and experience gained through 20+ years as a commercial/residential general contractor, Bryan has completed training and been certified on NFPA's Life Safety Code, overseen the renovation and retrofitting of Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri in it's accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, and has extensive knowledge in the application and use of Sashco Log Home Products, as well as the construction and finish of log homes and structures. Bryan is also a two term past president of the Southern Missouri Homebuilder's Association, located in West Plains, Missouri and has served on the organization's board of directors, worked on the committee in charge of construction of the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center and volunteered with the West Plains Area Habitat for Humanity.

If you have questions for Bryan or any of our contributors contact us at Ask the Experts and we will attempt to answer them.