Lexington Hearth Kenton Wood Mantel Shelf

Layered millwork on an 8-inch shelf, at home in a period room or a new one

The Lexington Hearth Kenton is a wall-mounted mantel shelf made from composite wood veneer, with a layered profile and fine millwork. It is not solid lumber, which is why it costs a fraction of a cast or hardwood mantel of the same size, and it carries the same milled detail on every exposed edge. Lexington describes it as a modern adaptation of classic American design, and that is the honest summary: enough detail to sit in a historic room, restrained enough not to fight a contemporary one.

8 inches deep, in 48, 60 and 72 inches

The depth is the same in every length. Size it from the firebox opening plus the reveal you want on each side, not from the width of the wall.

It weighs 15, 18 and 22 pounds, shortest length to longest, light enough for a two-person install

The mounting bracket and six fasteners are in the box, and the bracket has to land on framing rather than on drywall anchors alone.

It is combustible, so your fireplace manual sets the height, not the mantel

Composite wood veneer is combustible, the same as solid wood. Find the mantel clearance in your fireplace manual before you measure anything. If you need to mount a television above the fireplace or your clearance is tight, the non-combustible mantels we carry from Lexington Hearth are cast from Burncrete and can sit closer to the heat. See the non-combustible range.

Best for a room you cannot categorize as either traditional or modern

The Kenton is the transitional choice in the Commonwealth line. If your room has traditional bones and modern furniture, or you are restoring a period house without wanting a full reproduction, this is the profile that works in both directions. At 8 inches deep it handles framed art and decor the same way the Cumberland does. Pick the Cumberland if you want more period character, or the Madison if you want the shelf to sit closer to the wall.

Check the finish on a sample, because the cost comes back to you

Cherry, Luna and Honey Oak all read differently on a wall than on a screen. We sell a Commonwealth color sample, and what you pay for it is credited back when you order the mantel. If you are finishing it yourself, order Unfinished and test your stain on the sample rather than on the mantel.