Fireplace surround and mantle w/ asian flavor

Very nice. Technical question: how did you go about finding out the building and safety codes for a mantle like this? i.e. how far away does the nearest combustable have to be from the flames?

The finish is awesome, its amazing what you can get poplar to look like with the proper technique and skill. Both of which you obviously excel at – very nice work.

Great mantel. I like the colour, lit ooks cozy.

-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.

Wood_wench asked” Technical question: how did you go about finding out the building and safety codes for a mantle like this? “

Good question. In the planning stage of this project I submitted plans to the General Contractor who submitted for the permits. This fireplace is a metal insert fireplace and in this area the rules are different for these types of fireplaces.
To answer your question, I would call an architect in your area for code info.
thankyou for the nice feedback

-- I want to know Gods thoughts....rest are details "A. Einstein"

nice looking mantel…good job…I also would love to know your finishing process

-- Todd, Oak Ridge, TN, Hello my name is Todd and I'm a Toolholic, I bought my last tool 10 days, no 4 days, oh heck I bought a tool on the way here! †

Your project looks great. How did you determine how high your mantel top should be?

-- Elvin, Southern California, "How great would life be if we lived a little of it everyday"

Elvin, the height was determined by just looking at the wall with the firebox installed and discussing with the client what looked best.
No secret here. Before I started building the project I made a full size drawing on mdf and took it to the house for approval by the customer.
Sounds like a lot of work but in the long run it pays off.
thanks for the compliment

-- I want to know Gods thoughts....rest are details "A. Einstein"

beautiful

-- making sawdust....