Materials All mantel styles can be produced in paint grade (for priming and painting). Most styles can be produced in stain grade (for staining and varnishing). Paint grade mantels are generally made with solid poplar mouldings and Medite flat panels for smoothness and stability. Flat panels can also be solid poplar if desired, at extra cost. Standard stain grade material is oak. Mantels can also be produced in other stain-grade woods - maple, cherry, walnut, mahogany and more. Mouldings are always solid wood. Flat panels are usually veneers but can be solid if desired, at reasonable extra cost. Finishes Mantels can be ordered finished or unfinished. Our factory finishes include stain, sealer and varnish coats for stain grade and primer and paint coats for the painted finish. Unfinished mantels in stain grade are sanded and puttied and are ready to finish. Unfinished paint grade mantels are primed, ready for your finish coat. Unfinished/primed is recommended for paint grade mantels that must be shipped. We offer 6 standard stain colors (below) and 2 whites (pure white and "bone"). Colors are shown in our brochures and on the store displays. We will use other major brand stain and paint colors you specify for a modest extra charge.