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-My son and I got a chance to visit Tom at Mendota Mantels as we explored the Northwoods this past summer. It was the highlight of our trip. Not just seeing and picking out one of Tom’s amazing mantles but to spend time with him, and see his amazing works and listening to his many stories.

We are in the process of finishing our fireplace and the mantle is perfect, the history, the unique one of a kind quality and the adventure we had is what we will always remember. 

Thanks Tom for your hospitality and the amazing art work you created, we love it.

The Monroe Family

-Awesome Hand Made Mantels! We have worked with Mendota Mantels since 2009 and their products are beautiful. All pieces are uniquely finished and one of a kind.

Chris Becker

-Extremely happy with our mantel. It totally compliments the atmosphere we were trying to create in our family room. The craftsmanship by far well exceeded anything we have seen before. The reclaimed wood they used enhanced the character of our ensemble making it a interesting conversation piece.

Mendota Mantels was very accommodating and extremely easy to work with. We would highly recommend this company. You will not be disappointed.

Mark Forliti

-Our architect specified a 15 foot 10 inch thick mantle and when we statutes building the contractor had no idea where to get something. We found Tom on line and met with him to discuss our needs and to discuss finding a piece of wood with historical value and beauty. Every step of selecting the mantel and finish was exceptionally easy and fun.  

Our mantel is a highlight of our home and that is due all to Tom.

We have had two Mendoza Mantels made for our upstairs and basement fireplaces. We are very happy with both mantels and have a very good experience working with Tom.  

Scott Perry

-We are most fortunate to have two fireplace mantels purchased from MendotaMantels.com. 

They are the centerpiece of the rooms. We thank the people at MendotaMantels for recognizing the value and beauty of old growth wood and creating these lovely pieces for our enjoyment.

Sue and Bill Davern

-We love our Mendota Mantel! It looks great, and knowing it is a repurposed beam from a historic structure adds a lot of meaning and authenticity. Tom was great to work out details on shipping and installation. Highly recommend!

Patrick Haines

-It might seem daunting to order, design, and monitor the creation of a beautiful hand made mantel, but Tom made it all easy. I highly recommend his work, and a shout out to Jock Holman (the Norwegian Termite) for his masterful Celtic carving that truly made our mantel a work of art!Tom has a special gift for finding a unique timber and turning it into a one-of-a-kind work of art. His craftsmanship is outstanding, and his artistic vision is unrivaled. Best of all, when he’s finished making your mantel, you’ll be left with the acquaintance of an honest, decent, caring person you can call a friend. Thank you, Tom!

Judy Peres

-I haven't purchased mantels from Mendota Mantels but have had the unique opportunity to work with Tom and Cody through our high school woodworking program since 2015. They have come into our school to help teach our students not only how to make mantels but also the strong emphasis on taking care to create a high quality product. 

Cody was still a student when Tom began helping teach students "next level" sanding and finishing techniques, skills that have greatly improved the products our students make. Now Cody, as a former student, is returning back to our school to continue teaching students how to build/finish high quality products. Their genuine interest in helping our youth build up skills for the future is inspiring to me and my students. We are grateful to have them as part of our community and continuing to be involved with our students.

Roger Peterson

-We found Mendota Mantels through an internet search using keywords "Vintage unique" mantels. We contacted Tom (owner) and told him we were looking for a mantel to upgrade the look of our fireplace. Tom came back with a raw edge cherry mantel from an 1800's barn in northern Wisconsin. Pictures were traded and we fell in love with the piece. The original mantel was too wide for our fireplace. Tom was extremely accommodating in resizing the mantel to fit our dimensions. Tom also fashioned a matching small shelf crafted from the original mantel. Both pieces were finished to perfection and ready to install.The fireplace and mantel are the first things you see when you enter our home. The Mantel is clearly a statement piece that is perfectly crafted for our living area.

KarenK

-When I wanted a unique mantel I found just the right place. The fir was hundreds of years old and sanded so smooth. Beautiful color with tons of character.

Kirby Kirwin

-We had no fireplace and no mantel four years ago. We decided to do the whole wall with stone and gas fireplace by Mendota. Then worked with Tom for our gorgeous mantel! We are really happy with the beauty and excellent workmanship Tom provided! Everyone who comes to our home comments on how beautiful and unique our mantel is! Thank you, Tom!!

Aliza Allen

-Mendota is a fine example of craftsmanship and professionalism. We built a large stone fireplace and were looking for perfect mantel. Tom worked with us extensively offering numerous examples and finishes. He perfectly created the floating mantel that fit precisely on our fireplace. When all together you just go wow! when looking at it. If you have a strong sense of style and are looking to create something really impressive, or want Tom to help you with the process. Mendota is the best!

Donald Sipes

-Mendota Mantels found me the perfect mantel to add character and beauty to our family room. They trimmed it to the exact size we wanted and delivered it on time. We’d welcome working with them again.. And, we’ve gotten many positive comments about it!!

Helen, Atlanta

-I am a small Design/Architectural firm in Minneapolis MN and have used MENDOTA MANTELS on several projects and love every piece that they have provided my clients. Tom's attention to detail and finishes that he achieves on each mantel is really AMAZING! I have worked with many woodworkers and he is HANDS DOWN the best when it comes to the finished product and customer service that he provides. If only you could "feel" the picture with your eyes! 

Stacy

-We loved Tom at Mendota Mantels for our Great Falls Virginia project where we designed a cozy hearth room attached to the Breakfast Room. Mendota created a unique "one of a kind" carved mantel shelf that was installed inside a custom cast stone fireplace surround. We were thrilled with the end result!! Our client tells us that people continulaly comment on this piece and how special it is. We recommend Mendota and appreciate the attention to detail, willingness to accommodate to our needs and ......the communication back and forth was seamless. Thank you Mendota Mantels!!

Galiani Design Group

-Our mantel is gorgeous, turned out exactly how we wanted. So much character and such a unique and beautiful piece of wood. Tom’s blend of craftsman and artist really shows through in his product. He’s very passionate about his business, genuine, and super to work with! Very pleased customer!

Jan Caldwell

-When My beautiful Mendota Mantel arrived, I received so much more than the functional mantel I expected.

I received a preserved piece of history! A mantel created from reclaimed 125-250 year old virgin pine that was harvested in 1885 to build a grain chute in the Globe Elevator in Superior, Wisconsin.

I received an unique work of art! A mantel handcrafted to highlight the grain of the wood that was etched by over 100 years of falling grain.

I received a conversation piece! I love to tell it's history to guests.

And, I received the feeling of pride of ownership!

Thank you, Tom, for all these gifts!

Diane Wier

-OGWM are a craftsman extraordinaire - it's incredible how he takes 'reclaimed wood' - from an old barn or other structure and turns it into a unique, individually creative work of art 

I had 3 fireplaces - all brick ... I selected 3 unique pieces - and the transformation was instant - and made a barren fireplace become one where I could put art work, hang things at the holidays - and just admire this rare art form that Mendota Mantels creates 

the result of the care and time they put into each piece is obvious 

Wish that I had more fireplaces - although now I am considering using them as mantels/shelves in other rooms in my home

GORGEOUS WORK!

Christine Wisch

-As the architect for the Children's Theatre Company expansion in Minneapolis, it was a tremendous pleasure to work with Tom Schoeller and his team at Mendota Mantels. They provided reclaimed heavy timber from the nineteenth century Big Jo Flour Mill for use in a timber frame installation in the newly added lobby. This frame sculpture glows through the glass facade at night and makes a beautiful announcement to the neighborhood. The story to be told to children both about the history of the mill and sustainability via the use of reclaimed material is invaluable. Many thanks to Mendota Mantels!

Robert Blaser

-I acquired a lakefront cottage that needed to be renovated. My vision was to create an atmosphere of casual elegance…something with a touch rustic, but warm and welcoming. The cottage had a fireplace, but the mantel had a colonial look to it and did not lend itself to the atmosphere I was trying to create. I searched and searched for a suitable mantel, but was unable to find one, that is, until I found Mendota Mantel. Their artisan took my ideas and using reclaimed wood, he sculpted a mantel reminiscent of a piece of driftwood that Mother Nature would have created by herself! Mendota Mantel and their artisans will work with you and your ideas, to create a one-off mantel you will enjoy for years to come.

John Waters

-Tom is a craftsman. He usually makes mantels out of reclaimed wood, which he sculpts and finishes. We had a different request and asked for a live edge mantel. He had a section of aged Ponderosa Pine in his workshop. When we looked at the piece with its unique curves across the front we immediately knew this would be the best fit for our family room. He did an excellent job and we highly recommend him as the mantel is absolutely gorgeous! He is also easy to work with and listens to your ideas. Houzz reviews doesn't include a section to attach any photos though.

Tom Hadlich

-Mendota Mantels helped us with the perfect mantel for our fireplace. We explained the look and measurements of the fireplace and the gave their professional suggestion on size and look that would fit our project.

Ellen Hoffman

-We learned about Mendota Mantels while visiting Twin Cities Fireplace. Several of Tom's custom mantles were on display.

We chose the 'Ellis' style and Tom selected wood from the "Old Globe Grain Elevator" in Superior, Wis. This wood is Eastern White Pine circa 1887. He custom made this beautiful 7-feet = 84" across mantle and we designed into our dry stack fireplace mantle. We chose to mount it at a max height of about 40 inches. It's beautiful and anchors our whole room.

Tom is a craftsman and we really appreciate working with him... and the wonderful result.

Clayton Botkin

-We contacted Mendota Mantels to make us a custom fireplace mantel with a Celtic pattern. He was very easy to work with, and we have an absolutely gorgeous mantel. The quality of the carving is absolutely authentic looking. Anyone seeking a special piece should not hesitate to work with Tom. We are in the process of building a new home, we will be taking our mantel with us, and will have him make us several others for rooms that will have fireplaces.

JAN

-It was a pleasure to work with Tom on my fireplace mantel. He responded quickly to my inquiry and after understanding the look and feel I was after he helped me select a mantel from his website that was perfect for my family room decor. The Douglas Fir timber that he used to make my mantel was reclaimed from the Big Jo Flour Mill in Wabasha, MN that was built in 1875. It's hard to believe that the tree this timber came from was growing before the Declaration of Independence was signed! The color and finish are flawless. Tom is an artisan and craftsman with excellent customer service. I highly recommend!

Jim Cech