It looks a little top heavy with that jog on the sides. Is there a reason for them? Also, I believe you need at least 80" of vertical clearance on a stairwell, looks like you only have about 36".:laughing:

I always add a base or a plinth at the bottom of the uprights. That might help lessen the impact of the jog on the sides. Nice work.

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proportions are off
something more like this

:thumbsup:yup that's what it needed.

m1911 said:

proportions are off
something more like this

Click to expand...

I don't really think you can tell without the insert - it'll change the visual a lot. Looks good to me so far - try clipping an insert picture from one of their brochures and see what it looks like stuck in place - or use some of that high tech photoshop wizardry.

You could check out some of Gary Katz' videos for some history on 'traditional' mantle work and proportions.

It makes a nice bridge for your kids

Nicely made, but the jog looks a little wide. If that's the top of the insert, what is the material for the rest of the surround?

I just left a house with that mantle. It was proportionally taller by a few inches so the rail didn't look too thin (hope rail is the proper term). They had 9' ceilings, though....so maybe taller or narrower, depending.