Wendle's Corner Spiral Stairs & Mantle

A local salesman for “Sunheat” modular heating units contacted me about building some custom cabinets for the heaters to set in. He wanted to start with his personal heater he uses in his living room. I thought, “sure shouldn’t be to tough.” Wow was I wrong! the cabinet he wanted included a spiral stair case the curled down underneath where he wanted the mantle to sit. The stairs are gently curved to give then a conical feel. This curve also gives more step surface in the front and more head room behind the steps. The curve also looks beautiful with the traction patters I routed in. There are shop turned null posts at the top and the bottom. The whole corner was covered with shop made wood flooring the wraps down around the hole’s edge too. As you walk down at one point you are directly below the heater unit. This may sound claustrophobic but I am 6’ 3” and there is a surprising amount of head room. The stove cabinet is a raised panel cabinet that is vented in the back. Everything was oak with golden oak Minwax stain. Its finished with lacquer. Wood doesn’t really like to do round. Ever part of this project was a real stretch for the materials and my know how. It was a real growing experience and I’ve learned a ton from it.

-- Rogue, roguefineliving.com