This mantle has the look, without the weight, of a substantial beam while actually being a five-panel, open back box. It looks great and comes with mounting instructions and hardware. You will need to provide your own 2x4 cut to the length of your “box”. My mantle is located in the basement great room, an all-white space with no fireplace (currently being renovated). I bought the 48” Sheila mantle in walnut stain and it arrived on time and in perfect condition. It adds warmth and texture, making an otherwise utilitarian, white-painted brick wall a feature of this reimagined living area. It would look great over an electric, gas or wood burning fireplace alone it is a stand-out focal point, providing a much needed dash of personality to the room. Snap this up!