Buy this mantle! You can not buy the materials and build one yourself for a better price. The style is traditional but not too ornate that it wouldn't fit in with a few modern pieces. It really stands out in our living room and adds a nice focal point to the room. The quality of the materials are awesome. It is an unfinished piece but you can easily stain or paint right out of the box. No sanding or prepping needed. Assembly and install was pretty simple.