Custom Fireplace Mantel and Seating

One of my favorite projects in the past 10 years is this fireplace mantel project with two benches. The homeowner had a designer sketch this and it was my job to interpret the artwork into a plan to build, and estimate the project. The mantel and fireplace wall did not present much of a challenge, but when it came to building the two benches with seat tops that open up, and the arches above. In order to pull off bending solid pieces of wood, I built my own steam box in order to have the permanently bent pieces of wood for the next day's fabrication.