Carved Wood Keystones
Wood keystones are used in arches framing doors, windows, entranceways, or in garden arches. The keystone is the lock, or central piece of the arch, and is often embellished.
The surrounding pieces of wood of the arch are known as voussoirs. The Romans were the first to develop the arch that stays held together by a keystone.
The Roman arch was a strong, semi-circular arch. Since the Romans, the arch has gone through many different styles, including the pointed Gothic style, and the horseshoe-shaped Moorish arch.
Arches are often used on public buildings such as schools and churches due to their appealing attractive qualities.
Though arches began as functional supports, they have become increasingly popular for their design, and carved wooden keystones are often used as much for decoration as for function.
The traditional wood keystone is placed at the central height of the arch. The keystone is installed last, and as it completes the arch, it allows the other stones in the arch, known as "voussoirs", to carry the load of a supporting structure. The keystone is wedge-shaped, and is often ornamented.
Keystones have always been a part of arch systems, symbolizing structural integrity and strength. The keystone also has great aesthetic value. Whether plain, or elaborately carved, the installation of a wood keystone offers a method of dressing up a window or door, often transforming an over-looked architectural element into an eye-catching focal point.
Wood keystones apply the classic and earthy value of wood carvings to windows, door headers, and open entrances. However, a keystone is not only limited to these traditional structures. Today's interior design techniques yield keystones that can be easily attached to pre-existing cabinets, book cases, and fine furniture, allowing the homeowner a means for unique customization without damaging the item in question.
Architectural Depot offers a full range of wood carvings and architectural elements to compliment the keystone of your choice. Apply a keystone, or several placed at intervals, to a round attic window. Level structures can be decorated with keystones as well; apply a keystone to the center of a fireplace mantle with wooden appliques to create a bold effect. These are but a few of the design solutions you can achieve with Architectural Depot keystones.
Architectural Depot wood carvings and wood keystones in any style are architecturally accurate, and crafted with precision, from the finest wood types, to ensure quality and balance.
Wood Keystones Materials
They are made from most woods, including maple, cherry, pine, poplar, oak, mahogany, walnut, birch, and cedar. They can be finished, lacquered, or unfinished, and are often hand-carved.
Carved wood keystones can add beautiful focal points to the arches of doors, windows, entranceways, or garden arches.
Wood keystones can have simple, clean, lines or be carved with intricate patterns such as floral or scrolling designs to match any style, from simple and modern to ornate and antique.
The beauty of hand-carved solid wood keystones makes an inviting entranceway for guests. The appealing qualities of arches in architecture such as churches and schools have been noted throughout history.
As beautiful focal points, wood arches and carved keystones produce a similar welcoming effect in homes.
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