Carved Wood Corbels

Corbels are decorative support brackets that have been an essential architectural component since construction progressed beyond thatch huts and teepees. They were heavily used in both the ancient Grecian and Roman civilizations to support overhead arches and overhangs on the exterior of buildings. They can be found throughout historic European and Mediterranean architecture performing a variety of functions. They are a basic support device for horizontal or overhead surfaces that very early on became an opportunity for architectural ornamentation.

While the early corbels were stone extensions protruding from a wall, artisans began using wood for surfaces that were not extremely heavy. Hardwood corbels were much easier to carve and because of the variety of woods available, the craftsman had a choice of color and density as well. For many that are produced today, hardwood is still the raw material of choice. These products are suitable for either staining or painting; they are available in a wide variety of carved designs that provide adaptability for almost any interior design or remodel.

• Popular carved wooden corbel themes today include oak leafs, grapes, shells and acanthus leaves.

• One of the more interesting styles is the wave corbel, a design in which the shaping of the piece is almost completely devoted to the curvatures of the wave design.

• Options today are not limited to domestic hardwoods. Imported carved corbels are available as well, created from such products and Philippine mahogany.

• Urethane is also used in the manufacture of corbels. These products have all of the detailing of a traditional carving and because of the resiliency of the material are less susceptible to casual damage than carved and painted or stained wood.

• Urethane molds are so sophisticated today that they can reproduce the grain in a reproduction of a wood product. Urethane products take paint easily and will not peel or crack, unlike their wooden counterparts.

• The design choices among the wood and urethane products provide the remodeler with a rich variety of options.