With the exception of the stone or marble corbels found in public buildings, the finest traditional corbels have been carved from wood.  This is still the case today, with cherry, maple and alder being among the types of wood used for commercial production of carved corbels.  Imported products may be carved from Philippine mahogany or linden wood.  Virtually all the carved versions are produced from hardwoods, which provide raw material for finely detailed carvings with deep relief and elaborate patterns engraved on the surfaces.

Many of the patterns used in today’s wood corbels are also traditional, taken from designs that have been in use for many generations.  Among the more popular domestic designs are those that incorporate grapevines and oak leaves, often as part of a larger design that may also feature scrolls carved along the crest of the corbel on either side.  Hand carved corbels can be found supporting beautiful carved fireplace mantels or incorporated into detailed shelving in the paneled libraries found in older homes.

• One particular design is usually available in a variety of woods – your oak leaf design can be obtained carved from cherry, maple, alder, or even oak.

• A single design is also usually available in a variety of sizes.  A corbel carved with a grape pattern may be available in four, five or six inch widths with corresponding changes in vertical length and horizontal extension.

• Some of these carved wood designs are a major addition to an interior design.  The large oak leaf hand carved corbel is twenty two inches in length with scrolling and a formal block topping it off.

• Many times a single design can be used for different functions in different sizes.  A smaller set may support a shelf or countertop while larger versions of the same design may be found beneath the fireplace mantle.

• A room with minimal wooden design features can maximize their effect through the use of carved supports.

• Today’s carved products maintain the quality of detail and depth of relief that are found in similar products a century old.