HGTV would NEVER show you this... 

My heart sank when you mentioned that libraries do not want to carry those architectural reference books. If libraries don't keep them, all that information will be lost.

I was fortunate to live north of Chicago, where the money flows for projects like this and got to build several classical mantels similar to yours.... so much fun. One thing I always loved to do is put something inside like a time capsule. I asked the clients if they wanted to include some photos or kid's drawings and of course, the latest Sunday paper. My signature and the date is written behind my work in large homes all over the North Shore.

You have to share the names of all the books in your collection so far. I would love to read them.

You're making incredible progress not just on your home but with your skills and authority with fine carpentry. So nice to see this journey!!

One thing that's really awesome about this is that most people who do this level of work don't have the means to own something like this for themselves. It's inspiring to see the worker be the owner. Happy for you and your family!

This … man, this is insane. I have been watching your channel since day one and you’ve never stopped mastering the craft at all! Glad that you’ve committed yourself to bringing us along your journey via your channel and content!

Man, I’m not going to lie, when I first started watching your vids several years ago, I thought you were just another MDF slingin hack! Man, was I wrong!!! Even with my crappy attitude, I kept watching you. Took me a bit to realize how much passion you have for your work and how your early days were just part of the building blocks to get you where you are today. Like, you always had the fire inside, just waiting the opportunity. I appreciate you sharing your journey with us. You continue to impress and inspire others to do great work too! Godspeed brother!!

Wow, the way you elevated your craft Richard is crazy I see that Brent Hall played a significant part of your understanding and development of this craft. Keep up the good work been following the channel now for a couple of years.

My 5 year old literally just asked me to watch woodworking (which is your channel) and here we go with a fresh video for him!!!

Richard, this fireplace mantel and panelling series is some of the best content I've seen on RU-vid in a while. I look forward to each one. Great to see how you're continually honing your craft. It show great humility that you're willing to learn, apply, and then share what you're learning. Keep it up

This is sooooo DOPE Bud!!! I'm enjoying this so much. Commented on Brent's last video that his influence on you hasn't gone unnoticed & is very much appreciated. Hoping all is well Bud, Dirty Jersey out!!

You have such a love for the art, Richard, and it is making you an incredible craftsman. Your services will be in huge demand in the future.

I've watched all of your videos even from your DFW days. This classical build may be my absolute favorite so far. Great job Richard!

Ive been watching your channel for years . I have learned so many things from you, thank you sincerely... You are a true artist . You have found your voice . I'm happy you have found a mentor such as Brett Hull I absorb every video you both put out . Thanks again for the knowledge you share .

I have been a woodworker for a little over 25 years. I've built custom cabinets, furniture, decor, jigs, bars, and fireplaces, etc. I loved being able to have some creative control when it came to fireplaces. Being able to put in custom corbels instead of cookie-cutter designs was probably my favorite thing about building fireplaces. Corbels are so unique, versatile, and add so much character and personality to walls, doorways and fireplace mantels. Back in the early ages of architecture they were not only used for support but as a decorative piece not supporting anything at all. I'm glad they are making a comeback especially in French Provential-themed home interior as a decorative element and not just a pretty bracket. Great job!

Nice that you’re taking the time to show video every single piece of the build. It looks so good.

Your workmanship is, as usual, flawless. What is even more amazing to me is your ability to put together all the different shapes to create the result you visualized. Keep the videos coming!

That really took shape and came together nicely in this episode. Really nailing down your knack for this historical carpentry. Dedication and hard work really does pay off. Keeping the craft alive! Absolutely beautiful.

Never move, no one will appreciate this like you do. Well done. Looking fantastic

Thank you for the time for not only the build-out but the time required for editing and voice-over of this video.

I would think that having Brent Hull on speed dial would help. Looking amazing! I would encourage you to take up photography. Visit Philly, Atlanta, New Orleans, the Biltmore House. Oak Alley Plantation, etc., go on tours and photograph everything. Build your own library. Heck, publish your own book!

I’ve enjoyed your progression of skills and the quality of work you are doing. Looking forward to the next video

Love the channel have been watching you for 4 years and have learned a great deal. Well done!

Probably my favorite channel, awesome job from planning through execution! A master craftsman at work, cannot wait for the next installment Richard. Thank you, Dan.

I have been watching this channel for a long time and I think that Richard is soon to become a real somebody. Keep learning and producing Richard as I enjoy watching your endeavors.

What an amazing journey u are on dude. Thanks for bringing us along 🤙

I remember when you used to teach how to cut trim now those day are gone you are officially graduated as a master carpenter. Great job!

It's good to know that artisans are still out there.

Outstanding! I'm enjoying this series very much and thanks for sharing!

Amazing work. Love when someone takes pride in their craft. Not many guys out there willing to go above and beyond like you! Keep up the great work!

Wow! It looks absolutely incredible. The only thing that saddens me is knowing how much it would cost to have installed at my house

Damn this mantle build is getting me fired up!!!

I’ve enjoyed every video you’ve put out. Thank you!

I’ve watched hours and hours of your videos. I’ve always loved doing trim and molding at my house. I just opened my own business doing finish carpentry and can’t thank you enough for the knowledge I gained from your videos. Keep up the great work! We need more shirts!

That cove adds such depth the way the lower pieces disappear and appear as you move.

This is a thing of divine beauty. I've so often admired classical moulding installations and wondered how it was done....now I know. It's a gradual build up. It always amazes me though, that a lot of the stuff they used to produce was milled using hand tools. Huge fan of yours Richard, as an artisan craftsman and a human being.

Awesome in every way. Keep up the great work. Love your videos!

Amazing. Thanks for taking us along the journey

I learned as much in this one video as 10 years of This Old House. Great work.

Making great progress, love the breakdown on how your building the whole fireplace. Love the show even more. 🎉❤ can't wait for the finish product

Wow! clearly a cut above the ordinary. Much respect.

This is the second time I watch your video and am awestruck at your work. I’ve seen mantles built this mantle takes you back to historical times. It is truly amazing. Your skill level is like “Wow”. Thank you for allowing us to come along on this journey 🙏

Great job! Hard to find true craftsman with a passion for their work nowadays! Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

I'm a 45 year old finish carpenter it's nice seeing someone making videos on stuff like this.

So nice seeing craftsmanship instead of some ridiculous build for RU-vid views. You are an inspiration man. Thank you.

This is so awesome! I love historic architecture. What was accompished long ago with simpler tools is just astounding to me. Yours is looking just as beautiful ❤

This is awesome man! Thank you for the books. Let’s bring back true craftsmanship!

I have been following you for some time. I really like how you are now working with the moldings and classical styles. Not many people are. I imagine this is because most people don't want to pay for that level of work. I would love to see your mantle done in stain grade. Keep up the great work!!!! Awesome man!!!!

Amazing work! Man, my grandfather was a carpenter that did beautiful trim work, cabinets, mantles, crown, stairs, etc.. I wish I would have found an interest when I was in HS and I picked his brain back then. That time has long gone now... Honestly, I think the best thing is to check out old carpentry books now.

Wow, you really have become a true craftsman. I watched your early videos and you were good then but this is next level. It's refreshing to see people like you become true masters of their craft

Damn that is too strong, are people going to stand on top of that? Beautiful work Rich!

the inward cove is a great detail! love it!

Superb attention to details ... which you always do ... however this is next level and inspiring ... Happy New Year! Thanks for all of the years of vids it's been a huge delight being subbed all this time when you were below 100k subs. 526k subs. Saturday January 13, 2024

This is your best content series to date. Thank you!

Like several of the earlier commentators, I’ve been watching your RU-vid channel for quite sometime and have been interested in a fascinated by your self-education. I wonder if you would consider using one of your segments to review for us how you got started in the business and how you got to where you are today. As a retired teacher, I have to imagine that could be instructional and inspirational to younger viewers interested in this profession or even motivational to those just starting out. Thank you.

I totally understand your passion and research into classic architectural details. I travel all over and a big part of what I look at in my travels is ...Entrance doors and door hardware!

I started when You used MDF and superglue....what a transition!

Looks great. I really like the cove underneath the mantel piece.

Gorgeous 😊. Wish I could hire you for my house in Knoxville . Your videos are the best on adding some sparkle to a house .

I love your channel. I'm a wannabe woodworker, like lego or duplo skill level. You're an inspiration. You're right, that drip edge looked great from the side. Wow.

You are just amazing! So into this mantle build…the dedication is just beautiful.

I absolutely love the work you are doing here!! Kudos and keep up the amazing work.

Really nice work Richard, your attention to detail is amazing 👍

Beautiful! Taken it to the next level on each video. Thank you for sharing.

One other resource might be the Historic American Buildings Survey (you can find the documents online at the Library of Congress). They include scale drawings of a bunch of trim and other details from buildings they considered historic when they did it in the '30s. Not sure there's many mantles in there though. This project is looking great!

That was really cool buddy. I've been thinking of shaping up some different mouldings out of primed pine for my place. This was inspiring:)

Wow. That’s truly beautiful. It’s so fun watching pros like you work.

Just love seeing the old school craftsmanship coming back around! They did this years ago with less tools and technology, so why can't we do it more these days! The added cost is worth it to me as it just creates greater value in a home. Outstanding work, Richard!

Thanks for helping me discover how many bracket templates I have in the corner of my shop!

You are amazing! You inspired me to replace my base mold in my home in East Dallas with Windsor One colonial, and to build a little pediment above one of my doorways.

Great job documenting this build.

I don’t do any trim work like this I only do qrt rd and basic base and I will never do it but just watching u talk about it and how perfect u get it makes me enjoy it so much

I love this growing up in a New England colonial built 1807, these are all familiar details. Uncle was a finish carpenter and used to have custom shaper profiles made to reproduce the original trim profiles for the house.

The white oak shelf and frieze would look amazing, Richard!!!!!!!!

Great progress Richard. I'd definitely go for the white oak contrast for the shelf top and freeze below, but either way it looks amazing.

Nice work, Richard! I think that a white oak shelf top would tie the mantle and the ceiling in nicely.

Really love the craftsmanship on this!

Absolutely gorgeous. Great workmanship!

Love the Festools shirt, the Milwaukee tools, and the Dewalt shop setup. 😁👍

WOW!!! That is some outstanding craftsmanship. Truly beautiful and thanks for explaining the steps.

Obsessed with your work and passion for this stuff. I am a stay at home mom who has picked up doing moulding in my home. I have always been into antique furniture restoration. Working with a gorgeous buffet from the mid 1800s I appreciate everything to do with woodworking. The fact the furniture was just as ornate as the walls it was set against just Literlly fascinates me !! I do have to say that putting moulding and trim work into your home is NOT cheap just the price for materials and how much you need for a 2,000 sq ft home and using real wood. I’m not talking the styrofoam stuff but I do not frown down on the resin recreations of say a very intricate plaster crown. I am trying to say just pay your crafts men they deserve it!! Thanks for you passion and I loved seeing Thomas Jefferson’s mantels ! Thank you!!

Holy smokes, I love this series. Keep it coming!

This mantle series is straight fire!!! Sooooo very cool. I’ve done a ton of trim work down here in setx but nothing to this level. Just super professional and beautiful craftsmanship. Fantastic!

Brent Hull has a lot of videos about classical design. He is an excellent teacher and uses his restorations to teach it.

thank you for showing the average person (me) how this beautiful work is done and the thought you put into this. THANK YOU!

Been watching since way back when you were doing how to install base, crown etc videos. You've come such a long way since then, both with your carpentry skills and knowledge, and video production! Amazing work, and an inspiration to me for sure.

Watching the evolution of your craftsmanship has been inspiring, Richard, as well as educational. You deserve to be proud of what you’ve accomplished for yourself and your family. Hats off to a growing artisan! I look forward to continue following your journey and thank you for sharing what you’ve learned along the way.

Your craftsmanship looks amazing! I love the white oak idea, bringing multiple elements together. Regardless of what you choose, I’m here for the journey. Keep learning & elevating your skill sets. I appreciate everything you share with all of us.

That is a true masterpiece you got going there my friend, a beautiful lost art you maintaining, keep it up!

This is really looking fantastic !!! Love classical mantles. Today's homes usually don't have the incredible millwork that many older homes do. That's why I love European countries for their craftsmanship.

I wish I could work beside you for a week to learn your skills. You are the best!!

Might I suggest "DeWauKita" in the freeze? Hahaha! Seriously, outstanding work! As others have said, your progression is remarkable as is the inspiration you provide. Can;t wait to see the progression!

Awesome mantel. I would definitely put a white oak shelf. It would pop against the white background and put a white oak freeze with some bronze or gold trim or even a gold inlay to compliment the side lamps.

Awesome build!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Keep up the awesome craftsmanship!

Absolutely beautiful. Been watching you since the beginning. I'm glad to see your interest and work move you to the colonial side of finish carpentry. I'm also a finish custom carpenter.

I love that you shared this! I had the same questions in my mind... "Is he just designing this from his head?" :)

Wow, Wow, Wow, great work. I'm an amature cabinet maker who learned from her dad, a master woodworker. Your have grown so much over the years. I'm very impressed and I share your love of architecture. CONGRATULATIONS 👍💖

Looking forward to seeing the finished product! Your work is exceptional. Because of your videos (and nagging from my wife), I was able to build a simple but beautiful mantle and coffered ceiling. These features add so much character and depth to our house. These kinds of details separate average/good from exceptional. But the mantle you’re building is next level!!

You should take a trip to Greece. Amercian Colonial architecture was derived from old Greek architecture. People like Jefferson were scholars who studied and admired old Greek history and emulated the founders of democracy. Its pretty impressive to stand at the foot of the Acropolis and look up and see every detail you're describing today of cornices, plinths, freizes and knowing that was built a few thousand years ago. You'll wander the city looking at all the columns and feeling the histories of each of those Greek peoples responsible for those columns designs. You'll never look at a court house or government buidlings the same. Visiting Greece made me fall in love with trim carpentry. (After that, go to Rome and see the evolution from there. Its satisfying seeing the coliseum in its three levels of Doric, Corinthian, and Ionic columns).

So great to watch you grow in your expertise over the years.