Wood was my original choice, but I could not find someone to make it. So no, I’m not sold on granite. I just want to do something to update it and be able make it functional. Thank you for helping.

It looks like you have hardwood floors. I would have a wood mantle added, stained to match the floors, or just slightly darker. I don't think granite works with the brick.

no granite. just do a nice wood beam. reclaimed or not. examples

go to a lumberyard or even the local home store and get a 3x6, 2x8, 4x6, 4x8 (depending upon how thick or deep you want it) bring it home, beat it up a bit and stain it. I did that with mine. got a 4x8 Fir beam, cut it to fit, and beat it up w/heavy chains and hammer to give it an aged look. stained it w/dark walnut and installed it. easy peasy

Some of the lumber stores will cut it for you if you don't have the equipment. Watch a few YouTube videos if you want info on staining and finishing. I'm not young and I've done similar:)

Either keep it as is or get a nice hunk of wood.

Wow! That is exactly the help that I needed. thank so much. On to the lumber store tomorrow.

Just one more question. How did you attach the wood to the brick?

you could do a lag bolt into the mortar of the brick. (and drill matching holes into the back of the beam, then just slide on)

or you could attach it some other way that I don't know about! lol. construction adhesive? mortar adhesive? I mean, if you're not going to be hanging off of it, something simple should do)

Thanks! I’ll explore attaching with the lag bolts and not get too creative. Lol

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