Sometime back I had the occasion to build handcrafted structures. To promote ourselves we took a small log sauna to local home shows for advertising.
I was enthralled watching a number of people that would approach the logs with a pat, rub, or sniff. It's wonderful to see!
I was afraid they might wear it out!
The natural edge or element of the wood mantel is approached much the same manner. Humans are drawn to nature, through the mantels, like iron saw filings to a magnet. I guess it is an attraction to be enjoyed and not completely understood.
Contrary to popular belief...the pacific northwest does not have 95% sunshine days!