DIY Focus Fire Surrounds

Plan your design first. The surround must be strong and well-anchored to the wall. Measure and mark the layout lines. If you are adding tile around the firebox, be sure to leave enough room. Decide how far out from the wall you want the surround to extend, and how wide you want the mantel. Some zoning boards have specific requirements on how far away from the firebox the mantel should be, so check with local authorities before beginning your project.

Pry off the existing trim using a small pry bar and a putty knife. Place the putty knife between the wall and the pry bar to avoid damage to the wall. Mark the stud locations on the wall. Mark the location of the surround on the wall.

Measure and cut wood to size for the frieze board and the pilasters.

Measure and mark the locations for the support cleats, which are cut from 2-by-2 lumber. These serve as solid "shelf" supports for the mantel, frieze and pilasters. Cut the cleats to the inside widths of these pieces. Nail the cleats to the wall studs at the points where the mantel, frieze and pilasters will attach,

Assemble the frieze and pilasters to form a 3-sided box. Select a width for the two long pieces to match the distance you want the surround to extend away from the wall, and glue and nail them to the front of the frieze and pilasters.

Attach the frieze board to the wall, centering it over the firebox. Nail it to the cleats and also to the wall studs if possible. Check with a level to make certain the frieze is horizontally straight and plumb.

Attach the pilasters on either side of the frieze. Make certain they rest level on the top of the hearth. Add glue to the bottom of the pilaster and position it in place on top of the hearth. Nail each pilaster to the backing boards. Check each for vertical plumb.

Cut the mantel board to size. Add decorative edge trim, if desired. Add glue to the top edges of the frieze board and pilasters and set the mantel board in place. Check for level and secure it by attaching it with nails to the support cleat, as well as the frieze and pilaster boards.

Add decorative trim underneath the mantel to give it extra strength. You can either install moldings, such as small crown or cove, or add a decorative block, called a plinth, at the top of the pilasters. If adding a plinth, balance its look by adding a similar feature at the bottom of the pilaster. Miter-saw the joining ends of the molding at 45-degree angles to produce a finished look.

Fill all nail holes with putty. Sand the entire surround smooth, and finish with the paint or stain of your choice.