This simple craftsman inspired fireplace surround was easier to construct and install than you might initially think. Adding a new fireplace surround is really a project almost any DIYer can handle. The process starts by measuring and making a few decisions on the dimensions that will work best for your application. For this example, we wanted the piece to sit about 3″ out from the wall, so we used 3″ wide strips cut from 3/4″ plywood. Each strip then got a 3/8″ wide by 3/4″ deep rabbet to accept the corresponding plywood panel. By using rabbets in the side strips, I not only created a more stable connection with the front panels, it also allowed for the seams to be covered by the fascia boards.

Once the main piece was fully assembled, I simply took some 1 1/2″ wide by 1/4″ deep strips of solid wood trim and glued and nailed them over the seams to create the craftsman style pattern. After filling in the nail holes, a light sanding, this fireplace surround was ready for dry fitting and then final install. A new wood beam mantle, a coat of white paint sprayed across the surround and the old brick, and this fireplace had a whole new look.

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