A fireplace surround defines how your entire fireplace looks and feels. It frames the firebox, connects it to the wall, and creates a finished look in your home. The right surround turns your entire fireplace into a main architectural feature that guests will undoubtedly remember.
Updating a dated design? Planning a new build? If so, understanding your surround options will help you make the right choices in both style and materials. Today’s guide covers the basics of surrounds and also explains how custom wood columns can bring it to the next level.
For additional insight and design inspiration, see our guide to 7 Creative Fireplace Remodel Ideas.
Fireplace Firebox with Warm Glow
A warm firebox adds contrast and ambience to a handcrafted wood fireplace surround.
What Is a Fireplace Surround?
A fireplace surround usually includes three main parts that work together as one cohesive structure.
Together, these components frame the firebox and establish the overall proportions of the fireplace. The surround also helps define your interior style and is a visual anchor in the room.
Surround Materials
Surrounds can be built from a range of materials.
Wood is often chosen by many homeowners for its flexibility. It can be stained, painted, shaped, or turned to fit almost any architectural style. This also means it’s great for many custom projects and builds.
Custom Wood Columns for Fireplace Surrounds
The posts or columns on either side of a fireplace impact the entire design. When they’re custom-turned, fluted, or shaped to match a specific style, they give the surround a built-in appearance that stock columns or ready-made kits simply can’t compete with.
At Arnold Wood Turning, we manufacture custom posts and columns in a variety of shapes and profiles, including:
Our family-led team works with a wide range of wood species, each selected for its grain, tone, and durability. And for builders, architects, or designers managing multiple homes or commercial projects, we produce consistent runs of columns in bulk quantities for repeat applications.
If you’re interested in learning more about custom options, reach out to us for more information or a free quote with no obligation to purchase.
Wood Fireplace Surround with Turned Columns
An example of a traditional wood fireplace surround featuring turned columns and a detailed mantel design.
Surround Styles Featuring Wood
Wood surrounds are able to adapt to nearly any interior aesthetic.
A few of the most popular styles include:
Because every piece we produce is built to order, your surround can match the exact proportions and mood you’re aiming for.
Planning a Fireplace Surround Remodel
When designing, start by considering proportion. The mantel and columns should complement the size of both the fireplace and the room they occupy. If the surround is too large, it can overwhelm the space. If it’s too small, it loses presence and can look out of place. The ultimate goal is visual balance. Each element should work together to frame the fire naturally.
Wood pairs well with stone, tile, or even metal, which allows you to mix textures and finishes for contrast. A stained oak post paired with a marble or tile surround, for example, creates warmth against cool materials.
Finally, customization is how to make sure everything fits and flows seamlessly. By working directly with a wood manufacturer, you can specify exact dimensions, shapes, and finishes for your surround components. This not only makes installation easier but also guarantees long-term consistency and craftsmanship that prefabricated parts can’t accomplish.
A well-designed surround brings the firebox, wall, and room together, transforming the fireplace into a focal point that feels intentional.
Final Thoughts
A fireplace is part of your home’s architecture. With custom wood columns, you can achieve the perfect balance of everything you need from it and set your surround apart from a standard installation.
Contact us here at Arnold Wood Turning today to discuss your custom columns and explore options tailored to your design goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Fireplace Surrounds
- All
- Fireplace Surround – Basics
- Fireplace Surround – Customization & Design
- Fireplace Surround – Maintenance & Longevity
- Fireplace Surround – Materials
- Fireplace Surround – Value & Restoration
Yes, absolutely. Our family team can match original profiles, fluting, or column details from existing surrounds or reference photos you find. This is useful for restorations or historical projects that require precise reproduction.
Yes. A well-proportioned surround adds distinction, especially in homes where there is an emphasis on detail and craftsmanship. Buyers often notice high-quality woodwork immediately.
Regular dusting and gentle cleaning with non-abrasive products are usually enough to clean a wood fireplace surround. If your surround is stained or sealed, a light re-coat every few years can help preserve color and finish.
Wood fireplace surrounds are versatile enough for any design, including but not limited to: traditional with turned details, rustic with reclaimed finishes, or modern with clean lines and darker tones. Each style can be tailored through the wood species, profile, and finish you select.
Working directly with a custom wood product manufacturer allows you to specify the exact dimensions and finishes you need before the installation process. This saves time, reduces the need for adjustments, and guarantees consistent results across multiple projects.
Custom-turned columns are built with you in mind and match the exact proportions and style of your fireplace. They ensure higher-quality detailing, unlike mass-produced options that often look out of scale or lack character.
You definitely can. Wood can be paired with stone, tile, or even metal. The texture and color contrast helps create a layered design that feels custom.
Hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut are popular due to their strength and fine grain. Softer species like poplar or cedar are also great to use when painted or stained. Each wood will offer a different tone and texture to the overall look.
Yes. When it’s designed with proper clearance from the firebox, wood is a safe and durable material for surrounds. Many homeowners prefer it because it’s easier to customize and repair than stone or metal.
The mantel is just the horizontal beam or shelf at the top of a fireplace. The surround includes the entire frame (mantel, side columns or posts, and the base area). It creates a complete architectural border around the firebox.