The surround was made by the carpenter on the project; we were mimicking another mantel surround in the home. He stacked more than one custom cut piece of wood and moulding on top of one another to create the layered effect. Then we sprayed the mantel with semi-gloss lacquer paint--three coats.

HA! I thought so! Thank you so much for your quick response Carolyn - much appreciated! My contractor kept saying it was probably just stock and I just didn't think so because it looks totally custom. My family room is being completely redone and I gave him this photo to follow. He's placing the two side cabinet units today then building the mantel last. I'll let him know the carpentry needs to be a little more special than "stock." I'll also let the painter know how the mantel needs to be finished. :-) LOVE your work!

Thank you!! Good luck!