Fireplace surround system and method of making same

A fireplace surround assembly comprising:

• a plurality of surround components adapted to be mounted around a fireplace opening in a wall above a floor;
• and
• a mantel shelf including:
• a lower main body;
• a back member adapted to receive fasteners that pass through the back member into the wall;
• and
• a top component adapted to fit onto the lower main body whereby, when the top component is installed, the top component creates a finished surface that conceals the fasteners.

A method of forming a modular fireplace surround assembly around fireplace opening having top and side portions and being located in a wall above a floor comprising:

• selecting a first array of desired fireplace surround components from a first set of components having a manufactured stone veneer shell;
• selecting a second array of desired fireplace surround components from a second set of components formed of entirely noncombustible materials including manufactured stone veneer;
• temporarily mounting the first array of desired fireplace surround components around the fireplace opening through the use of mechanical fasteners;
• permanently fixing the first array of desired fireplace surround components around the fireplace with an adhesive material;
• and
• mounting the second array of desired fireplace surround components around the fireplace opening and between at least some of the first array of desired fireplace surround components.