mantle suround

[tom chapman]

i need to biuld a mantel suround and would prefer to use all hardwood . however do i need to use ply due to heating and cooling from using the fireplace . this will be done with red oak and stained to match floors. any thoughts ?
thanks
tom

[Matthew Voss]

Tom-

You need to be a little more specific about your design - style, period? Most mantelpieces would be some combination. For example, a frame and panel style mantel would have plywood panels set in a hardwood frame. For the mantel shelf on a traditional mantelpiece you might use plywood with hardwood nosing or a solid 6/4 top. For a traditional mantelpiece, I would also use plywood for the backboard surround, soffits, and any other elements not exposed. Plywood will not move as much, especially so near a considerable source of heat.

Not sure about the mantelpiece stained the same color as the floors. There is no accountability for taste but I would think that some contrast would be more visually appealing.