We are building anew home that will have a fireplace and are in the process of picking out a mantle surround. We went to a design shop that sells kitchens, lighting, furniture everything needed for a home except bath room stuff. They had really nice stained, wooden fireplaces on display. We talked with them and they were very helpful. We are going to have a white, painted fireplace surround and they said MDF is best to use if it is going to be painted because grain will not show through and it is very smooth. Has anyone used MDF for their surround and if so how do you like it? If you could post a picture of yours that would be great.