We have not installed the surround yet but it was delivered well packaged in a sturdy cardboard box with plenty of styrofoam packaging to minimize the potential for damage.  We unboxed the surround the day of arrival to check for damage and there appears to be none.  I was actually surprised by the quality of the materials and this mantel surround is definitely more substantial than the one we removed.  It looks to be well put together.  I'll be sure to update this if we change our opinion.

**Update--after having the mantel installed for a few months now, we really like it.  This mantel is more substantial than our previous one.  Install was simple and the mantel is well made.  I would definitely purchase this mantel again.