While shopping for fireplaces, it is very important for every customer to find the right balance of quality and affordability that meets their own individual needs. That being said, it can be extremely useful for one to be familiar with the different materials commonly used in fireplace construction. Whether you are shopping on a budget or you want the ultimate in luxury, this guide will point you in the right direction!

Woods and Synthetic Woods 

Hardwood Solids

  Solid wood furniture is considered the best quality furniture on the market, and if you are purchasing furniture that will be in your home for a long time, it is a very smart investment. Even with wear, solid wood gains character and charm and becomes a part of your family. Hardwood solids, in particular, are cut from the trunks of deciduous hardwood trees. Among the most popular of these are oak and maple, which are commonly used for constructing furniture and cabinetry. And don’t forget, no two pieces of solid wood furniture are the same, so your furniture will be completely unique.

Engineered Wood / MDF

  MDF is a common abbreviation for medium density fiberboard, or engineered wood. MDF is made out of multiple wood fibers glued together under heat and pressure, and is generally very affordable and often just as durable as solid wood. Furniture made with MDF can imitate the look of real wood while meeting the budget requirements of most families. It can be made with recycled materials, and possesses no grain so it can be drilled and/or cut without damaging the surface. Also, MDF is often sturdy enough to be nailed together, and yet it’s light enough to be shipped cheaply and easily.

Wood Veneer

  Wood veneers are constructed of thin slices of real wood which are adhered to the surface of a piece of furniture to give it the glowing appearance of real wood. Veneers can be laid over less costly and lighter materials to save production and shipping costs, or added to a very expensive piece to showcase a particularly beautiful grain pattern. The slices used for veneering are generally trimmed from the most attractive parts of the wood source.

Metals

Wrought Iron

  Wrought iron refers to metal that is hammered or bent into shape as opposed to being cast or poured at a foundry. The result is a metal that has a roughed up surface as opposed to the smooth machine-made look of alternate metal products. Because of this coarse surface, wrought iron is able to retain a thicker layer of finish than smoother metal.

Copper and Bronze

  Copper and bronze are reddish-colored metals that have been used in furniture construction for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans used the metal to create mirrors and other accent pieces. Copper is also commonly used in plumbing and electrical environments due to its high thermal and electrical conductivity. Copper and bronze are both used in furniture construction because of its stability and naturally beautiful color. Look for both metals on coffee tables, light fixtures, and mirrors.

Accents

Tempered Glass

  Tempered glass can be made in one of two ways, both of which produce very similar results. The first is by subjecting the glass to a special heat-treatment in which it is heated to about 680° C and cooled afterwards. The second method is by covering the glass with a chemical solution which produces a higher mechanical resistance than untreated glass. Tempered glass is stronger than both untreated and annealed glass. When broken, it shatters into many small fragments as opposed to large shards. Therefore it is traditionally used in place of other glass products in applications requiring increased strength and reduced likelihood of injury in the event of breakage.

Poured Molding

  Poured moldings are used to produce a decorative recessed or relieved surface, generally on an edge. Molten resin or wood bits are poured into a mould, often reinforced with fiberglass. As opposed to using wood, this is a much easier way to produce elaborate designs in furniture; the moulds can simply be etched to simulate wood grain, and even knots. This is an old process that is making a comeback in highly decorative and unique furniture.