Timber fireplaces and surrounds are great for achieving that classical look. Classic timber designs will never go out of style and can be tailored to fit in with almost any interior design scheme imaginable.
Combining brown tones of wood with creams and soft tones can help to increase your sense of space when matched with the correct furnishings and fireplace accessories.
The following is a review of different materials and styles that can complement each other in the timber fireplace range.
Solid Timber Fireplace
Solid timber is the original and best choice for timber fireplaces. A good solid timber fireplace may cost more compared to other materials but the difference in price is made up for in visible quality.
Principally there are two main design styles to choose from. Many solid timber fireplaces are made from a fairly inexpensive wood such as American walnut which is then treated or stained to replicate a different type of wood.
Using this method an effect can be achieved that while similar to the original wood will take on a new grain. Using this method grains of reasonable quality can be replicated but the end product is fairly limited in terms of quality.
Alternatively a superior quality wood can be used to create a true solid timber fireplace. Woods of high quality such as Rosewood can be used to create stunning fireplaces if you have a particularly generous budget.
With this style of solid timber fireplace there are also numerous options for customisation. Wood stains can be used to add further durability to the wood if required but this may affect the overall appearance.
Veneered Timber Fireplace
Veneered timber fireplace designs remain a popular choice for many people's homes. Veneered timber offers the look of a solid timber fireplace but with a lower price tag.
Low cost veneered timber fireplace designs are usually made form lower quality materials which are treated to add extra strength and versatility. Materials that are veneered usually include MDF and Pine and other low cost solutions.
Once a veneer has been added to MDF it increases in strength considerably and becomes much more resistant to external affects of warping and cracking. Materials such as chipboard can also be veneered but will be less durable and more prone to surface damage.
Higher quality woods such as Yew, Maple and Mahogany can also be veneered to add further strength. These materials can be used to make solid timber fireplaces but at a much higher cost.