Wood has been a favourite material for home designers and builders since before records began. Today, in an era of mindfulness and ethical living, we’re turning our attention back to this sustainable resource in a big way.
So – what are some of the most effective and impactful ways in which you may use natural wood in your home renovation? You’ll find just a few great ideas from the blogging team at Property Solvers over in the UK below.
Flooring
Hardwood flooring has never gone out of fashion. It looks wonderful, is easy to clean and maintain and will add significant value to almost any property.
If you have the budget for your next home renovation, why not buy in fresh boards of maple, oak, cherry or other hardwoods and have them professionally fitted for an elegant finish?
Alternatively, you could expose, sand, treat and seal any existing floorboards yourself, saving money and achieving an equally impactful effect.
Panelling
Wood panelling is back in a big way. The application of this decorative and somewhat insulating wall and ceiling cladding can be easy to achieve yourself with proper planning and preparation.
Shiplap is one of the most popular materials to use for this purpose, though you can find other planks, boards and battens in a range of different wood species to suit your tastes.
For a super-budget version, opt for MDF.
Kitchen Countertops and Cabinets
If you love a touch of the traditional or rustic in your kitchen, “butcher’s block” surfaces may be the perfect feature for you.
They’re commonly made of maple, teak, walnut or birch and end-grain cuts are utilised for extra strength. Not only do surfaces of this kind look wonderful, they also promise great longevity as most damage can be rectified with sanding and re-treating. Adds a great feature when it comes to selling up your property too.
Why not opt for natural wood for your kitchen cabinets, too? They can be repainted over and over again whenever you need a change, and the material is entirely sustainable.
Stairs
A new staircase is another great way to upgrade your property and increase its value.
Its elements – including newels and balusters – can be designed to look as decorative or as subtle as you require, and features like risers and infill can bring the look up to date with inline glass or stainless steel, or give a traditional feel with more wood or wrought iron.
You can select from a huge range of options when installing a new wood staircase. However, oak is one of the most popular species to use.
Beams and Pillars
Whether functional and load-bearing or purely decorative, beams and pillars are a very popular design element that will suit a surprising range of interior looks.
They can be installed to complement a traditional cottage or farmhouse aesthetic, to bring elegant, natural lines to a Scandi theme or even to offer a refreshing contrast to sharp modern or minimalist design.
Again, oak is a highly popular material for features of this kind, but there is a wide range of options available.
Other topics you can read:
Faux or Laminate Alternatives
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still bring the rustic sophistication of natural wood into your home.
The methods by which laminate flooring and furniture is produced have made significant progress over the last decade, while the cost to purchase them remains low. These materials are durable and easy to install and maintain without specialist help.
It’s even possible to find sustainably produced products of this kind.
Of course, there are plenty of other ways to bring wood into your design, from ornaments and tableware to hardware and furniture. The material is superbly versatile and will function perfectly and look beautiful for many years to come.
Products to check:
- How to Fix Wood Stain Mistakes — Blotches, Light Spots, Uneven Stains - March 22, 2023
- Is Rubberwood Good for Furniture? —Advantages & Disadvantages - March 22, 2023
- Mortising vs Straight Router Bit — What’s the Difference? - March 22, 2023
