How Do I... Choose the Right Kind of Wood to Use in my Home?
Wood is one of the most popular materials in home interiors, but how do you know what kind of timber to use?
When it comes to the different materials you can use to create the perfect interior, timber is a popular choice. But whether it’s for your floors, walls, kitchen cabinetry or furniture, do you know which is the right type of timber to use?
Here are some expert tips from Morgan Yeo, the ‘first son’ and director of Roger & Sons, a Singapore-based specialist woodworking design studio. The Roger & Sons designers are highly-trained carpenters who focus on hand-crafting furniture and other wood items.
Timber is most commonly used for flooring and furniture, but current trends are moving towards using it on walls, ceilings and even as bathroom cladding. A natural product, timber combines warmth and texture with amazing strength. And it will look stunning as a major feature in any home, like this amazing staircase.
Get to know wood veneer wall coverings
Get to know wood veneer wall coverings
1. Furniture
According to Yeo, the best timber for furniture are teak, oak and walnut.
Get the look: There are a number of exciting Singapore furniture makers who are creating beautiful woodwork: Koda (part of the Commune group), Nathan Yong Design and Castlery.
According to Yeo, the best timber for furniture are teak, oak and walnut.
Get the look: There are a number of exciting Singapore furniture makers who are creating beautiful woodwork: Koda (part of the Commune group), Nathan Yong Design and Castlery.
If you have a more traditional or wabi-sabi style decor, this oak entertainment unit is a great way to get some function and style at the same time.
2. Flooring
Vinyl-based flooring that resemble wood boards down to the texture are perfect for high-traffic areas.
Vinyl-based flooring that resemble wood boards down to the texture are perfect for high-traffic areas.
But if you’re looking for a feature floor that’s really wood, then teak is best according to Yeo. It’s not cheap, but it will definitely last for a long time.
3. Built-in storage
Who isn’t looking for to add more storage in their home? Many of us are also looking to create walk-in wardrobes and dressing areas.
Who isn’t looking for to add more storage in their home? Many of us are also looking to create walk-in wardrobes and dressing areas.
Built-in wardrobes or shelving in living rooms is best made from plywood or MDF says Yeo. MDF, which stands for medium density fibreboard, is made from compacting wood fibres that are scraps from larger pieces. MDF come in various sizes, thickness and types, including waterproof versions.
You can add a timber veneer of more expensive wood onto the exterior surface of your basic built-in storage for a touch of luxury.
4. Feature walls and ceilings
Many are adding timber as cladding to walls like shiplap, wainscotting or picture rails, and even as feature ceilings to make an HDB flat look more like a period home.
10 places to perk up with shiplap
Many are adding timber as cladding to walls like shiplap, wainscotting or picture rails, and even as feature ceilings to make an HDB flat look more like a period home.
10 places to perk up with shiplap
Like built-in storage, you can use rare or luxurious timber veneers over plywood for your feature wall, or go for oak and teak to really make a serious style statement says Yeo.
What about recycled and eco wood?
If you’re anything like me, you spend a lot of time scrolling through Instagram looking for interior inspiration and know all about the recycled timber trend. Barn wood, for example, is so popular that there is even a TV show about recycling entire old barns for use in modern interiors.
Obviously Singapore doesn’t have many barns hanging around waiting to be recycled.
If you’re anything like me, you spend a lot of time scrolling through Instagram looking for interior inspiration and know all about the recycled timber trend. Barn wood, for example, is so popular that there is even a TV show about recycling entire old barns for use in modern interiors.
Obviously Singapore doesn’t have many barns hanging around waiting to be recycled.
According to Yeo, you can get your hands on recycled timber to use in Singapore projects, but it’s extremely rare. “You have to be able to source it [yourself] and it’s really hard to come by,” explains Yeo. “Most [old] timber in Singapore is just thrown away.”
Get the look: If you can’t get your hands on recycled timber, look for a piece of statement furniture like this table with a live edge top.
Get the look: If you can’t get your hands on recycled timber, look for a piece of statement furniture like this table with a live edge top.
Eco timber, or eco-friendly wood, is also trending internationally, but again, it is difficult to get hold of in Singapore. Yeo recommends using a timber like Accoya, which is an engineered timber that’s sustainably grown and treated until it’s practically indestructible.
Is timber very expensive?
Yeo admits that it can be expensive to buy timber in Singapore. “The supply of solid wood is getting low and it is hard to get timber out of some countries in our region,” he explains.
“Quantity is always a problem because timber suppliers ask for a minimum quantity before they will ship to Singapore.
Yeo admits that it can be expensive to buy timber in Singapore. “The supply of solid wood is getting low and it is hard to get timber out of some countries in our region,” he explains.
“Quantity is always a problem because timber suppliers ask for a minimum quantity before they will ship to Singapore.
“There are a number of local timber suppliers in Singapore where you can source from,” explains Yeo. “However getting what you want is often dependent on the existing stock.”
Don’t let these difficulties put you off investing in some fabulous timber furniture, flooring or interior features. Timber is extremely hard-wearing, and it’s easy to repair if you ever need to, plus it can also be painted if you ever want to change its look.
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Guide to Sustainable Furniture in Singapore
TELL US
Did you find this article helpful? If so, like it, share it, save the photos and tell us how you use timber in your home in the Comments below.
MORE
Guide to Sustainable Furniture in Singapore
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