Wood decoration is a style that never goes out of date. Still, there are a few things to know about using wood in interiors—plus key considerations for homeowners and decorators—to get the most benefits and keep your home beautiful for years.
Choose Solid, Durable Wood First - If your budget allows you to choose between solid wood and engineered alternatives, pick solid wood with long-lasting durability. Select termite-resistant lumber. Using solid planks is better than plywood for strength and longevity—even if the price is higher—because the service life and long-term value are greater. If you do choose plywood, opt for premium grade made from quality timber.
Know the Main Wood Categories: Processed lumber for interiors is commonly grouped into three categories:
- Softwood - Tough yet workable; easy to saw, plane, and finish. Usually pale and lightweight, with lower load-bearing strength. Examples: chamchaa (rain tree), kabak, rubberwood, etc.
- Medium hardwood - Moderately hard; harder to cut and finish. Darker tones, often reddish; stronger and more durable. Examples: takian, chingchan, teng, mango wood, etc.
- Very hard wood - Extremely dense and heavy; difficult to machine. Naturally lustrous, tight grain, dark to almost black, with excellent strength and durability. Examples: pradoo, daeng, kaluea, etc.
Match Wood Type to the Application - Think in two ways:
- Load-bearing or structural parts - Choose very hard, dense, tough wood that isn’t brittle. Favor heartwood or properly matured timber, free from knots, rot, cracks, warping, bowing, and twisting. Kiln-dried lumber is preferred.
- Fine decorative work - For items that don’t carry loads (doors, windows, cabinets, tables, chairs), choose softwood or medium hardwoods that shape and finish cleanly and deliver beauty over brute strength.
Plywood as a Smart Alternative - Beyond solid planks, plywood is an affordable option for those who love a natural wood surface more than synthetic finishes. Plywood is industrially produced: suitable logs (e.g., teak, rubberwood) are steamed to release internal chemicals and soften the fibers, then rotary-peeled into thin sheets and cross-laminated with adhesive—typically in 3, 5, or 7 plies depending on thickness. Common thicknesses range 4–20 mm, with standard sheet sizes 3'×6' and 4'×8'.
Selection tips: look for uniform color across the sheet, a surface that’s smooth (not slick) and paint-ready, light in weight, and easy to transport.
Mind Moisture in Solid Wood and Planks - Most wood products are kiln-dried to reach a suitable moisture content. After manufacturing and before installation, wood can re-absorb moisture, which can cause expansion. Control moisture swings to prevent swelling, cupping, or gaps.
- For wood flooring over concrete, let the slab cure long enough and/or install a moisture barrier (e.g., foam underlay).
- Avoid using unprotected softwoods outdoors. If exterior use is required, apply wood oil/sealants or specify species suited to the actual conditions.
How to Choose Wooden Furniture - Beyond built-in elements, furniture selection matters. Weigh budget, available space, desired lifespan, preferred style, and how well each piece fits the home’s overall look. Favor durable construction, quality joinery, and finishes that suit daily use.
Care & Maintenance for Longevity - Even durable wood benefits from preventive care. Confirm that sellers or contractors use appropriate wood preservatives for your chosen species—formulations that protect against fungi and insects (e.g., termites, borers). Preservatives are typically liquid to penetrate wood (solvent-based, oil-based, or water-based) and should be safe for users once cured. In general, limiting exposure to excess humidity and harsh outdoor conditions will extend service life with minimal upkeep.
A Long-Term Investment in Beauty
Decorating with wood is not only about personal taste and aesthetics. It’s a smart long-term investment. Wood carries intrinsic value, ages gracefully, and can retain meaning and beauty for generations.
Sources: http://www.108wood.com
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