African Design Magazine ADM #42 July 2018 | Page 5

TIMBER IN YOUR KITCHEN
Photograph courtesy Linea Concepts
Photograph courtesy Meyer Kitchens
to it. There will be differences in pattern
and colour and in some you will see the
knots in the wood. or warp. Ensure you clean as per the
manufacturer’s instructions to avoid
damage.
Do feel free to combine with other
finishes
Timber is very adaptable and works
beautifully when combined with other
complementary finishes like a neutral
coloured duco, wrap or laminate. By
combining these materials you get the
warmth of the timber but the delicacy
of the plain colour. It also increases
the sense of space and stops the
darker or more patterned timbers
from overwhelming the space. Timber
kitchen units also work well when
combined with granite, engineered
stone or solid surfacing. The warmth of
the timber contrasts well with the hard
surfacing-materials, just make sure the
colours selected are complimentary to
one another. Do add a little more to your
budget
Timber is a natural resource and
many of the more beautiful types are
becoming harder and harder to get.
Many types of timber are no longer
readily available on the South African
market unless you are prepared to pay
a high price. Solid timber will be more
costly than veneer. As such veneer has
become a more popular option for
the kitchen and it allows one piece of
timber to go a lot f urther. What many
people do is a combination where the
frame of the door or drawer is solid
timber and the inner is veneer. Either
way, if you are opting for timber, allow
a little extra onto your budget for the
privilege of having a beautiful natural
resource in your kitchen.
Don’t expose to moisture and
excessive light
Treat your timber well. Excessive
exposure to moisture or heat can
damage the timber causing it to age
Don’t expect new or replacement
product to match
If you have a damaged door or if a
door needs to be replaced during the
AFRICAN DESIGN MAGAZINE © | JULY 2018
5