Timber iQ February - March 2018 // Issue: 36 | Page 38

FEATURES
The environment in which the furniture will be used determines the kind of timber to be used.
Continued from page 34
beauty of the timber and to show the grain of the wood visible in
a stain that is representative of a natural timber, whether it’s a
light or dark tone. Some ranges, like Homewood’s Imbiza, flex to
warm curves and natural, round edges.
Homewood advises that it is always best ensure the timber is
100% solid and to research the retailer or manufacturer you are
purchasing from. “Very often one is told an item is solid wood yet
is, in fact, veneered and at times inferior timber with a tinted
stain is sold as a more superior hardwood. Don’t skimp and don’t
be hoodwinked – invest and research wisely!” Mast emphasises.
Cheaper and faster-growing timber is attractive to the pocket
but treated with chemicals to make it last longer against natural
elements, according to Homewood. Solid timber is easily
refurbished and lasts much longer, it has a low carbon footprint
and is a renewable resource.
When it comes to price, it boils down to the kind of material
that is used as well as the design intricacies. “It is most likely that
timber furniture will be more expensive than furniture made
from other materials because of the cost of the natural resource
and the labour required to make the product,” Mast says.
UNDERSTANDING TIMBER
FURNITURE APPLICATIONS
To understand the environment as well as its
application, ask yourself the following questions:
• Is it for indoor or outdoor use?
• Does the furniture need to be moved around
a lot and therefore be lightweight?
• Does the timber item of furniture
require maintenance?
• Does the timber colour change with time?
• Does the colour of the timber tonally fit in
with the rest of the interior and furniture?
MAKING IT LAST
36 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018 //
‘Getting the most out of timber furniture is more about staying
true to the design style and era of the home or space, like mixing
retro pieces with country classic designs. In terms of creating
more focus on timber furniture, keep colour tones and
upholstered items natural and bring life into a space with plants
and greenery,’ says Homewood.
Like any timber used in the interior or exterior design, it
requires maintenance. More especially for outdoor pieces.
Homewood says that there are numerous water or oil based
products on the market for this very purpose.
Various aspects like size, flexibility and weight need to be
considered when selecting wood furniture.
See more on page 38