There’s a good chance you’re going to put wood last in your to-buy list for building a house. It’s true. Many people think of the likes of cement and steel as the premier building materials. What does wood have to give anyway? It seems weaker by today’s standard. And if we go by the Three Little Pigs story, a house made of wood might not last long. The big, bad wolf can huff and puff and blow everything to smithereens.
Of course, the truth of the matter is that we really cannot disregard wood. Not only does wood have qualities that make other materials inferior, but its beauty is also beyond compare. And anybody who thinks American homes are not made of wood should think twice. Over 90% of homes in the United States are built with wood. That’s a lot. And if you doubt the merits of wood, a quick study should get you going.
The Wonderful World of Wood
It’s true. Engineered materials are taking the limelight off wood. And it’s understandable. When you want to build tall skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa, you need the strength and dependability of steel.
But hold your horses. Even with the presence of steel, the redeeming qualities of wood as a building material cannot be overemphasized.
Recently, things have taken a drastic turn. Current research revealed that wood could be made stronger than steel. Calling the product “super wood,” the researchers from China added a polymer dubbed as lignin to make wood surpass the tensile strength of steel.
When it comes to heat and electrical resistance, wood also tops. When dried at certain levels, wood resists electricity and heat naturally. This gives you added security when building your precious abode.
Plus, if you’re so musically inclined, wood is also ideal. Its acoustic properties put echo to a minimum in closed spaces. This is because wood is capable of absorbing sound instead of just reflecting it. Meaning, you get to minimize noise levels for added comfort.
Then there’s the case for the environment. A lot of people might think that using wood is not helping Mother Earth. A deeper look into the issue, however, will tell us it’s a management problem. We should practice responsible harvesting where growth is continuous as mature trees are utilized.
Think again. Unlike metal of concrete, you can grow wood. When you allow trees to grow, you help the environment. There is no better way to remove the presence of carbon dioxide from the planet than with forests. Worse, steel and concrete leave a trail of more toxic materials over time than wood.
The Beauty of Wood
Perhaps, the biggest draw to wood is its beauty. With so many species of wood available, you have ways to beautify your place. Stair treads made of barn wood for one can be as pleasing as can be. The rustic charm offered by barn wood floors is both a testament of beauty and simplicity.
Moreover, the lightweight nature of wood is admirable as it comes into play. Wood treads on your staircase do not put undue stress on your floor. And that wood grain is a head-turner. It gives a feeling of warmth, adding an ambiance unique to your property.
Even the most modern of spaces get more warmth and extra coziness when accentuated with wood. In a way, the key is to achieve balance in the design to get the best results.
Don’t forget you get greater options for colors with wood. You can have dark oak to light ash. You can also choose a lighter finish to give the grain more visibility.
Of course, choosing the right wood material is another story. If money isn’t an issue, you can go for narra. This wood material is best for door frames and furniture. But it could also be used as ceiling panels or flooring. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also very durable.
When you want the wood to be at its best, proper treatment is essential. Getting a polished look for wood is one example.
No doubt, there are a host of options available to you when building your abode. Many people long for steel and concrete at the onset. But you surely would be missing a lot if you don’t put wood in the picture. So if you want a home filled with beauty and warmth, you can never go wrong with placing wood on top of your buy list. In a way, there is no poem as lovely as wood.
