What Kind of Wood or Wood-like Materials are Used in Home Interiors and Why?

Although homes are not made using wood anymore, wooden materials and wood-like materials are often used in home interior designs. This is because they appear very appealing and help to create a warm and welcoming interior design. From your furniture pieces to cabinets and shelves, you find them in various elements. However, are you aware of which are made of real wood and which are made of wood-like materials? Many homeowners often prefer choosing wood-like materials instead of wooden materials owing to various reasons. If you are not sure about which option you should choose, here are all the details about wood and wood-like materials that will help you to make the right decision:

01 of 04 Solid wood

Solid wood is basically wood materials without any hollow spaces. This is because solid wood is derived from the lumber of trees. There are two types of solid wood available in the market: hardwood and softwood. Mahogany, Walnut, Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Birch are examples of hardwood and Pine, Sal, Red Cedar, and Redwood are examples of softwood.

Features:

1 . Solid wood has a very unique look thanks to its grains and knots. Other wooden materials cannot mimic these grains and knots. 2 . This is the best option if you want a sturdy and durable option. 3 . The wood finish does not fade with age. 4 . If any furniture gets damaged, you can get it repaired. 5 . Cannot sustain moisture and direct sunlight.

Uses

1 . Door and window frames 2 . Windows 3 . Furniture 4 . Wardrobes 5 . Partitions 6 . Flooring 7 . Doors 8 . Ceiling rafters

Maintenance

1 . If you spill any liquid on the wood finish, you must clean it immediately. 2 . You must polish solid items from time to time to ensure the new look stays. 3 . The indoors should have a consistent temperature and humidity level. 4 . Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.

02 of 04 Plywood

Plywood is engineered wood. It is created by sticking thin veneer sheets together with a moisture-resistant adhesive under heat and pressure. You will find plywood in two variants: MR (Moisture Resistant) and BWR (Boiling Water Resistant).

Features

1 . People prefer plywood because it is a sturdy material. 2 . Plywood is a flexible material. You can bend it to a certain degree. 3 . You do not have to worry about plywood getting damaged easily. 4 . People who do not have a lot of free time for maintenance can consider plywood as it requires very little maintenance. 5 . Both the plywood variants are safe from termite infestations.

Uses

1 . Furniture 2 . Windows 3 . Door and window frames 4 . Kitchen cabinets 5 . Panels 6 . Wardrobes 7 . Doors

Maintenance

1 . Dusting any plywood item with a dry piece of cloth is sufficient to clean. 2 . Make sure that it does not get exposed to moisture or direct sunlight. 3 . Always avoid using store-bought cleaning solutions without checking the label. Many cleaning solutions can damage plywood. 4 . If you notice any scratch, sanding the area will help to get rid of it. 03 of 04 HDHMR (High Density High Moisture Resistant) board Compared to plywood, this is quite new. People opt for this option when they need a material superior to plywood in terms of density and moisture resistance. Further, high-density high moisture-resistant boards are sturdier and denser than MDF. You can use it in places where the moisture level is quite high.

Features

1 . As the name suggests, high-density high moisture-resistant boards have high water and moisture resistance. Hence, you do not have to worry about it getting ruined when exposed to water. 2 . High-density high moisture-resistant boards have a high resistance to heat. 3 . People looking for sturdier materials can opt for high-density high moisture-resistant boards.

Uses

1 . Partitions 2 . Panels 3 . Furniture 4 . Kitchen cabinets 5 . Shelves

Maintenance

1 . High-density high moisture-resistant boards do not require very high maintenance. 2 . You just have to clean the spots and not the whole area. 3 . You can use lukewarm water to clean this material. 03 of 04 Particleboard People looking for affordable options should choose particleboards for their home interior designs. This material is made by using wood waste like wood chips and sawdust.

Features

1 . Choose particleboards for your home interior design if you want an eco-friendly option. 2 . Since particleboards have a consistent thickness, they are quite durable. 3 . These materials do not easily warp or get damaged.

Uses

1 . Shelves 2 . Cabinets 3 . Wardrobes 4 . Ceiling panels

Maintenance

1 . Always clean particleboards with a dry piece of cloth. 2 . Make sure that the particleboards do not get exposed to direct sunlight 3 . Be careful when handling it as it is not as sturdy as other materials.