10 ways to use TIMBER in your home

Lucy Aplin explores the many different and exciting ways you can incorporate timber finishes into your home

1 Bespoke stairs

Sculptural timber stairs are a fantastic investment if you want to create a wow-factor focal point within a space. Shown left is a striking custom-built flight by Bisca.

By combining floating oak treads and glass balustrades, a natural flow of light is encouraged within this home, drawing the eye without dominating the space.

2 Exposed beams

Exposed oak beams are a wonderful way to add warmth and texture. To the right is a king post truss, jointed with traditional pegged mortice and tenons as part of a project by English Brothers. The characteristic cracks are developed as the wood dries and hardens – a process which actually strengthens the structure. You don’t have to go for a full green oak frame, as feature beams can be incorporated into pretty much any project to get the traditional look on a more limited budget.

3 Internal wall panelling

Wood panelling is an innovative way to add interest to your home’s decor. Coming in at £106 per m2, these solid pine panels by Havwoods (left) capture the charm of reclaimed timber, with their brushed and unfinished effect. Interior cladding comes in all manner of options, from traditional solid wood to painted and stained designs; meaning you are free to express your personal taste.

4 Solid timber flooring

These solid dark ash floorboards by Junckers, which cost £163 per m2, have been slightly white stained, with only a few knots and hairline splits differentiating between the planks. Solid flooring is an increasingly popular choice within modern houses, as homeowners recognise that well-laid and properly-maintained boards can last a lifetime and add value to a property. Alternatively, engineered products with thick wear layers look great and are suitable for use in tandem with underfloor heating.

5 Wooden worktops

Shown right is a minimalist Harvey Jones kitchen (prices start at around £27,000) featuring a wooden waterfall worktop by Spekva made with different tones of oak. Timber surfaces are a fantastic way to add luxury to a kitchen, but bear in mind they often require a high level of maintenance and spillages must be mopped up immediately. So, you might choose to mix and match with harder wearing options, such as granite, closer to the sink and other busy areas that could be prone to staining.

6 In built storage

Storage is used to keep our homes uncluttered, but it can also add visual appeal. One of the benefits of bespoke timber cabinets is that they can be customised to suit your individual tastes; as with the made-to-measure Blue Library by Neville Johnson (left), which comes in 50 different colours. Its brushed steel handles and ladder rail are stylish touches. Other practical solutions include under-stair drawers, bench boxes and fitted furniture.

7 Skirting boards

The Period MDF skirting board by Skirting

World starts at £10 per 3m length. It has a classical design that particularly suits traditional homes. As is typical for skirting, this design is made from costeffective MDF, which won’t splinter or crack.

8 External cladding

Russwood’s Siberian larch cladding starts from £28 per m2. This timber is a popular external finish choice among architects and self builders alike because of its attractive appearance and excellent durability, offering a lifespan of 50-100 years. The face of each of Russwood’s larch boards is skimmed to for a clean, fine-sawn finish – so it’s a fantastic choice for contemporary builds.

9 Internal oak doors

Coming in at £298, shown right is a laser-etched oak veneer fire door from XL Joinery. It’s in a sliding pocket mechanism and is the perfect feature for this modern bedroom. Whether you are renovating a traditional cottage or building a masonry home, oak’s golden grain and durable nature make it a great choice. If you want the thud factor when closing doors, opt for thicker-thanstandard fire-rated versions or go for solid wood.

10 Composite decking

This composite timber decking by Ecodek is specially developed to replicate the appearance of hardwood, but with a more durable and slip resistant finish.

The Ecodek AT looks crisp and elegant, and is incredibly low maintenance, making it a smart choice for self builders and renovators.