JOANNA LAAJISTO’S INSIDER GUIDE TO WOOD
The designer tells us about the different types, finishes and design options
Types of wood
I tend to use lighter woods, such as oak and ash, which have a classic Scandinavian look, but are also more readily available here. I also look out for timber that is FSC certified, rather than rare tropical woods cut from the diminishing rainforests. I use wood for wall panelling, flooring and furniture. I have also used reclaimed wood in the past: repurposing old floorboards is a great way to give wood a new life.
Sustainable options
We recently designed the interior of Löyly (above and below), a building that is part restaurant, part public sauna in Helsinki. We worked with Nextimber, a company that converts waste from the plywood industry into new wood (nextimber.com). The great thing about this innovative laminated birch is that it is durable with a fresh light tone. The project was the first in Finland to earn certification from the Forest Stewardship Council.
Installing wood
Wood continues to expand and contract when exposed to different types of humidity, so when installing wooden flooring it’s important to be mindful of this and allow enough space between the timber and the walls. Similarly, the wood in mitre joints (which is where two pieces form a corner) can crack as a result of movement, so it is worth strengthening the joint with a spline (where the grain runs across the joint). Also, make sure that the wood is properly glued together.
Solid wood vs veneer
Solid wood is always my preference, because the grain looks better, but I often combine the two by making cabinet tops from solid oak and the doors from oak veneer with a plywood backing.
Wood finishes
There are many to choose from, from oils and waxes to lacquer. Oak has a stable colour naturally, but ash and softer light woods such as pine and spruce tend to yellow when exposed to light, so you need to protect them. If you are using wood in a bathroom or kitchen, it’s important to add a water-repellent lacquer.
‘Use timber that is FSC certified, rather than rare tropical woods from diminishing rainforests’