Timber has certainly become a staple in most styling schemes. When you think about it, wood never really went out of fashion. The only thing that’s changed is how and where we use it. Timber is one of the most diverse materials available and affects all our sense. We have looked into what we think are the best ways to use timber in your home and how to keep your look timeless.

There are literally thousands of different types of wood in the world. Each variety has its own strengths, weaknesses, characteristics and appearance. Depending on the look you’re trying to achieve, you’ll need to carefully make your selections and stay aware of maintenance. Timber in the home certainly adds warmth and appeal.

Timber Floors

Perhaps the most common location for timber in the home, laying boards as flooring is an incredibly popular choice. Well-laid and properly maintenance boards can last a lifetime and definitely add value to a property.

There are plenty of options available from engineered boards and laminates to solid wood or even bamboo boards. Your choice should reflect the durability and performance you need for that area of your home. Some boards are thicker and some are suitable for underfloor heating. Make sure you do your research and get advice before spending the dollars which can creep up quickly with selections.

Stunning Staircases

Timber stairs are iconic, timeless and generally low maintenance. Create the ultimate wow factor and focal point. Stairs are a high traffic area and carpeted stairs can quickly look flat, tired and weathered. High quality timber stairs will stand up to daily foot traffic for years. Hardwood layering is designed to last and the tough construction will make your staircase resistant to warping.

If you love the look and feel of warmth and classic appeal, a timber staircase is the choice for you. Wood is not as cold as tiles and also maintains a timeless look when you change other décor or style over time. They’re easy to clean and come in a huge range of finishes to suit your exact tastes.

Bench Tops

Wooden bench tops are probably not as popular as they have been historically. There is a certain resurgence though in very recent times. A timber bench can be the central and focal point of the room. It should compliment other design aspects of the room like flooring and blinds. If you want your bench to really pop, consider using a black or white dining table and chairs to steer away from more timber.

To avoid the timber being damaged by water, get the right advice for sealing the wood or add in natural stone to wet areas and save the timber for the areas your family gathers. You might choose to mix and match with harder wearing options like granite closer to the sink and other busy areas that could be prone to staining. Perhaps keep the timber featured at the breakfast bar or serving bench. Either way, it’s going to add huge appeal and impact.

The warmth and texture of timber bench tops will come with maintenance and general care. You can create the feeling of luxury and style statement with carefully selected kitchen benches. If you’re really keen, you can extend the feature to your bathrooms and laundry too. Timber creates a general country vibe traditionally but if you pair your designs with modern colourings you can make it pop.

There really is no end to the decorating potential of timber. It could be a thick slab of red jarrah or a lighter piece of ash or oak. Make sure your choices are practical though and consider the simplicity of the cuts, joins and installation. Timber tops are also a big nod to the Australian landscape too and brings the outdoors in.

Your Furniture

We continue to choose timber furniture items largely for aesthetic values. However the main other features of wooden pieces are durability, toughness and the longevity of style. The use of timber furniture, no matter which room it’s in, will create a sense of home and elegance. It is welcoming and warm and will add comfort to any space.

Not only can it be easily updated, it is also a great way to mix timber textures, tones and styles. Reclaimed timber brings a very rustic and vintage feel whereas oak or beechwood pieces emanate a more clean an structured scandi vibe.  Painted timber pieces like chairs, tables or book shelves can bring added texture to an interior and offers a way to blend timbers without clashing tones.

We love that natural timber furniture comes with unique and sought after characteristics. Depending on the timber used to create your furniture, you can expect to see a variety of natural features. Unlike man made products, no two pieces of timber are ever the same. Grain variations are super common in all types of timber and colour variations will always be present to some extent.

The Deck

Australians love their outdoor entertaining areas, from verandahs to decks and patios. Timber decks add value to your home and while brick and stone are also popular for these spaces, wood is an innate choice. It can be oiled and stained when it needs a lift but also it ages beautifully. It is much easier on your feet especially on hot summer days.

The bottom line is that there is nothing that looks as good as a timber deck. Timber decks are beautiful additions to landscaping and will turn plain garden space into stunning entertainment spaces. Timber is a natural material and is ideal for visually blending your home with nature.

We think the best thing about the appearance of timber is that it is natural. Some species like merbau look great with clear deck oil while others can be stained. While some people like to paint their timber deck, we are much more in favour of the natural look that allows the grain of the timber to shine through. We think a solid deck is one of the best ways to use timber in your home and might even be the simplest.

Feature Panels and Walls

A unique and very individual approach to styling with timber is through to use of panelling on walls. In kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms or bathrooms, timber panels can create the illusion of added space if your run them horizontally. You can add the impact of height if you turn them and run them vertically as well. Reclaimed timber is one of our favourite looks for wall panelling and can be used beautifully in bedrooms or lounge rooms for a soft, natural vibe.

A major reason why plenty of people choose wood wall panelling is due to the fact that wood is a natural insulator. It is excellent for preventing heat from leaking out and cold from entering in. This means your walls will actually play a great role in keeping your property cool during the hot season and warm during the cold weather.

Ultimately, feature panels and walls look fantastic and can give your room a very unique appearance. Wooden panels are usually super environmentally friendly, especially when comparing to other options. Timber is a renewable and biodegradable resource.

House & Garden stocks a beautiful range of timber furniture and wooden homeware pieces to help you style your home. Use our favourite ways to use timber in your home and shop in stores or online to find something that will suit your personal taste and décor.