Wood in interior design: species, finishes and care

Common woods

• Oak — strong, with a visible grain; light to mid-brown. A versatile choice for floors and furniture.
• Walnut — rich dark brown, elegant and prized for fine furniture.
• Beech — pale and even-grained; common in chairs and bent wood.
• Ash — light, with a strong grain; tough and flexible.
• Pine — a softwood: light, affordable and easy to work, but dents more easily.

Solid wood, veneer and boards

• Solid wood can be sanded and refinished many times, but moves with humidity.
• Veneer — a thin layer of real wood on a stable core — gives the look of fine wood with more stability and less cost.
• MDF and particleboard are engineered boards, usually painted or covered, and don't take repeated sanding.

Finishes

• Oil — natural, matte look; easy to repair, needs occasional re-oiling.
• Lacquer or varnish — a harder protective film; better for busy surfaces.
• Wax — a soft sheen over oil or bare wood; low protection.
• Paint or stain — changes the colour; stain lets the grain show.

Care

• Keep wood away from heaters and strong direct sun, which dry and fade it.
• Use coasters and wipe spills quickly.
• Dust with a soft, dry cloth; avoid soaking wood with water.

Tools for this

• Colour palette
• Ornament techniques