The nature of decorative veneers means we do not recommend CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative be used on decorative veneers.

Why?

Most decorative veneers are made up of three core layers: 0.6mm of a decorative timber veneer on the outside, a layer of glue and a core substrate like plywood, MDF or chipboard. The nature of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative is penetrative, meaning the oil will seek to penetrate deep into the substrate but will be unable to because it will be blocked by the layer of glue bonding the veneer to the core material. Because the top veneer layer is so thin and the oil cannot diffuse past the glue line, it will tend to make the timber translucent, similar to the way paper looks when oil has been spilt on it. This translucency may cause the darker glue line to show through and create a dark patchy appearance.

We do recommend the use of CUTEK® Interior on decorative veneer as a protective layer. CUTEK® Interior is an ultra-matt water based interior wood coating. CUTEK® Interior offers the high durability and protection of a polyurethane whilst retaining the timber’s original natural beauty and appearance. As a polyurethane, CUTEK® Interior sits on top of the timber and does not penetrate it, instead encapsulating the timber to protect it from general wear and tear. It is this property and its ability to maintain the natural look and feel of timber that makes CUTEK® Interior suitable for decorative veneers, as well as many other interior timber projects. Always test a small area before fully coating any timber project in CUTEK®.

Looking to include decorative veneer as a timber feature in your home? We’d love to talk to you, your architect or builder about how CUTEK® can be used in your project. Call 1300 CUTEK or send us a message.

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Timber Design Trend #1 Natural Connection

There’s little that makes the heart happy like connecting with nature by walking through local bushland or forestry, your surroundings teaming with life and seeming to breathe with every rustle of the leaves. In 2022, we are seeing the rise of biophilic design – the practice of connecting people and nature within our built environments – as homeowners invite the outside environment inside. A timber’s unrivalled ability to offer a natural aesthetic and an immediate connection with nature imbues a sense of wellbeing, which we expect will mean an increase in its popularity in interior and exterior designs.

Timber Design Trend #2 Curved Appeal

In every piece of art, there is an appreciation for curves which mirror the organic forms of nature. As a home is like a piece of art, curves are currently experiencing a renaissance in residential architecture. Enticing to the eye and adding a softness and elegance to a home’s exterior or interior, we predict the new-found obsession with curved surfaces, and in particular curved timber surfaces, will continue. From rounded, panelled facias to curved edges on timber kitchen benches and internal walls, to timber arches, doorways and windows, we’ve only just seen the beginning of this trend.

Timber Design Trend #3 Timber Panels and Patterns

Gone are the days of typical horizontal patterns and symmetrical vertical panels. In 2022, we expect architects to think outside the box and use different widths of timber and uneven spacing to create unique patterns and configurations. In 2021, many award-winning homes heralded significant innovation in the use of timber in residential architecture as large expanses of contemporary homes were clad in natural timber. We predict 2022 will take this even further with cladded facades crafted from Australian hardwood enveloping the home and panelling artfully concealing garage doors. Inside, panelled timber walls and ceilings, room dividers and solid timber beams evoke a Mid-Century Modern vibe.

Timber Design Trend #4 Holiday-at-Home Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living spaces are a hallmark of Australian architecture, as we know from the classic “veranda out the back”. Off the back of COVID lockdowns, travel restrictions and more of us working from home, Aussies are investing in making their everyday home feel like a holiday-home. From expansive entertainment areas with impressive outdoor kitchens, decks and pool areas, to seating areas and timber-clad garden studios / home offices, we’re making our homes our sanctuaries. Whether chasing the high-end lifestyle or simply for function, timber remains the number one choice to take you from home to holiday.

Timber Design Trend #5 Timber Tones

Whether you’re building for the first time or renovating your current home, natural timber tones are in. As we strive to forge stronger links with our environment, we’re favouring nature’s diverse colour palette. A variety of light to dark, washed greys to almost black tones are increasingly appearing alongside the more traditional warm, honeyed and red tones. Rather than restricting ourselves to a small selection of timber tones, our unbridled passion for exploring the full spectrum of timber colours drives us in our quest to find the perfect match for a design aesthetic, location, and lifestyle.

If you’re building, renovating, or simply revitalising the timber features of your home in 2022, we’d love to talk to you, your architect or builder about how CUTEK^® can be used in your project to maintain the beauty of your timber powerfully protect it. Call 1300 CUTEK or send us a message to find out more.

The post The Top 5 Timber Design Trends in 2022 appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

When purchasing timber for projects large or small, there are many considerations.

Choosing the right timber

Wood is classified in two primary categories, hardwood and softwood, according to its properties. When choosing a timber from either category, it is important to find a species that meets the specific requirements of your project.

Hardwood

Hardwood trees are deciduous. Species include: Ash, Balsa, Blackbutt, Eucalyptus, Mahogany, Oak, Spotted Gum, Merbau, Jarrah, Ironbark, Teak and Walnut.

Hardwoods are usually heavier with higher density than softwoods. Hardwood is generally used when durability and strength are critical to a project.

Common uses:

• Flooring
• Decking
• Cladding
• Fencing
• Frames
• Boat building
• Piers
• Furniture

Hardwoods are used extensively in the building industry and for residential projects in high traffic areas, such as exterior decking or kitchen flooring.

Softwood

Softwood trees are evergreen. Species include: Cedar, Douglas Fir, Kauri, Hemlock and Pine.

Common uses:

• Feature walls
• Paneling
• Interiors
• Ceilings
• Doors
• Windows
• Beams
• Poles

Products that are manufactured utilising softwoods such as Plywood and MDF are popular in shop-fittings, furniture and cabinetry.

Softwoods are chosen for their aesthetic, thermal and acoustic properties. They can also be a cheaper option than hardwoods.

General tips on buying timber

After deciding on a hardwood or softwood species, there are some general points to consider before shopping for your timber.

1. Decide on the level of quality needed for the application

For high profile projects where only the best quality will do, Australian native timbers are the perfect fit. They are a sustainable choice with the joint benefits of being durable and striking.

These timbers can be at the higher end of your budget but bear in mind that you get what you pay for.

2. Work out how much timber you need

If in doubt, buy more timber than you think you need, but don’t go overboard. Any surplus will make the project more expensive than it needs to be.

If the timber shows imperfections that you plan to discard or cut out, you’ll need to buy longer boards.

3. Check the colour

Wood of the same species can vary in appearance. To check that the colour of the timber matches requirements, hold it in good light to compare the look. In addition, check that each board is of similar colour as there can be huge variations.

If you are struggling with uniformity, consider a Colourtone in a similar colour to even out the appearance of your installation.

4. Check for damage and imperfections

Before you buy, check each piece of timber for any damage or imperfection, such as warping or splitting. This is important for safety and structural integrity.

After you buy, protect from wear and tear over time by utilising a wood protection oil such as CUTEK® Extreme CD50.

5. Buying rough sawn timber can be risky

Rough sawn timber is graded in terms of strength and not aesthetics so there can be a great deal of variation in the colour and appearance of the timber.

Shop within your budget range

There are timbers for all budgets. Hardwoods are usually the most expensive, while softwoods are often more economical.

Reclaimed or recycled timber can offer great value for money but you’ll have to shop around to find a species that matches your quality and quantity required.

It can pay to source comparative quotes when purchasing timber, especially when looking for value without wishing to sacrifice quality.

Shop for timber with a specific use in mind, work through the considerations listed above and don’t compromise on important parameters such as quality.

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