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.

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1. Environmentally friendly 

Wood is an environmentally sustainable product. It is biodegradable and renewable with many species harvested from Australian plantations. 

Timber has a low carbon footprint making it a greenhouse friendly choice when compared to most other building materials. It makes a positive contribution to the long-term reduction of carbon emissions. 

Approximately half of the dry weight of a living tree is carbon that can be stored for the lifetime of the tree and retained through the timber manufacturing process. Using sustainable timber means that on replanting, the cycle of carbon absorption and retention starts again. 

Reclaimed or recycled timber is also an environmentally sound choice as no trees need to be cut down. 

2. Versatility 

Wood is easily workable, highly machinable and can be fabricated into all kinds of shapes and sizes to fit the variety of requirements for construction projects. 

Timber is extremely versatile and is used extensively for a breadth of applications, from structural beams to decking, flooring or boat building. Timber is also used widely for furniture and interiors. 

3. Longevity and ability to withstand extreme conditions 

Timber has the ability to survive hundreds of years even within extreme environments. However, this is dependent on choosing the correct timber for the environment the timber will be put into service.  For example, when building a jetty or wharf where the timber is constantly exposed to seawater, Turpentine is an ideal timber choice as it is highly resistant to marine borers. Whereas, Western Red Cedar is a durable above-ground timber used for cladding, shingles, doors and windows, but is not suitable for in-ground use.  

4. Financial viability 

Wood is a natural resource and is an increasingly popular feature in home projects. The wide range of timber species available give options to suit any budget, from more expensive hardwoods to lower cost, treated pine. 

5. Aesthetics 

Timber can be used throughout the home where it provides natural warmth and is considered an aesthetically pleasing choice. With a wide range of species available, timber has the potential to achieve many different looks. From lighter shades of Ash or Oak to the darker, reddish browns of Cedar or Jarrah there is a timber to complement every colour palette. 

6. Acoustic properties 

Wood, such as Western Red Cedar, has highly-sought-after acoustic properties. It can absorb sound and echoes making it the material of choice for installations where acoustics are critical.  

7. Health and wellbeing 

Timber is non-toxic and safe to handle. The health benefits of being surrounded by wood are well researched and documented. 

Reported advantages of exposure to timber include greater emotional wellbeing, improved air quality resulting in easier breathing and lower blood pressure, heart rate and stress levels. 

Timber can also give feelings of warmth and comfort and is often used for installations in aged care facilities, medical centres and hospitals. 

Architects are increasingly turning to nature-connected design. With people spending more and more time indoors, interiors or deck designs featuring timber is an excellent way of achieving the associated health benefits. 

If you are looking to include timber in your home project, get in touch with our friendly sales team to find out which CUTEK® product is best for your project. 

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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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With any type of hospitality, frequent use spills and accidents are inevitable and can stain or damage your deck or timber furniture. Now is a great time to learn how to clean decking and furniture in preparation for the entertaining season ahead.

1. Removing stains caused by food or drink spills

Food or drink spills can cause discolouration and stains that are hard to remove.

CUTEK® Quickclean is an industrial grade general purpose cleaner. It cuts through grease and stains and will generally be tough enough to clean up food and drink spills on tables, chairs or decking boards.

Apply the product liberally and leave it on the surface for 10 to 20 minutes. If the stain is stubborn it may be necessary to scrub it with a stiff fibre brush. If it still refuses to budge, try CUTEK® Restore  for a deeper cleanse.

When all traces of the stain are removed, the wood is ready for coating with CUTEK® Extreme CD50.

2. Restoring timber with black or grey discolouration

Greyness can be caused by significant weathering if a deck is particularly exposed. Metal objects left sitting on the deck for a prolonged period, such as nails or metal furniture can also cause grey or black stains.

An application of CUTEK® Restore will keep working for 24 hours to restore oxidized, grey timber while enhancing the grain.

After cleaning, the deck or furniture can be treated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 to protect it from further moisture damage.

Adding a CUTEK® Colourtone  will enhance and maintain the freshly oiled natural look of your timber.

3. Removing and treating mould or fungus stains

Decks that are shaded are pre-disposed to issues with mould or fungus.  The problem often covers a large surface area.

Sweep the deck thoroughly with a stiff fibre brush, taking care to work into the corners where mould and fungus often build up.

CUTEK® Restore is a professional grade deck cleaning product that will eradicate traces of mould and fungus. It keeps working for up to 24 hours. Be sure to complete a patch test first to determine how long to leave it on.

Although CUTEK® Restore is not considered a strong defoliant, take care to protect adjacent vegetation before you begin.

Using the right products is an essential component for cleaning up and treating timber stains or damaged wood. All traces of the issues can be removed from decking and furniture resulting in a fresh, as-new look to your outdoor entertaining space.

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Broken down into simple steps, the job can be much easier to approach.

Step 1: Choose the best paint stripper for wood

CUTEK® Wood Stripper is a powerful and DIY-freindly paint remover for wood.

The product removes paint fast and offers a safe, low-odour alternative to other paint strippers that use dangerous chemicals such as methylene chloride or NMP.

Step 2: Test the paint remover

Patch testing is a step that is often overlooked. It is vital to work out how long the paint stripper needs to be left on the timber and how much will be required to complete the job. The product guidelines will assist with planning for intended coverage.

Step 3: Assemble equipment

In order to do a thorough job, the right tools are required. These include a good quality paint brush, drop sheets or masking materials, a clean paint pot, pressure cleaner or paint scraper. It might also be useful to use a lamb’s wool applicator and paint tray for large areas, such as a timber deck.

Step 4: Application

Apply paint removal product evenly with a brush to dry wood, rubbing into the grain. Keep the area wet by applying more.

With CUTEK® Wood Stripper, the reaction time is approximately 30-60 minutes.

When the paint begins to strip cleanly off the timber, the surface is ready for rinsing. Testing at regular intervals will help to determine when this point is reached.

Step 5: Removal of paint stripper

Once the paint is stripping cleanly off the timber it needs to be power rinsed off thoroughly. For best results, power rinse with a high-pressure washer set to under 750 psi, with a fan jet pattern to avoid damage to the wood fibre.

Top tip: NEVER use ‘turbojets’ on timber.

Next steps

Following use of paint stripper for wood, it is important to complete the restoration process by coating the timber with an appropriate CUTEK® wood protection oil.

CUTEK® Restore will do a thorough job of deep cleaning the timber before treating with oil.

Failure to treat stripped wood with CUTEK® oils will result in the weathering process occurring more rapidly than it took prior to exposing the timber.

Follow these simple steps when stripping unwanted paint from wood to ensure effective removal without damaging the timber.

Talk to us to discuss how CUTEK®‘s range of products can help you to fulfil your next restoration project.

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Follow these 3 insider tips for installing long-lasting timber.

1. Use professional wood cleaning products

Surface preparation is essential to enable oils to diffuse deeply into the timber and achieve long-lasting results. Anything that is likely to prevent penetration must be removed with a professional grade wood restoration product.

New and pre-treated wood may be ready for oil without preparation. However, timber that is pre-treated with other oils or is significantly weathered will require thorough cleaning first with CUTEK® Restore, the natural wood cleaner

If stripping is required to remove any previous film or coating, CUTEK® Wood Stripper will do the job. This process can be followed by a treatment with CUTEK® Restore.

Seal and protect the timber

Using CUTEK® Wood Preservative wood treatment oil will give strong resistance to damage caused by moisture, fungal decay, mould and termites.

CUTEK®’s Extreme CD50 oil gives long-term protection from the effects of moisture, minimises warping, cupping and splitting, ensuring that exterior wood (even in extreme climates) lasts longer. The high protection wood oil works to control moisture from the inside out.

Use a colourtone

CUTEK® oils enhance the colour of the timber. Mixing a colourtone into CUTEK® oils before use will ensure the wood finish will lighten or silver off less over time.

CUTEK®’s 16 colourtones are wood stains that have been specifically developed to closely match popular wood species. Selecting a Colourtone close to the natural shade of the timber species will give the most enduring result.

Follow these professional steps to ensure that timber installations are protected from the inside out to endure the elements and stand the test of time.

Call us to discuss how CUTEK®’s range of high quality products can help you to ensure that your timber looks great and is long lasting.

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If your deck is in disrepair, follow these simple steps to restoring it to be enjoyed for years to come. For best results, choose a warm, dry spell to undergo your timber restoration.

1. Assess the deck

First, check that the deck is structurally sound. Look out for loose, damaged, split, warped or rotten boards and make a list of what needs replacing before heading to your local hardware.

Top tip: Be sure to include balustrades and steps in your pre-timber repair assessment.

2. Replace damaged boards

When replacing boards, it is important to use the same wood profile. Directly replacing old decking boards with the odd new one can look unsightly, so it might make sense to move the boards around. Replacing visible boards with existing boards on the outside of the deck and laying new boards at the edge can make a difference to the finished effect.

Top tip: Remember to use decking-specific nails to avoid timber splitting in wood repair.

3. Clean the decking

Give the deck a good once over with a broom then follow up with a clean.

To remove grease and grime use powerful outdoor cleaner CUTEK® Quickclean.  A deep clean may also be necessary in preparation for oiling. CUTEK® Restore is a professional grade wood restoration product that will remove stubborn stains and address oxidization to restore wood to look like new.

Top tip: Visit cutek.com.au to identify the right cleaning solution for your project using the Project Planner.

4. Strip the decking

It may also be necessary to sand or strip the deck to remove all existing wood coatings to allow the deep penetration of CUTEK® to ensure that the wood is prepared right back to the raw material.

CUTEK® Wood Stripper is a safe, mild and effective coating and paint stripper. It is suitable for removing multiple layers of wood coatings such as latex paints, stains, varnishes, linseed oils, acrylics and other film forming coatings.

It’s the smart alternative to conventional strippers that use dangerous chemicals.

5. Apply deck oil

High quality oil will ensure that your deck is fully restored to its former glory. What’s is best is the CUTEK® oil will also protect the deck from the inside and out. Your tired deck may need up to 3 coats to achieve the desired look.

You may consider adding a Colourtone to clear oil. There are 16 different tones available from CUTEK®, each has been specifically developed to closely match popular wood species. Adding a Colourtone is highly recommended for decks that were in bad disrepair with several boards replaced.

Top tip: Where possible, each coat is best applied at the same time to allow it to dry evenly.

How long it takes for timber deck restoration depends on its initial state. Once you’ve assessed the work involved and sourced your materials it could be possible to get the majority of your makeover finished in a day. However, you may find you need to apply second or third coats of deck oil on subsequent days.

Talk to us about how CUTEK®’s range of cleaning products and protective oils can help you to revive your tired deck in time for Summer.

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To start with, native Australian timbers are beautiful – so they’re fantastic for feature areas such as decking, flooring, cladding, walls and ceilings. Most architects and builders won’t hide our native timbers away but will allow our native species to shine.

Many Australian timbers are hardwoods, and are incredibly durable, so they’ll stand up to repeated use and perform well in weather. Here are a few of our favourite Australian timbers.

Blackbutt

As a class one timber with fantastic durability Blackbutt is a great all-rounder and structural timber option. It’s easy to machine, takes on fixing and is termite and fire resistant. This native hardwood also grows quickly in plantations, meaning regeneration is easy, so it’s a reasonably sustainable choice. Blackbutt responds well to stains and finishes – preserve the beautiful colour with CUTEK®. We recommend Blackbutt for flooring and decking.

Jarrah

Highly sought-after Jarrah is a premium Australian timber that adds instant style to any space. It offers a beautiful range of colours, with the sapwood a light yellow and the heartwood dark red. This Western Australian timber offers class 2 durability and it has a high resistance to termites, rot and weather. It also offers a high Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating. Jarrah looks best as a feature – use it on floors, decks, balustrades, in furniture, cabinetry or feature cladding.

Myrtle

The cool temperate Tasmanian climate gives us the Myrtle tree, or as it is also known Tasmanian Myrtle, with its rich colours of red and brown. Architects and builders seek out Myrtle for its fine appearance, and the fact it is very easy to work with. While it is a strong timber it’s not as durable over the long-term as other hardwoods. Therefore it’s best suited to use indoors on panelling, joinery, architraves, internal flooring and furniture.

Spotted Gum

Incredibly strong and known for its versatility, Spotted Gum is a favourite for its structural and architectural applications. Boasting a hardness rating of 1 (scale 1-6) and with class 1 durability, you can use Spotted Gum with confidence for claddings, flooring, joinery, decking, fencing, furniture – even on boats, sporting goods and tools, such as axes. Spotted Gum offers a variety of colours from light brown to dark red and interesting grain patterns. With a lower tannin content than other natives, Spotted Gum won’t “bleed” as much, making it ideal for coating and finishing.

Ironbark

An east coast native, Ironbark is as strong as its name suggests. It is of very high density and scores 1 on the hardness scale and 1 in the durability class. As such a strong timber, it’s not as easily workable as alternatives like Spotted Gum and Blackbutt, however you can be assured of its strength and resistance to pests. Ranging in colour from light to dark reddish browns, Ironbark is receptive to stains and has a high natural sheen. Choose Ironbark for a solid deck, fencing, retaining walls, outdoor furniture and landscaping.

Australia is ripe with native woods that are a sustainable, economic and stylish choice for timber construction projects. Add to their natural beauty with a Colourtone to retain a freshly oiled look or simply use clear CUTEK® oil for a natural weather appearance with long term protection from the effects of water.

Talk to us about choosing the right type of Australian timber for your next project.

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