Why is wood the most preferred material for building?

Why is wood the most preferred material for building?
Wood is probably one of the most conventional materials used to make shelter. Humans have been building treehouses and tents out of wood and plants since time immemorial! It is in the Indian tradition of Vaastu, particularly in Kerala, where wood is an integral part of constructions including temples, mosques and churches. Isn’t it surprising that wood still remains one of the most used materials for construction, especially when you are looking for a traditional and elegant design? In fact, wood is commonly used for contemporary constructions too, to give an earthen feeling to the brick and mortar buildings! So, what makes wood the most popular construction material across centuries? Here are some interesting facts about wood:

Wood is natural
One of the most common reasons people use wood for constructions is because it is natural and available easily around you! Though wood is widely used to make furniture and elegant interiors, it’s usage as a major element of construction is quite rare. Such wooden constructions are considered exquisite and offer a unique experience to those who stay and visit such wooden haven.

Intricate carvings and designs
Wood lets you carve out intricate and complex designs. If you can find good carpenters who understand the different types of wood and have the finesse to carve out elements that reflect your lifestyle, you can proudly own some rare and exquisite pieces of furniture and interiors in wood.

Variety of colors and shades
Natural wood comes in different varieties and patterns. Teak has an earthen color while rosewood is deeper and darker. Mango tree is yellowish while other varieties come in shades of brown. Every tree comes with a unique pattern which can be enhanced by giving it a good natural polish.

Connects the past and present
Wood is an element that connects the past and the present. Many people buy or retain old wooden furniture by giving it a modern outlook. They often tweak the design a little and add some colors or glass to make it modern and chic. Old swings are being converted into tables, traditional wooden cribs can be converted into coffee tables or sofa, doors become windows or partitions and so on and so forth!

Easy to avail
Even though using certain types of wood is restricted, you can still get a wide range of natural wood to choose from the right carpenters and wood experts. Depending upon the type of wood you choose, it may be a little expensive, but considering the maintenance part, wood will still prove cost-effective.

Can be shaped into anything
Wood is widely used to make different types of modern and contemporary furniture, artefacts, partitions, and other interior and exterior parts of homes and offices. Good wood can be shaped into anything from a statue to a stool in the hands of a good wood artist.

Low maintenance
Weathered and polished wood can remain strong for ages, in fact, generations! If the wood you are using is of good quality, well-treated and seasoned, it will remain in-tact, with little maintenance, for years together. The only maintenance work you may require once in a while is to polish it to keep it shining bright like new!

Wood offers a neutral climate
Wood is commonly used for flooring and ceiling because it helps to keep the temperature optimal. It does now allow the heat or cold from the outside affect you inside the house.

Highly Acoustic
Did you know that wood is highly acoustic? Yes, wood is the perfect material for home theatres and other studios where sound recording is done. This keeps your room sound-proof and echo-proof.

Wood is lighter in weight
Even though strong, wood is comparatively lighter in weight. This makes your construction less risky and reduces the load of your basement.

Electric, thermal and sound resistant
Wood acts as an excellent insulator for sound, heat and electrical circuits. If the wood is 100% dry it will wood be 100% thermal, electric and sound resistant.

Know these too!
While we can keep adding the advantages of using wood for construction, there are some challenges also which need to be contemplated! Wood can decay over a long period if left open to natural elements. Though treated wood withstands termite attacks, normal wood will be susceptible to seasonal shrinkage too, that is unless it is seasoned well. Another common issue to consider is that wood may breed fungi, if you are living in a wet zine.

All said and done, wood is definitely one of the most preferred material for construction, interiors and exteriors since time immemorial. For all your wooden requirements, feel free to call woodhaven! We create exotic havens out of wood!