Timber has become more popular than ever, and for a multitude of reasons. With trends taking place across the home renovations industry creating a spike in consumption, as well as a focus on sustainability, it’s easy to understand why. Take a read of the top UK timber trends to expect this year.
Expect a surge in residential demand
Following the cost-of-living crisis, Covid-19 and mortgage rates at a current record high, people are beginning to allocate their investments to their home as opposed to moving home. As a result, the demand for timber is becoming increasingly popular.
Herringbone oak flooring is making a huge comeback in 2023 and it seems to be staying with us for the foreseeable, however, homeowners are now opting for more traditional and timeless shades like oak and walnut. Due to the distinctive pattern of herringbone, spaces in homes are appearing much larger and open, ideal for open-plan living.
We’re also excited to announce that in February, we will be launching Walter Luke flooring elements including oak blocks and overlays plus the exciting and highest-quality home grown, long and wide quality Douglas fir flooring, perfect for contractors and floor layers. For more information about what this will entail, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Similarly, the UK made a beeline for cladding in 2022, and we think it’ll continue for a while. External cladding has been loved by commercial, apartmental and residential properties for it’s nod to natural beauty. Timber external cladding has been used to replicate the style of chalets and lodges, as well as providing a contrast between brickwork and rendering. For a sense of cohesion, Meranti and Limba (thermos-treated hardwood) can be used to match the colour of the existing features of a property. Not only is timber cladding durable, but it’s also environmentally friendly, particularly if thermally treated, as opposed to using harsh chemicals to resist rotting.
Timber has endless opportunities to add value to a home and due to the increase in home projects being undertaken, we’re confident that W.L. West & Sons can provide the resources required; whether that’s in the form fitting bespoke country oak doors in 1-2 grade European oak or Scandinavian redwood pine, designing a work-from-home space through oak-framed buildings in the garden, or installing traditional wooden worktops and islands for a timeless kitchen.
A climate change solution
Timber is our only natural renewable resource. With a huge focus on sustainability around the world, people are beginning to pay more attention about the source of their materials used in projects. As a result, more individuals are turning to timber as a material due to it’s relatively low carbon footprint. Scientists believe timber is crucial in the construction industry due to it’s ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide, therefore, it’s important to consider timber as a material in home projects, construction and renovations.
However, that’s not to say that people stop there. Timber is most sustainable when it has been harvested from forests who endeavour to continuously replenish and replant felled trees, as well as ensuring there is no damage to the surrounding environment. Therefore, by sourcing materials from a business who are recognised by organisations for putting sustainability at the heart of their trade, such as FSC, PEFC and GiB, consumers can be confident they are contributing to a greener future. For more information regarding the best materials we offer to support sustainability, please explore our 5 Best Timbers for Sustainability and Environment blog.
Growth in demand for hardwood imports
The demand for hardwood has increased dramatically by over 38% since 2019/2020. There has been double the volume of imports from Latvia as a result of seeking lower-priced hardwoods, and due to our thirst as a country for French oak, we have increased our imports from France by 71%.
Overall, although we are amidst a cost-of-living crisis after a global pandemic, the demand for timber is continuing to rise, particularly in the residential industry for sustainability of hardwood imports. If you require materials for an upcoming project, please do not hesitate to get in touch where we can discuss how our high-quality, sustainable materials can support you to produce excellence.
WL West & Sons Ltd is a timber merchant and sawmill business with 150 years of experience. We provide a wide range of air-dried oak and kiln-dried oak timber products and supplies. We also build and install custom projects for our customers.
Our wood products, building materials and certified wood are manufactured and sold with the endorsement of forest certification and the Forest Stewardship Council FSC
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