Home Remodeling Projects That Incorporate Natural Wood

While building and remodeling trends come and go, homeowners always seem to hold a place in their hearts for the rustic. To this effect, no building material has had quite the staying power of natural wood, as this classic material captures the essence of the pioneering American frontiersman and the latest in contemporary home design with equal deftness.

If you are one of those people for whom wood strikes a special chord, consider any of the following home remodeling projects that incorporate natural wood.

1. Replace Old Floors with Hardwood

Perhaps one of the easiest and most striking ways to incorporate wood into your home is by replacing ratty carpet or stained tile with hardwood. Not only will this renovation give your home an elegant aspect, but hardwood floors, whether solid or engineered, are one of the most profitable projects a homeowner can undertake, with successful installation typically yielding a return on investment upwards of 75%.

Solid hardwood is made entirely of wood throughout its girth, usually some type of oak, maple, or walnut. Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, will consist of a comparatively thin layer of hardwood bonded over a high-quality plywood substrate. 

Both floors will provide a similar natural wood appearance for a very comparable price point, making wood floors a great option for a preliminary wood remodeling project. 

2. Add a Pergola to an Outdoor Structure

As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has confined residents to their homes at a rate heretofore unseen, an explosion of home renovation has occurred to allow people to enjoy their homes in new and creative ways.

One area that has been given a lot of attention is the backyard, which has served as a de facto vacation destination during these stay-at-home days. This renaissance has seen an uptick in firepits, outdoor kitchens, and decks as people look to their backyards for a change of scenery.

To increase the functionality of these spaces and incorporate a touch of wood, look into the various pergola design ideas that can provide your outdoor spaces with some shade and protection from the elements. While hardwood floors and a new roof may require professional help for installation, many modern pergolas can be constructed in a few hours by following a set of easy-to-understand instructions. 

3. Switch Out Painted Cabinets for Natural Wood Shelving

Although natural wood cabinets themselves are an effective way of getting wood involved in your interior design, a trend in contemporary renovation has seen closed cabinets replaced with open shelving. A solid slab of oak or maple on which to rest your decorative china is a classy means of creatively displaying your kitchen’s contents.

Conclusion

Though trends in home renovation have evolved over the years, natural wood has maintained a prominent place in the rustic and the modern, alike. While there are a number of ways to incorporate wood into home remodeling projects, hardwood floors, cedar roof shakes, exterior pergolas, and solid wood shelves are great projects to start with.

About The Author: Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash