A noble and eco-friendly material par excellence, solid wood has always been used in construction, interior design and furniture. Its aesthetic, technical and durable qualities are well known—provided you choose the right species. Here’s a look at the advantages of solid wood and the species to prioritize according to your project.
Why choose solid wood for your projects?
There are several reasons why solid wood is the best solution for a design project.
- A noble and ecological material. Sourced from responsibly managed forests, solid wood naturally stores CO2 throughout its life. With minimal processing, it contains fewer resins or glues likely to emit VOCs. It therefore also helps preserve indoor air quality
- Solid wood is robust and durable. It withstands the test of time and is easy to restore. In addition, the material provides great comfort in use thanks to its natural properties, such as its insulation level and effective regulation of ambient humidity.
- A unique aesthetic thanks to natural grain, with a great variety of textures and tones. Wood brings authentic character and natural comfort to all design projects.
Choosing your solid wood species based on technical characteristics
One of the most important criteria when choosing solid wood remains the hardness of the material. This single characteristic lets you gauge the durability, potential uses and maintenance required.
Soft solid woods: light, economical and easy to work
Fast-growing woods, including conifers (pine, spruce, Douglas fir, larch) and a few light hardwoods (poplar, birch, alder), have lower density. Result: they are easier to work with and the raw material is more affordable, but they remain more fragile. As such, they require rigorous surface protection in living spaces.
These materials are therefore suitable for non-structural, lightly stressed uses: decorative shelves, cabinet fronts, claustras, small desk tops.
Hard and medium-hard solid woods: resistant, stable and durable
Denser and more stable, hard and medium-hard solid woods are suited to intensive use. Mostly from hardwoods and some exotic species, this material is ideal for worktops, stair treads and risers, tabletops and furniture subject to loads.
Among hardwoods, oak, beech, ash, maple, walnut offer good mechanical strength and a refined look. Among exotics, acacia, sapele, bamboo, hevea stand out for their durability.
Species suited to humid rooms
In kitchens and bathrooms, it’s best to opt for species that are naturally durable in humid environments. Acacia, bamboo and hevea are particularly recommended for these rooms. The choice of solid wood in a kitchen should preferably be paired with a protective oil against moisture and stains.
Choosing wood according to your design project
The choice of species depends above all on its intended use. Some panels and boards will be exposed to humidity, while others must withstand frequent impacts or support loads. To make your decision easier, here are recommended species by project type.
Kitchen worktop
Here, surfaces must withstand everyday impacts, scratches and humidity. So which solid wood should you choose for a kitchen worktop? Choose a dense, stable species that can handle frequent use. Oak, beech, ash, maple, walnut, as well as acacia, bamboo and hevea are all suitable for this type of worktop.
Bathroom worktop
Again, opt for species that are durable in humid environments, which you should absolutely combine with a water-resistant finish. Acacia, bamboo and hevea, but also walnut, maple or cherry are well suited to a bathroom worktop.
Tabletops
A tabletop requires good impact resistance and high stability. A wide selection of species meets these criteria: oak, beech, ash, maple, walnut, acacia. Birch, alder, spruce and poplar are credible alternatives for lighter or more budget-friendly tops.
Desk top
A stable, attractive wood species that feels pleasant to the touch is recommended for a desk top, which is used intensively. Opt for oak, beech, ash, walnut, acacia, and also consider bamboo, birch and maple depending on the desired style and finish.
Stair treads and risers
The frequent use of stair treads and risers requires dense and durable species: oak, beech, ash, walnut, maple. Acacia, bamboo or hevea are also possible choices. Some options are available in 3-ply (oak, beech, spruce) for specific projects.
Claustra in solid wood
For claustras, it’s best to choose a species offering a good balance between lightness and rigidity. The range focuses mainly on oak, beech and hevea, species well-suited to open partitions and clean lines.
Shelves, bookcases and storage furniture
For a solid wood board for shelves, the species must be proportionally resistant to the expected load. To support light decor, spruce, alder and poplar are suitable; for books and heavier storage, choose oak, beech, ash, walnut, birch or bamboo.
Choosing wood based on aesthetic characteristics
Beyond technical criteria, the material’s aesthetics also matters in the final choice. For example, some wood species brighten a room, while others create a warmer style.
Light woods (maple, ash, birch) bring brightness and fit easily into a Scandinavian decorative style. Conversely, dark woods (walnut, cherry, acacia or sapele) enhance elegance and warmth in an interior.
In France, oak and beech remain benchmark species thanks to their versatility and timeless character. Finally, exotic species (acacia, bamboo, hevea) stand out for their singular tones and more pronounced grain.
Types of wood panel fabrication: what impact on aesthetics?
The way wood panels are fabricated also affects the final look of the piece. Two criteria play a major role in this result:
- Board selection, i.e., the visual grading of boards more or less strictly by tone, grain, knots, etc.;
- the assembly method, i.e., how the boards are glued (finger-jointed, continuous lamellas, 3-ply).
Panels from the Nature Range for the authenticity and uniqueness of wood
The boards selected for these panels are finger-jointed lengthwise and edge-glued widthwise. This creates a heterogeneous look with possible sapwood and knots, for an authentic, expressive visual.
Panels from the Premium Range: uniformity and consistent aesthetics
The assembly principle is similar to that of the Nature Range panels. However, the board selection is geared toward uniform color for visually even surfaces. This makes them easier to integrate into a minimalist décor.
The Rustic Range: the charm of wood with its knots and grain
Here, full-length lamellas are edge-glued and embrace wood’s singularities such as knots, sapwood and pinholes. In short, the Rustic Range is perfect for an authentic, characterful interior.
Panels from the Cabinetmaking Range: the high-end selection
Finally, the Cabinetmaking Range stands out for an even more demanding selection. Boards are chosen for the regularity of their grain. Sorting is meticulous and visual “defects” are excluded for a high-end finish. Ideal for exceptional projects.
Solid wood finishing: a must-have
Whatever your project, adding a finish to the solid wood species you’ve chosen is essential. This finish protects the panel against moisture and stains and makes it easier to maintain. That’s why Ilicut recommends applying a protective product and offers a professional finishing service.
Why protect your solid wood?
A quality finish penetrates and envelops the panel surface to limit moisture uptake. It prevents everyday marks and makes the material more resistant. Result: the solid wood panel is more durable and retains its aesthetic despite daily wear.
How to protect a solid wood panel: oil, varnish and finishing wax
Solid wood is untreated. This means that it has not undergone chemical treatments. However, a finish based on natural products is essential. There are three common types of finish:
- oil
- varnish
- wax
Ilicut’s professional finishing service
You can order your panels raw or oiled by us. The finishing service we offer is of industrial quality.
The oil is applied in a spray booth, which ensures a homogeneous and even application of the finish.
Have a design project in mind? Use our online configurator to bring it to life with precision!
