Timber is one of the oldest materials humans built constructions with and crafted furniture and tools from for daily living. Woodworking traditions are alive and well, and it is no wonder that timber is still a popular material for street furniture. With its functionality and natural beauty, wood is one of the best materials for products like benches, shelters, and planters.
Timber is valued for its sustainability, versatility, and natural appeal. It is an excellent material which offers many benefits when used correctly and taken care of. Here is why you should consider it for your street furniture.
Sustainability and Environmental Friendliness
One of the increasingly important selling points of products is their sustainability credentials. Employees, governments and the general public are expecting and asking for more when it comes to procurement in all sectors of the economy. One of the benefits of timber is that it is a renewable resource. Timber is a renewable material, making it an environmentally responsible choice. However, this needs to be said with a caveat – if conservation efforts and sustainability are what you are truly after, then make sure the timber being used in your products is sourced from sustainable forestry.
Another point on wood’s scorecard is its biodegradability. Metals or plastics are great materials to work with as they can be recycled, especially steel, which can be recycled indefinitely. However, timber can often be used again with minimal treatment and repairs, and once it is truly at the end of its life cycle, it decomposes naturally, minimising its environmental impact.
Durability and Longevity
Wood is a durable and versatile material to work with. It can be shaped in a variety of ways, and it can be easily repaired. Unlike some materials that need complete replacement when damaged, timber can often be spot-fixed, extending its lifespan. For example a steel bench that breaks will need to be replaced in its entirety, while a bench with wooden slats can just have a slat replaced.
Timber can also last you a long time if taken care of properly. We know that galvanised steel, for example, needs no treatment once it has been installed, even in harsh outdoor conditions. If wanting zero care and a install-and-forget kind of product, then perhaps wood isn’t for you. However, if you’re happy to apply a protective coat every now and then then it is good to know that when appropriately treated, wood can withstand diverse weather conditions, from heavy rain to intense sunlight and last a really long time. It takes some effort but not much and you get a long years of service for it.
Natural Aesthetics
Timber’s has a warm and inviting look. This is an added bonus for many products that makes them seamlessly blend into urban and natural landscapes. Its unique charm adds character and visual appeal to public spaces; it fits right from busy concrete-surrounded streets to tranquil parks. The material is highly adaptable, with the ability to be stained, painted, or left untreated, catering to a variety of design styles from rustic to contemporary. Timber naturally complements greenery, enhancing the visual harmony of parks and gardens, making it a preferred choice for outdoor furniture like benches, picnic table sets or bins.
Versatility
Natural wood is versatile in many ways. On one hand, timber allows for creative and functional designs, making it ideal for crafting benches, tables, shelters, planters, other street furniture, and even bollards. On the other hand, products made from timber can be installed pretty much anywhere, and they will look good. Wood’s natural looks brighten up any space due to its easy association with relaxing nature landscapes.
Another reason for this is its compatibility with materials like metal and concrete, which enables hybrid constructions that combine beauty with structural strength, further expanding its application possibilities. Our Matchbox Street Planter is a prime example of this blend resulting in a visually interesting piece of furniture.
Low Maintenance
Timber may not be the install-and-forget kind of material like stainless steel, but nonetheless, it is relatively low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for street furniture. With just routine cleaning and periodic treatment using wood preservatives or sealants, timber can maintain its durability and visual appeal for years. Furthermore, advancements in protective coatings and finishes have enhanced timber’s resilience against weather, pests, and rot, minimising upkeep efforts and costs.
Meanwhile, even untreated wood has benefits – its natural ageing process is an added advantage, as over time, it develops a weathered patina that many find aesthetically appealing. This ageing process reduces the need for frequent maintenance while still ensuring that the furniture retains its charm and structural integrity.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, timber is excellent in providing a user-friendly experience. Unlike metal surfaces, timber does not become excessively hot in the summer or too cold in the winter, ensuring year-round comfort for users, which is especially important for benches and tables.
Its organic texture, warm tones, and natural grains foster a soothing and inviting atmosphere, particularly beneficial in public spaces designed for relaxation and social interaction. Additionally, timber’s ability to integrate with natural surroundings promotes a sense of harmony and well-being, making it a preferred material for environments where comfort and aesthetics are equally prioritised. These qualities collectively enhance the overall user experience, contributing to both the functional and emotional value of timber street furniture.
Timber remains a timeless choice for street furniture due to its sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and functional benefits. When sourced responsibly and maintained correctly, timber furniture enhances public spaces, providing durable and environmentally friendly solutions that align with modern values of sustainability and design. Its natural warmth and adaptability enhance the character of diverse public spaces, from urban landscapes to tranquil parks. Timber’s ability to blend functionality with beauty makes it an ideal choice for benches, planters, shelters, and more. Its durability, coupled with straightforward maintenance and repair, ensures a long lifespan with minimal effort. Additionally, timber’s tactile and visual comfort enriches public spaces, offering a welcoming and harmonious environment for users.
With its combination of practicality, sustainability, and timeless appeal, timber remains an excellent material choice for street furniture that caters to both functional needs and aesthetic desires.