Timber is one of the most versatile construction materials in existence. It is used extensively for home framing, exteriors, and interior design features.

In recent years, the use of naturally stained or painted timber in interiors has decreased in popularity. Competing materials are sometimes more cost effective, and they are perceived as being more suited to modern homes.

Timber isn’t just for older homes and new homes with period inspiration. You’ll be surprised to learn how solid timber and engineered products could fit into your home remodeling concept, often in ways that hadn’t even crossed your mind.

Before you call in the Des Moines contractors and start your next big improvement, consider all the ways that you could use timber products to beautify your home.

Timber for Kitchen Remodeling

Many serious homeowners begin their home remodeling projects in the kitchen. This is one of the most important rooms in your home. The decisions you make could impact the look and feel of all your living spaces.

A kitchen should be comfortable and functional. It should also be durable and ready to stand up to everyday use.

There are a few different ways you can use timber for kitchen remodeling. Some will be familiar, while others will be completely unique and inspiring.

The most obvious use of timber in a kitchen is for your cabinets. If you need a complete kitchen remodeling in Des Moines, your old cabinets will probably need to go. While you could resurface your cabinets with a veneer, this will only be a temporary stopgap and you won’t get much of a boost in terms of resale value.

Solid wooden cabinets provide significant benefits, which help to offset the initial investment:

• Wood is an easy material to work with, so it can be shaped and designed to meet your aesthetic demands. Are you looking for an ultramodern kitchen with flat surfaces and clean edges? Maybe you would prefer a transitional kitchen with elaborate designs on the cabinetwork? Timber can do either, or anything in between.
  
  
• Even relatively inexpensive wood like pine will look great in a kitchen. You can choose from a range of stains and paints to complete the aesthetic.
  
  
• While older wooden cabinets were susceptible to rot, infestation, and warping, the modern custom varieties are pretreated to give you years of durability.
  
  
• Custom wood cabinets can be repaired, unlike manufactured composite or metal cabinets that would need to be replaced entirely.

For cabinets, wood is the superior choice. You can choose between solid designs and windowed cabinets to give you the perfect look and feel. Away from your cabinets and drawers, there are more great ways to use timber in your kitchen.

• On the floor, you could install engineered hardwood for an upmarket look and feel. Traditional hardwood is more susceptible to moisture, which is always a risk in a kitchen. With engineered hardwood you will enjoy more stability and resistance to spills. High-end engineered planks can even be refinished at least once, so you’ll get plenty of lifetime from your flooring. Tiles are popular in kitchens but aren’t as elegant for flooring.
  
  
• Kitchen remodeling is the perfect opportunity to update your kitchen island or install a new one. A butcher block countertop could become the standout feature of your kitchen, giving you a practical workspace as well as a huge aesthetic boost. A butcher block can even be used on all your kitchen counters, giving you a high end, natural, and uniquely modern space.
  
  
• Consider all the smaller ways that timber could be used to elevate your kitchen design. Elaborate crown molding can turn a bland kitchen into something quite special. Even smaller improvements like designer wooden light fixtures will make a huge difference while giving your kitchen its own personality.

Some kitchens that make extensive use of timber can feel outdated. It’s not the fault of the material, but rather the way that it is used. If you are planning whole home remodeling, then natural timber products need to be in the conversation.

Bathroom Remodeling with Timber Accents

Your bathroom should be a comfortable place of relaxation. Designing a serene retreat within your home is important if you want to be impressed by your bathroom for many years to come.

Modern bathroom trends are attractive and extremely practical. However, there are many homeowners who feel like the extensive use of glass and tile creates a space that feels more sterile than welcoming.

During your next bathroom remodel, consider using timber for accents! You’ll be able to achieve a beautiful transitional look that feels natural. Using timber doesn’t mean that you must omit modern trends like frameless glass showers and floor to ceiling tiles. Even some small touches of timber, or one big feature could make a huge difference.

Use these ideas for inspiration as you plan your home remodeling:

• Your bathroom vanity is a visual feature as much as it is a practical tool. Make it stand out by choosing beautiful wooden cabinets with a simple white acrylic or quartz countertop. The lighter hue of the stone will bring out the natural beauty of the timber. Alternatively, you could choose an all-timber vanity and incorporate vessel sinks on the top.
  
  
• Frame everything that makes sense. Beveled glass mirrors are popular in modern bathrooms, but they can also appear bland and uninspired. Choose a beautiful timber frame that contrasts with your wall and other bathroom features. If you have a large window in the bathroom, frame it in timber that matches your vanity and mirror.
  
  
• Smaller accents can use timber too, and they will help to tie the aesthetic of the room together. Wooden soap dispensers, towel racks and hooks, and toothbrush holders are some simple additions. You don’t need to invest in expensive examples. Color match with your vanity and choose a product made from a veneer or composite.
  
  
• If you’re feeling adventurous, consider replacing your toilet seat with a beautifully stained wooden replacement. If your bathroom is predominantly white with reflective surfaces, a wooden toilet seat will add a little impact and drama.

Making wood accents a design feature rather than an afterthought will allow you to blend this classic material in with your overall modern design.

Timber Throughout Your Whole Home Remodeling Project

We’ve explored the use of timber in two of the most important rooms of your home, but you don’t have to stop there. Consider the following improvements for complete home remodeling.

• Add half wall paneling throughout halls and in your living and dining room. This can easily add some high-end elegance to your home, while also protecting your walls from damage.
  
  
• Update your baseboards and molding. This is relatively simple and cost effective, but you’ll get impressive results. Consider going for deeper crown molding in the rooms where you want to add elegance and beauty.
  
  
• If your Des Moines home remodeling project will extend to the exterior, consider wood siding. Although it requires more maintenance than some other materials, wood is a great insulator and could help to keep your home more energy efficient. It’s also more beautiful than imitation products. If you’re the kind of person who notices and cares about details, you’ll get more satisfaction from a wooden exterior over vinyl or metal.
  
  
• If you have older aluminum window frames, consider updating to wood. Wood insulates better and the aesthetic improvement will be significant. Some composite materials can provide even better insulation for a slight cosmetic downgrade. You can even install wooden framing on top of an existing aluminum frame.
  
  
• Engineered hardwood is one of the most significant developments in home remodeling and renovation. The quality of products has increased significantly in recent years, making engineered planks the go-to material of choice for many homeowners. Many people love the look and feel of carpet, but you don’t have to use it in every room. Consider engineered hardwood for hallways, living areas, your dining room, and home offices or libraries.

These are just some of the ways that wood can be used to beautify your home. Of course, if you are planning complete home remodeling with kitchen and bathroom included, you will find countless opportunities to use timber in creative ways.

Des Moines Contractors for Timber Home Remodeling

Having expert support will help you to get the best fit and finish with an overall theme that reflects your preferences and personality. The team at HomeWorx Iowa is your best choice if you are ready for Des Moines home remodeling.

We’re an end to end home improvement company, meaning that we’ll be there with you from planning and design, all the way to the final walkthrough. Our extensive knowledge, experience, and project management expertise will ensure you get the most out of any materials you choose.

Timber is a timeless material. It all comes down to how you use it. For a more beautiful home that makes use of timber and other materials, talk to our design team today.