Crafting Lasting Beauty: A Maker's Guide to Material Selection
Choosing the Perfect Materials for Your Bespoke Joinery Project
Having a bespoke piece of furniture or cabinetry made, gives you flexibility in its design, dimensions and of course its finish, and although important, material selection isn’t just about how something looks. There are many other factors to consider when selecting materials for your project including, durability, sustainability, functionality and even budget. Having a one of a kind piece made gives you the opportunity to create something totally unique and tailored to your specific needs but choosing the right material is a blend of both art and science, that will not only enhance the aesthetic of your project but will ensure it’s built to last and has been made from sustainably sourced products.
Is material selection giving you a headache? Hopefully our guide to sourcing the best materials for your project will point you in the right direction, so let’s get stuck in….
Understanding Your Vision and Needs
First and foremost, it’s time to qualify what you’re looking to achieve. Answering the below questions will give your project a clear and defined identity.
What is the purpose of the joinery item? What exactly are you looking to have made? e.g. kitchen cabinets, built-in wardrobes, media wall, fitted cabinets, shelving etc.
What is the desired aesthetic? What look are you wanting to achieve; modern, traditional, rustic, minimalist, etc.
What are the functional requirements? How does the item need to perform? How often will it be used? For example a built-in storage solution should have its weight bearing capacity considered.
Where will the joinery be placed, who will be using it and how? Consider factors like children, pets, high-traffic areas and areas of humidity like kitchens and bathrooms.
What is your budget? Material costs can vary significantly so it’s important to set a budget that you’re working to, this will determine the types of materials you consider.
The Beauty and Versatility of Wood.
As expert Cabinet Makers we work with a huge variety of wood based products, below you’ll find an overview of the main contenders:
Hardwoods generally come from deciduous trees, known for their slower growth, resulting in denser, stronger timber that offers excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear, making species like oak ideal for flooring, furniture that endures heavy use, and structural elements.
Softwoods, derived from coniferous trees, typically grow faster, yielding a lighter and more cost-effective material that is easier to machine and is commonly used for framing, paneling, and more affordable furniture options.
Different wood species, within both hardwood and softwood categories, present a spectrum of unique visual and physical properties; oak boasts a prominent grain and robust nature, ash offers flexibility and shock resistance, walnut is prized for its dark, rich color and fine grain, cherry develops a beautiful reddish hue over time, and birch offers a light color and smooth finish, each suited for distinct aesthetic and functional requirements.
Engineered wood options, such as plywood (layers of veneer glued together for strength), MDF (medium-density fiberboard, offering a smooth, stable surface), veneered boards (thin layer of real wood over a core material) and laminated boards (laminate over a core material), provide increased stability, consistent dimensions, and often a more cost-effective alternative to solid wood for applications like cabinetry and paneling.
Beyond Wood: Exploring Other Materials
Metals like steel, brass, and copper offer durability and a contemporary aesthetic, ideal for accents, handles, or structural features, though maintenance varies depending on the type.
Glass provides transparency and can be used for doors, display cabinets, and splashbacks, with options like tempered for strength, frosted for privacy, and laminated for safety.
Stone and composites such as granite, marble, and quartz offer robust surfaces for worktops and decorative elements, varying in durability, maintenance needs, and cost.
Acrylics and solid surfaces present versatile, hygienic, and colorful options for modern designs, allowing for seamless integration and easy cleaning.
Durability and Longevity: Investing in Quality.
Bespoke joinery is more than just a purchase; it's a significant investment in your space and its future. Choosing durable, high-quality materials is key to ensuring the longevity of this investment, allowing your custom creations to withstand the test of time and daily use. The specific intended use of your joinery piece directly dictates the level of durability required from the materials. For instance, kitchen worktops and high-traffic flooring demand robust, scratch-resistant surfaces, while decorative wall panels might prioritise aesthetic qualities over extreme resilience. Crucially, the proper finishing and ongoing maintenance play an equally vital role in preserving the material's integrity. A protective finish can shield wood from moisture and wear, while regular cleaning and care will prevent damage and ensure your bespoke joinery retains its beauty and functionality for years to come. By prioritising quality materials and committing to their upkeep, you safeguard your investment and enjoy the enduring value of truly bespoke craftsmanship.
Aesthetics and Design Integration.
The materials you select are the very fabric of your bespoke joinery, playing a pivotal role in how it harmonises with the overall design and style of your space. It's about creating a cohesive and visually pleasing experience. Consider how the inherent qualities of your chosen materials – their grain patterns, colour variations, and textures – will interact with the existing elements of your room, from flooring and wall colours to lighting and furniture. For instance, the swirling grain of a burr oak veneer can introduce a touch of organic luxury to a contemporary setting, while the warm, rich tones of walnut can add depth and sophistication to a traditional design. Beyond individual materials, consider how they interact when brought together. The smooth coolness of glass juxtaposed with the tactile warmth of wood, or the subtle sheen of brushed metal against the natural texture of linen, can create layers of visual and tactile interest. Thoughtful material pairings can elevate your bespoke joinery from a functional element to a captivating feature, perfectly integrated into the very essence of your design.
Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing.
In a week which saw world Earth Day once again highlighting the significance of protecting the environment, the importance of making environmentally conscious choices is always part of the material selection process. The below options are a good starting point when looking to be more green:
FSC Certification: FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is a global non-profit that certifies responsibly managed forests. Their tick-tree logo on wood and paper products means they meet strict environmental, social, and economic standards. Why look for it?
Environmental Responsibility: Supports healthy forests, combats deforestation.
Ethical Sourcing: Ensures fair treatment of workers and communities.
Trust and Transparency: Globally recognised mark of responsible origin.
Meets Sustainability Demands: Appeals to environmentally conscious clients.
Long-Term Forest Health: Promotes sustainable timber supply.
In short, FSC certification gives you confidence that your wood comes from well-managed forests, benefiting both the planet and people.
Repurposed and Reclaimed Materials: Reclaimed materials offer unique character and environmental benefits for your bespoke joinery. Giving materials like old iroko school tables (normally found in a science lab!) a second life reduces demand for new timber, lowers your project's carbon footprint, and adds a depth of history and individual charm that new wood can't replicate. Choosing reclaimed is a sustainable way to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces.
Sourcing Transparency: Supermarkets have a legal responsibility to tell us where our food comes from, so why should materials be any different? It’s crucial to work with reputable suppliers so you know where your materials are coming from. A recent nine month investigation undertaken by Earthsight into "Blood Stained Birch" uncovered that Russian birch ply with a retail value of more than 1.5 billion euros is estimated to have entered the EU market illegally since sanctions took effect in July 2022. They estimate that 20 container loads continue to arrive daily, laundered in China, Kazakhstan and Turkey before entering the EU market.
Asking the Right Questions.
Asking the right questions is absolutely key to ensuring the best materials (and maker!) are selected for your project, below are just a few noteworthy Q’s to ask:
What is the exact type/species of the material?
What are its key physical properties? (strength, density, hardness, flexibility, weight, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity).
How does it behave under different conditions? (moisture, UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, chemical exposure etc.).
Is it structurally sound and stable for the intended application? (can it bear the required loads, will it warp or twist?).
What is its working quality? (how easy is it to cut, shape, join, finish?).
What is its natural colour and grain pattern/texture?
What are the available finishes and their durability?
Will the colour or finish change over time with exposure to light or other elements?
Where does this material originate from? (specific region or country).
What are the environmental certifications of the materials?
Is it recyclable or biodegradable at the end of its life?
Are there any regulations or restrictions on its use? (e.g., regarding endangered species).
Does this material emit any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other harmful substances? (especially important for indoor applications).
Is it safe for contact with food or children, if applicable?
What is the lead time for material delivery?
What are the recommended maintenance procedures?
Can you provide references or examples of similar projects using these materials?
Working With a Cabinet Maker.
Working with a highly skilled Cabinet Maker will give you access to years of material knowledge, technical expertise and hands on experience of working with many different materials. They will be able to advise you on the properties, and pros and cons of a material and which applications a material can be used for. Collaborating with a maker in the early stages of design will ensure a well made end result.
To Recap….
Picking the right materials is essential for making your bespoke joinery not only look amazing but work perfectly and stand the test of time. Functionality, aesthetics, durability, sustainability and budget are all things to keep in mind when you're making material choices, however, if you're still not sure what material is right for your project or you want some personalised advice for your project, feel free to get in touch for a chat!
RESOURCES:
“Blood Stained Birch” to read the full article visit: https://www.earthsight.org.uk/blood-stained-birch
The Forest Stewardship Council: https://fsc.org/en
Global Earth Day: https://www.earthday.org/
