Home renovations: Cheap hack to make your house look expensive
Looks are deceiving when it comes to one ancient fancy finish that looks as good as its modern-day green credentials.
A bad reputation just clings to some materials decades after their quality has improved beyond belief. Timber veneer is one product that looks drool-worthy, won’t break the budget and even helps, not hinders a greener future as we build or renovate our homes.
The current Federal Government continues beating a path toward reducing carbon emissions, passing climate change bills as recently as September 2022 and our choices have an impact.
The Australian emissions reduction target of 43 per cent and net zero emissions by 2050 is now enshrined in legislation, but the Architecture 2030 report found the built environment generates 40 per cent of annual global CO2 emissions, from construction elements such as steel, concrete, glass and plastics. So why aren’t we all using more veneer?
False fake
An unfair rap has certainly proved hard for timber veneers to shake.
The word “veneer” itself suggests fakery, when in fact it is such a genuine material made from a natural, renewable resource – unlike laminates which are truly synthetic and arguably responsible for the unfair maligning of the real thing.
Style council
Melbourne-based architect with the award-winning sustainable architecture and design practice Breathe, Madeline Seawall is a strong advocate for using beautiful veneers at every opportunity.
“Designing sustainably means choosing the material that is most suitable for every application,” Seawall says.
“We love using timber veneers instead of hardwood door panels for joinery because it is such an efficient use of a precious resource,” she says, urging Australian Forest Stewardship Council certified timber only.
Imagine sitting back in your lounge, looking at the finishes about you and delighting in the uniqueness. Those wormholes, swirls and burls all signify nature’s dateless design.
Ancient art
Veneers were originally the go-to material for furniture makers as a solution to expanding and contracting solid wood. The practice dates to Ancient Egypt, where wood was the same precious resource it is today.
And if you’re looking for the newest products in the range, go to Elton Group and let your eyes dance across their range of WoodWall products – which can be applied as easily as wallpaper. Wow. If you do use veneers in your own home, not only are you smart, you’ll join the fine company of some of this country’s greatest designers.
Fine figures
Wood is an excellent sustainable building product that looks cool and contemporary while at the same time being warm and welcoming.
The range of available timbers boggles the mind.