Elegance in Architecture: The Impact of Exotic Hardwoods on Wall Paneling
We have a lot of interior decorating options available to us these days. In fact, sorting through them all can be exhaustive and confusing, and can result in delays when beginning a project. Rest assured, there is no reason to research each and every option out there. A more expedient approach is to identify what you want out of your materials, and go from there.
Some people are after a light and airy feel, while others prefer a warmer, more rustic feel. No matter what you’re after, luxury wall panels can deliver the look and performance you’re after without breaking the bank.
Lots of people picture dusty basements a half century in the past when they think of wood wall paneling, but others picture the lobbies of their favorite hotels or the upscale board room in their workplaces. When we talk about luxury wall panels, we are referring to that second brand of prefabricated paneling. Let’s look at how the two differ, as well as the ways going with modern exotic hardwood wall paneling can provide the aesthetic and acoustical performance that makes your space stand out.
What are Luxury Wall Panels?
The luxury wall panels available today are different from their dated counterparts in a number of important ways. They look better, sound better, and come in a wide variety of exotic wood species’ and finishes to match whatever aesthetic you’re after.
The old paneling we associate with 60s and 70s basements was thin, cheap, and filled with all kinds of chemicals that have fallen out of favor due to potential health effects. They didn’t do much for the look or sound of the space, and as a result, have largely been replaced over the past couple of decades.
Modern luxury wall panels, however, are made from real wood veneers. This delivers the look of real wood because they are made from real wood. They are also much thicker and more durable than their outdated ancestors, and they offer acoustical benefits as well.
To top it all off, there is such a wide range of wood species and panel styles available today that you can achieve the impact you’re after, no matter what that may be. If you are just starting a project, there are some great reasons to go with an exotic wood species on your walls and ceilings.
Benefits of Exotic Hardwoods
There are some things that we expect out of a hardwood and some that we don’t. Particularly, many of us expect exotic species to be beautiful but prohibitively expensive. But luxury wall panels made of exotic hardwoods can deliver all the beauty we expect at an unexpectedly low price. Let’s look at some benefits of choosing exotic species of wood to deliver the elegance in architecture you’re after.
Designs that Go Against the Grain
One distinct advantage exotic hardwoods have over domestic hardwoods is that many of them feature complex grain patterns and striking, warm hues. These kinds of visual attributes are hard to find in other natural materials, meaning your space is sure to stand out against similar designs.
Durability and Longevity
Exotic hardwoods tend to be harder than our domestic hardwoods in the US and Canada. That means that they are durable enough to last a lifetime, and are perfect for structures that you don’t want to refinish in the near future. The exceptional hardness of exotic species of wood mean that they are resistant to pests, wear and incidental damage.
Resistance to Warping
Another benefit of using incredibly dense hardwoods is that they are less prone to moisture damage than their softer counterparts. Since moisture has a more difficult time penetrating denser woods, they are less likely to experience problems like warping and swelling. This makes them an ideal choice for higher humidity spaces.
Special Considerations for Using Exotic Hardwoods
As beautiful and versatile as exotic hardwoods are, there are special considerations that must be taken into account if you want them to get the most out of your new luxury wall panels.
Choosing a Finish
Luxury wood wall paneling is available in a number of finishes, and each one will affect the overall feel of the finished product. A smooth, glossy finish is perfect for decorating modern, contemporary spaces. On the other hand, matte finishes may be better if you are after a natural, rustic look. The finish you choose will have a very real impact on the way your space presents itself, so make sure to do your homework.
Choosing a Style
Another important consideration when decorating with luxury wall panels is the style. There are a number of them out there, and each will deliver a different visual impact. Linear beams with gaps or recesses will add length or height to the space, depending on whether you choose vertical or horizontal beams.
Flat panels require the same kind of thought. Going with a more or less seamless design is sure to provide a very modern aesthetic. If your panels are separated by raised or recessed joints, the resulting look is more classical.
Installing Exotic Hardwood Wall Panels
Installing wall panels is likely easier than you think, and doing it yourself can save you a considerable amount of money in labor costs. If you are fairly handy and have a set of basic tools, you can get a tremendous bang for your buck when you install exotic hardwood panels.
Most options in luxury wall panels can be mounted with simple bars and clips. Panels are custom designed to work seamlessly with these mounting systems, meaning even novice builders can achieve a high end look with little effort.
If you would prefer a linear look, plank hardwoods are another option that looks great and is easy to install. Their tongue and groove construction means you simply set each tongue into the adjacent groove and secure the panel. No specialty knowledge or tools required.
Maintaining Hardwood Walls
Once you have made your decisions on wood species, finish and style, it’s important to know how to properly maintain your hardwoods to keep them looking great for the long haul. In general, architectural wall paneling is very resistant to staining and paint transfer, but a little gentle cleaning can go a long way.
The first step in maintaining your luxury wall panels is to lightly dust or brush loose soils away with a soft brush, cloth, or duster on a fairly regular basis. This will keep dust at bay and remove most new debris quickly.
If your panels require additional cleaning, gently wiping the surface with a soft cloth and solution of mild dish soap and warm water should take care of most soils. Be sure to dry the surface immediately after cleaning.
You can use specialty wood cleaners if necessary, but make sure to use one formulated for your panel type and spot test in an inconspicuous location before wider application. The textural and finish specifics of your luxury wall panels will make a difference when it comes to proper cleaning, so make sure you know what you’re doing before scrubbing the whole wall with a harsh chemical.
Modern Design with Wood Wall Paneling
We have touched on the impact your choice of style and finish have on the overall feel of your overall design, and those are important things to remember when designing with exotic hardwoods.
Another important consideration is the fact that different types of wood for wall paneling deliver different types of aesthetic impacts to the spaces they are in, as a simple search of wood paneling ideas for library vs wood paneling ideas for outdoor seating will surely show. Some popular and great lookin options in exotic hardwoods include:
Cumaru
This extremely hard, durable hardwood is native to Central and South America, and boasts stunning grain patterns and colors. It is also one of the more popular exotic hardwoods on the market. Cumaru features a range of reddish to brown hues.
Brazilian Cherry
Another hardwood native to South America, Brazilian Cherry is durable and resists everything from moisture to insect infestation. This beautiful hardwood features a reddish color that gets deeper with age and delivers an eye-catching backdrop to any room.
Acacia
Acacia is an incredibly popular hardwood, grown in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. Its unique grain patterns provide visual pop that add a rustic elegance to any space. Colors typically range from golden to brown.
Canarywood
If great acoustics are important to you, choosing Canarywood paneling for walls will deliver both stunning visuals and improved performance where sound is concerned. Most examples of Canarywood feature yellowish orange to darker reddish brown colors, with alternating light and dark streaks.
Sourcing Good Wood
In order to get the best woods for your project, it’s important to go with a reputable dealer. We not only have access to a wide range of unique wood products that will make your luxury wall panels pop, but we have the expertise to ensure you get the acoustic and aesthetic performance you’re after. If you are ready to transform your space with the awesome characteristics that only exotic hardwoods provide, reach out for a consultation.