Few materials can match wood for the connection it creates with our emotions.
The natural look, the compelling tactility, and the innate sustainability make it a great choice for projects of all types – and while it might be making waves when it comes to interior design applications, wood is also impactful when used externally.
To give you some ideas of how to put it to work in ways that are both aesthetically pleasing and potentially practical, here are a few options that work well.
Modernizing Exteriors with Wood
Whether you’re aiming for a subtle enhancement or a dramatic makeover, here's how incorporating wood can make all the difference:
- Wooden Siding: Opting for replacement siding crafted and installed by experts from high quality, sustainably sourced wood is a sound investment in your home’s durability and insulation. Choose from cedar shingles or redwood planks which are both known for their resistance to decay and weathering.
- Architectural Panels: For a clean and contemporary look, consider installing architectural wood panels. These can be customized in various patterns and stains to suit the modern palate while providing a unique texture that sets your home apart.
- Versatile Battens: Wooden battens arranged vertically can introduce depth and rhythm to an otherwise flat exterior. Their alignment draws the eye upward, making the structure appear taller and more imposing.
Most importantly, by picking wood to augment the exterior of your property, you’re avoiding the end-of-life issues that come with composite materials which are also popular in this space. Wood is both hard-wearing and a store of carbon in its own right, so if it’s treated with non-toxic products and dealt with responsibly when replaced, it will leave you with a clear conscience as well as a sky-high property value.
Working Wood into Entryways
Elevating the entrance of your home sets the tone for what's inside. Here are several ways to ensure your entryway speaks volumes about your style and attention to detail, with wood giving a helping hand:
- Statement Doors: A handcrafted wooden front door can serve as a centerpiece of your exterior design. Opt for robust materials like oak or mahogany, which offer longevity and a timeless look. Indeed there are a number of domestic hardwoods which are considered sustainable, so your options are extensive.
- Decorative Frames: Surround your doors and windows with custom wooden frames. Not only do they enhance structural integrity, but they also add a layer of visual interest that compliments the façade.
- Integrated Planters: Wooden planters, tailored to match the exterior, can flank your main entrance. These add a touch of greenery and can also be designed to compliment the architectural elements of the home – alongside other wooden landscaping features.
All of this matters if you’re aiming to make your home more saleable, since research reveals that buyers will typically consider at least 19 properties before making a decision, and dedicate 124 hours to the hunt, so you need to make a good first impression with entryway touches that win them over.
Enriching Outdoor Spaces with Wooden Accents
It’s not just the walls and entryways of your home itself that can be taken up a notch with the addition of wood, as other aspects of your outdoor spaces can look better and be more usable with this material. Here's how:
- Elegant Decking: A wooden deck extends your living space outdoors and also adds warmth underfoot. Select weather-resistant woods like teak or treated pine to ensure longevity and enduring beauty. This will also appeal to eco-conscious buyers, as 52% of people are happy to fork over more cash for a home that’s got sustainable considerations in its design.
- Bespoke Fencing: Personalize your boundaries with custom-designed wooden fences. These provide privacy while offering a natural backdrop for plants and outdoor decor, enhancing the overall look of your garden.
- Charming Pergolas: Construct a wooden pergola to create a defined space for relaxation or entertainment. This serves as a stunning focal point and also supports climbing plants, adding vibrancy to the structure and letting you give your green-thumbed ambitions a place to play out.
Wrapping Up
Whether you work with the wood yourself or hire experts to create the desired effect, your home exterior can look more modern while still having its roots tied to the natural world and the history of construction. This step will also boost that all-important curb appeal, upping the asking price you can command if you put your property on the market – so it’s not just a personal indulgence!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich
Content Strategist
Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the wooden crafts and 3D product design space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.
