Materials

LET'S GET FAMILIAR WITH WOOD

Traditionally, wood has been integral to homebuilding. Its durability, aesthetics, form-friendliness and re-usability have had it scoring over any other material in applications such as:

• Furniture.
  Door and window frames.
  Doors and windows.
  Partitions, lofts and false ceilings.
  Flooring (more selectively).
  

Today, however, wood may not be a 'goes-without-saying' choice for a homebuilder like you. The reason is is far from singular:

• Depleting forest resources and consequent efforts aimed at conservation now find traditional woods/ timber (teak, sal, shishu, deodar, etc.) in short supply.
• Short supply translates into a premium on traditional woods/timber which may not agree with your budget.
• Alternative materials, including secondary species of timber, are now available at more down-to-earth prices to lure you away from the pristine woods.

It may be pertinent to note that in line with the National Housing Policy of 1992 which made a strong case for eco-friendly substitutes for wood, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has summarily discontinued use of this increasingly-scarce resource in the fabrication of window frames and shutters.

Be that as it may, the choice is entirely yours. If your budget is not constrained and if you do not share much of the concerns of environmentalists, then wood/timber can do your home more than proud.

This guide provides you with helpful tips on how to zero in on the most appropriate of woods, make the most of them without necessarily spending more and, in keeping with the mood of the times, also explore the alternatives to wood which may be easier on both your purse and your conscience.