Wood panels enhance the look of interior spaces, adding elegance, warmth and natural beauty to homes and offices. The demand for construction timber, however, has led to indiscriminate logging activities that contribute to global warming, cause the extinction of wood species and wreak irreparable damage to the environment. Innovative solutions such as composite panels are ideal ways of incorporating the aesthetics of timber without the harmful consequences on the environment.
About composite wood panels
Composite panels containing wood, also known as engineered wood composites, are typically made of wood fibres or sawdust obtained from real hardwood which may be shredded or ground to a fine pulp. The extracted fibres are then dried and mixed with epoxy or other binding agent and formed into sheets under high levels of heat and pressure. The resulting products may be known in the market as particle board or hardboard.
Advantages over timber
Less timber used: The engineering process behind composite wood panels uses smaller dimensions of timber as raw material, yet it can be manufactured to create larger dimension composite decorative wall panels.
Lighter than timber: The dried wood fibres that are found in the composite material carry less moisture and weigh less than ordinary wood materials. With their lighter weight, shipping and installation costs are lower, and many homeowners are able to work with composites using ordinary tools at home.
Stronger than timber: Its lighter weight, however, does not make it a weak material. Without the breaks in the natural fibre of ordinary timber, composite wood panels tend to be stronger and are suitable for standing walls, furniture frames and other heavy duty interior purposes.
Eco friendly: Composites use only smaller dimensions of ordinary wood, allowing manufacturers to obtain raw materials from smaller trees which are easily replanted for sustainability.
Resistant to warping: The manufacturing process involves heat and pressure which leave the composite products with low moisture content, making them resistant to warping, twisting and distortion. The finished product ordinarily retains its shape and size.
Depending on the manufacturing process used, composite wood panels may possess high density core resin material with proprietary acrylic coverings for a wide range of durability, strength and design options. High quality composite wood panel systems are ideal for indoor use although more high quality panel systems may be engineered for exterior use as well. Composite wall panels are readily available in the market and may be sourced online.