Real timber is enjoying a surge in specifications for use both inside and outside buildings, according to Tony Miles, commercial director at International Timber, Manchester.
Mr Miles was speaking following completion of International’s contract to supply European oak flooring for a former 585m2 warehouse in Manchester which has been transformed into new offices for architectural and design group Broadway Malyan.
He said: “Wood is currently enjoying an upturn in design popularity. Growing environmental awarenesss, cost issues and the rise of imitation woodgrains in the form of laminate, laminate flooring and melamine faced chipboards have all at times played their part in detracting from the use of real timber. But the use in both internal and exterior applications has perhaps never been so widespread as it is right now.
“Without doubt, timber has pushed out the boundaries from its functional use in general construction and joinery to a decorative design dimension.”
International Timber, which offers a technical advice and support service from its Trafford Park head office, supplied the timber for the Broadway Malyan project.
