Quick guide to understanding humanity's most loved material: WOOD.
A Designer’s Guide to Wood: The Most Loved Material in Human History
Learn the basics of hardwood vs. softwood, humidity, and solid vs. composite wood from Articture’s founder and designer, Ibrahim Hyder.
Japandi Rattan Dining Chair
Meet the Designer Behind the Craft
Hi there,
My name is Ibrahim Hyder, and I’m Articture’s lead product designer. My passion lies in exploring materials and understanding humanity’s ever-changing perception of "beauty."
Today, I’m sharing a few golden nuggets about one of the most important materials in human history — wood. It’s been at the core of civilization for centuries, and at Articture, it’s at the core of our craft.
A Deep Love for Woodworking
After launching Articture, I trained and worked as a professional woodworker for years. Many of the products that shipped out early on were made by my own hands. I believed that in order for us to succeed, I needed to understand what made a product great — and do it myself.
Fundamental Truths About Wood
Hardwood vs. Softwood
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There are two main types of wood: hardwood and softwood.
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Hardwood trees (like oak and maple) lose their leaves annually and are dense and sturdy.
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Softwoods (like pine) are evergreen and grow faster, making them easier to work with.
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Hardwood wears down tools faster — maple is tough on machines, while pine cuts like butter.
When Quality Matters
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Common luxury woods include: Mahogany, Oak, Walnut, and Maple.
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These woods are durable and, except for maple, stain beautifully.
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More affordable woods like Ash, Beech, White Pine, Acacia, Poplar, and Basswood can deliver similar results with the right finishing.
Humidity = The Hidden Factor
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Wood breathes — it absorbs and releases moisture from the air.
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Changes in humidity cause wood to expand and contract, often unnoticed by beginners.
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This is why your wood floors might creak more in the winter when the air is dry.
Euclid Stained Wooden Wall Panel
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Products like flooring, tables, and wall panels are most affected — warping and cupping can occur if not properly acclimated.
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At Articture, we adjust all our wood products based on the geographic climate they’re going to.
Composite Wood Has Its Place
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Want a painted finish? Choose composite wood — it’s less likely to warp from humidity.
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High-quality fibreboards are easy to paint and refinish.
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Avoid cheap plywood or MDF from hardware stores — they warp easily. Use cabinet-grade materials from reputable suppliers for best results.
Why Solid Wood Wins in Furniture
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Most furniture today is made from composite wood with veneers (think IKEA).
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For frames (sofas, beds, etc.), solid hardwood is significantly stronger.
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If you want furniture to last for decades, make sure the foundation is solid wood.
Mary Wooden Dining Table
Final Thoughts
Wood is more than just a material — it’s a living, breathing element of design. We have a special relationship with it, and understanding its nature helps us create better, longer-lasting products.
If you’d like more behind-the-scenes design tips or deep dives like this, reply to this post or email with MORE, and I’ll be happy to share more insights.
👉 Explore our handcrafted wood pieces at www.articture.com
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for the next blog!
Warmly,
Ibrahim Hyder
Founder, Articture
