Composite Wood vs Natural Timber: What’s the Difference?
- circular connection
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Learn the key differences between composite wood and natural timber, and how each performs in interior design applications such as flooring, furniture, and cladding.
Understanding the Basics
A simple way to remember the difference between composite wood and natural timber is to think about their origins. Composite wood is man-made. Natural timber is derived from nature.
According to Oxford Languages, composite refers to something made up of several parts or elements, while natural refers to something existing in or derived from nature.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes each material unique.
What is Composite Wood?
Image of Composite Wood: Circular Connection
Composite wood, also known as engineered wood, man-made wood, or manufactured board, is created by combining wood components—such as strands, fibres, or sawmill by-products—with plastic, straw, and adhesives. These materials are bonded through chemical or heat processes to form boards that can be tailored to specific sizes and functions not typically found in natural wood.
Because it is engineered, composite wood can be designed to enhance specific features such as strength, water resistance, or dimensional stability.
Common Types of Composite Wood:
Glulam timber
Plywood
Oriented strand board (OSB)
Particleboard
Fiberboard (including hardboard, MDF, and insulation board)
What Is Natural Timber?
Image: Pexels/Lukas
Natural timber comes directly from trees and is processed into planks or beams. It is widely used in both structural and decorative applications, such as building frames, flooring, and furniture.
Timber is generally classified into two categories: hardwoods and softwoods.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods come from trees with leaves and seeds. Common species include oak, maple, cherry, mahogany, and walnut. These woods are prized for their durability and distinctive grain patterns, often used in fine furniture and flooring.
Softwoods
Softwoods come from trees with needles and cones. Examples include pine, cedar, fir, spruce, and redwood. Softwoods are lightweight yet strong and commonly used for general construction. Cedar and redwood are naturally resistant to decay, making them popular for outdoor furniture and decking.
Important note: Despite their names, hardwoods are not always harder than softwoods. The classification is botanical rather than physical.
Applications in Interior Design
Image: HW Homeworks
Both composite wood and natural timber are used in a variety of interior settings, but they offer different experiences in terms of aesthetics, performance, and cost.
Composite wood is commonly used in:
Cabinet carcasses
Shelving units
Wall panels
Budget-friendly furniture
Laminate flooring substrates
It is ideal for uniform finishes and high-volume usage, especially in cost-conscious renovations or spaces with controlled indoor conditions.
Natural timber is often chosen for:
Feature flooring
High-end furniture
Decorative wall cladding
Exposed beams or architectural elements
Timber adds warmth, texture, and authenticity. It is often preferred in designs where the look and feel of real wood enhances the visual character of the space.
Composite Wood vs Natural Timber: Which One Should I Use?
Image: HW Homeworks
When deciding between composite wood vs natural timber, do consider the following:
Aesthetics: Natural timber offers unique grain and colour variations, while composite wood provides uniformity.
Durability: Engineered boards are dimensionally stable, but timber can be more durable with proper care.
Budget: Composite wood is usually more affordable.
Sustainability: Timber can be sourced from sustainably managed forests, but composite wood often uses recycled content.
Maintenance: Composite boards tend to resist warping and require less maintenance than solid wood in humid environments.
First published: 08 Dec 2020
Last edited: 22 Jun 2025
