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Composite Wood vs Natural Timber: What’s the Difference?

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.


Stack of wooden planks in sunlight at a construction site. Soft focus background, blue sky, and warm tones create a calm mood.

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?

Two wooden planks, light and dark brown, overlap on a white background. The planks have grooved edges, creating a clean, minimalist look.

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?

Stacked logs in a forest setting, with tree trunks in the background. Logs vary in size with visible rings, creating a calm, natural scene.

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

Modern cafe interior with wooden tables and chairs, plants on tables, patterned wall, large windows with greenery outside, warm lighting.

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?

Modern café interior with wooden bar stools, glassware, and a lamp. Neutral tones and soft lighting create a cozy atmosphere.

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


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