When researching wooden houses, you may come across the word " muku" (solid wood) .
The word "muku" is used in expressions such as an innocent baby and a bride in a pure white wedding kimono. When you look it up in the dictionary, you will find that in addition to meaning pure and untainted, it also means "not mixed with anything, not just a pretense but the real thing."
In construction, natural wood is called " solid wood ." It is not an artificial material that is glued together like plywood or laminated lumber, but is natural wood cut from a log in its original form.
In addition to being able to enjoy the natural texture of natural wood, solid wood houses have been gaining more and more attention in recent years due to the growing awareness of health. In this article, we will thoroughly explain the characteristics of solid wood houses, how to maintain them, and the advantages and disadvantages!
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What is the history of solid wood houses?
Solid wood houses have been gaining attention in recent years, but when did they first start being built? How did they become so popular? Let's take a look at the history of solid wood houses.
A solid wood house is a house that primarily uses solid wood, a natural material cut directly from a tree.
Solid wood does not require adhesives or other chemical substances, and has been popular not only in Japan but all over the world for a long time. The exact history of solid wood houses is unknown, but it is said that the origin of solid wood houses is the "stilt-floored dwellings" that existed in Japan during the Jomon period, which were the homes of village chiefs. After that, processing techniques for solid wood were developed in Japan, and it became an indispensable building material for Japanese architecture, such as structural materials, flooring materials, and decorative materials for shrines and temples. According to one theory, the oldest wooden building in the world is the Golden Hall of Horyuji Temple, which was built during the Nara period.
Solid wood houses are beloved all over the world, but it is a construction technique that has developed particularly in Japan, where the world's oldest solid wood buildings are located.
Types of solid wood used in homes
Solid wood used in housing is broadly divided into two types: coniferous and hardwood. Even though they are all solid wood, each species has its own characteristics such as grain, color, hardness, and fragrance, and the look of your home will change depending on the solid wood you choose. We will introduce you to the species of wood and their respective characteristics.
[Solid wood type 1] Coniferous
Among coniferous trees, the most commonly used solid wood includes cedar, cypress, and pine.
・Cedar
Cedar is a tree species native to Japan, and as a familiar wood, it has long been used as solid wood in Japanese homes. It grows straight, which gives it beautiful grain and makes it a good match for Japanese-style homes. It also grows quickly, making it a soft material that is easy to process and allows for flexible design expression, and it also has the advantage of being comfortable to walk on barefoot.
- Cypress
Hinoki cypress has been loved in Japan for a long time, and is popular for its beautiful white wood grain and mellow fragrance. Many people have the impression that Hinoki cypress is a high-quality wood because there are many branded Hinoki cypress, such as "Kiso Hinoki." However, another characteristic of Hinoki cypress is that its price fluctuates more dramatically on the market than other types of wood, and the price can vary greatly depending on the season.
・Pine
Pines such as larch and red pine are sometimes called pine wood. All solid wood species change over time, but pine wood is particularly known for its deep color and luster that deepens over time. It is a natural material with many knots that gives it a natural texture, making it popular with people who want to enjoy the wood grain.
[Type of solid wood 2] Hardwood
The most commonly used solid hardwoods include oak, maple, walnut, and birch.
・Oak
Oak has been used for whiskey barrels and ships since ancient times, and is durable and water-resistant. It is also often used as a material for furniture. The grain of the wood is heavy and calm, and goes well with a chic room. Another advantage is that it is relatively inexpensive despite its luxurious feel.
・Maple
Its bright, lustrous appearance is popular, and it is often used as a flooring material. Compared to other hardwoods, it is hard and resistant to impacts and scratches, making it an ideal material for flooring that supports the feet of your family.
・Walnut
Walnut, characterized by its deep color and solid feel, is often used for high-end furniture. Like maple, it is hard and resistant to impacts.
Hippopotamus
It is a member of the birch family that is often found in cold areas such as Hokkaido. It is hard and water-resistant, so it is often used in areas with water.
Differences between domestic and foreign solid wood
Although Japan is a country rich in forest resources, it is said that 70% of solid wood is imported from overseas. What is the difference between domestic and imported wood?
Characteristics of Japanese solid wood
- Less distortion due to environmental changes
It is said that using Japanese solid wood for Japanese homes is ideal. This is because there is little difference between the environment in which the wood was grown and the environment in which it was grown. Because solid wood is a natural material, it is prone to warping, cracking, and warping due to changes in the environment. Since solid wood is not an artificial product and is sensitive to changes in the environment, if you can build a house using solid wood from the region, you will be able to live comfortably thereafter.
-Beautiful wood grain and high quality
Trees grown in Japan, where the climate changes with each of the four seasons, tend to have beautiful annual rings. Unlike overseas, trees do not grow freely in spacious forests, but rather grow in crowded places or on slopes, where they are exposed to a certain amount of stress, resulting in tightly grained and strong lumber. Furthermore, compared to imported lumber, many domestic lumber products are solid wood that have not been treated with chemicals such as preservatives or insect repellents, and can be said to be solid wood that retains the original texture of the wood. Domestic solid wood is popular due to its high quality, such as beautiful grain and durability.
- Weak supply system is an issue
The disadvantage of domestic solid wood is that its supply system is fragile. Since the rise of imported wood during the period of high economic growth after the war, Japan's forestry industry has declined, and even now, when domestic wood has become more popular, it is difficult to say that the production and distribution routes for solid wood are stable. Therefore, one of the disadvantages of domestic solid wood is that it tends to be relatively expensive.
Characteristics of imported (foreign) solid wood
-Large pieces of wood can be purchased cheaply
Imported wood is widely distributed and has a well-established mass production system. Therefore, solid wood of relatively stable quality can be obtained at low prices. Another advantage is that imported wood grown on a large area of land has wide annual rings, making it easy to obtain wide pieces of wood cut from thick logs.
- I'm worried about drug injections
On the other hand, imported lumber is often injected with strong preservatives and insecticides. This is to prevent pests from overseas from being brought into Japan and because shipping by ship takes time. These chemicals remain inside the wood even after it has been processed, and can be a factor in sick house syndrome.
- The Wood Shock exposes the risks of imported lumber
Then in 2021, the so-called "wood shock," a surge in the price of imported lumber, had a major impact. Due to the spread of telecommuting and low interest rates in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for home construction and renovations increased overseas, pushing up the price of lumber from North America and Europe, which is used as material. Domestic housing companies that mainly dealt with imported lumber were unable to procure materials in time, and even if they tried to procure domestic lumber instead, the country's fragile lumber production system was unable to meet the increased demand, which resulted in an increase in the sales price of all housing construction in Japan. This incident exposed the risks of relying on imported lumber.
The pros and cons of a solid wood house
Solid wood, with its attractive warm texture, is often considered as a material that is visible and comes into contact with the skin, such as flooring and pillars in a home. Solid wood has many attractive features that are unique to natural materials, but at the same time, there are some points that require care when handling it.
From here on, we will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of a home made of solid wood. Make sure to check carefully whether it is suitable for the lifestyle you want to live.
The benefits of solid wood
- Because the material is left in its natural state, you can enjoy the natural flavor of the wood.
The greatest advantage of solid wood is that it uses wood cut from nature as is, allowing you to enjoy the natural flavor of the wood in its entirety. The color and shape of solid wood vary greatly depending on the tree species, as well as the growing environment, individual differences, and even the cutting method, so no two pieces of material are the same. You can enjoy this one-of-a-kind material for a long time with affection. Solid wood also emits the scent of the wood itself. You may like or dislike some tree species, but if you find wood with your favorite scent, you can achieve a comfortable life like taking a forest bath while staying in your home.
-Enjoy the taste that changes with age
One of the charms of solid wood is that its color and luster change over the years. When a house is newly built, you can enjoy the scent and color of the freshly cut plain wood, and as the years go by, the color deepens and the luster develops. Conversely, laminated wood is at its most beautiful when it is newly built, and as time goes by, it deteriorates and scratches become more noticeable. A solid wood home feels like it grows with you as it becomes familiar with your life, just like a genuine leather accessory. The way the wood gains depth over the years becomes an irreplaceable asset for the residents.
- Keeps you cool and comfortable in the summer and warm in the winter
Solid wood has a moisture-regulating effect, absorbing and releasing moisture in the room. It keeps the room temperature constant throughout the four seasons, so it is expected to alleviate the humidity of the rainy season and the dryness of winter. Even in the humid summer, you can walk barefoot and feel dry and comfortable without feeling sticky like laminated wood flooring. In addition, solid wood contains many pores, so your feet are less likely to get cold than laminated wood flooring that is glued together with adhesives. It reduces the cold even in winter, when the floor tends to be cold, so many homeowners spend the year barefoot without relying on slippers.
- Gentle on the body of the residents
Solid wood is made from the wood as it is, so it does not contain any chemicals. On the other hand, plywood, which is made by gluing pieces of wood together, can cause sick house syndrome. For people with sensitive constitutions, babies, and pets, we recommend solid wood, which allows you to enjoy the natural scent of the wood without worry.
Disadvantages of solid wood
Solid wood has many advantages due to its characteristics that are unique to natural materials. However, it also has the following disadvantages.
- Easily scratched
Solid wood is cut from trees as is, and is not processed in any way, so it has the disadvantage of being easily scratched. Soft materials such as cedar and pine can be dented when something is dropped on them, so care must be taken. Claw marks from dogs and cats can be particularly noticeable in homes with pets. However, solid wood has the ability to return to its original shape when it absorbs moisture, so this principle can be used to allow moisture to be absorbed into the wood grain, causing the wood to expand and repair scratches to some extent. With laminated wood, scratches can cause the paint to peel off, or the scratches can be more noticeable due to differences in color from the base, so scratches on solid wood may not be as noticeable as with laminated wood.
-Gaps, warping, and cracks are likely to occur
Solid wood has a moisture-regulating effect that absorbs and releases moisture, but this effect can sometimes cause cracks, gaps, and warping in wood. If you observe solid wood closely, you can see visible changes such as gaps opening up between the pieces of wood during the dry winter season and closing up during the humid rainy season. To minimize warping and cracking, it is important to check the moisture content of the solid wood before construction. If you choose solid wood with a moisture content of about 20 to 18% at the time of construction, you can expect less deformation and greater strength. When building a house using solid wood, it is important to hire a company that can properly manage the drying conditions.
- Weak to water
Solid wood has countless pores, so moisture can penetrate it. If wood is exposed to a lot of moisture for a long time, it can expand and deform, or discolor and stain, so if you spill water, wipe it up as soon as possible. When using solid wood in areas where water is present, such as the washroom, kitchen, or bathroom, it is important to first choose a solid wood species that is highly water-resistant. Also, if you apply a water-repellent urethane coating to your solid wood flooring, you can live there without worries.
- Using solid wood is expensive
Solid wood is made by cutting logs and using them as is, so it takes time and manpower to dry and process them. In addition, cracks and warping can occur during drying, and there is a limit to the amount that can be used. Therefore, the cost is inevitably higher than plywood, which can be mass-produced.
How to care for solid wood
The main method of cleaning solid wood is wiping it with a dry cloth or with a damp cloth. This is all you need for daily care. Here are some other ways to maintain solid wood so you can enjoy its texture for a longer period of time.
Dry wiping is the basic method of cleaning
The basic maintenance method is to wipe the floor with a dry cloth. Remove dust regularly with a dry cloth or rag. If dirt is noticeable, wipe with a damp cloth. Solid wood is sensitive to large amounts of water, so be sure to wring out the rag firmly. Please note that wet wipes containing chemicals that are often used for laminated wood flooring cannot be used on solid wood.
Remove dirt with a cleaner
In addition to wiping with water as usual, you can keep the wood in a cleaner condition by occasionally using a cleaner specifically for solid wood to remove dirt. How often you should do this will depend on your lifestyle, but it's generally done about once every six months to a year. Many households seem to do this during their general cleaning. To clean, simply dilute a stain remover such as wax/cleaner with water, wring out a rag, and spray it evenly. If you find it difficult to work while bending over, you can use a rag wiper to make cleaning easier.
Use sandpaper to remove stubborn stains
If solid wood has stubborn stains, use sandpaper to remove the dirt from the surface. The ability to remove dirt by scraping off a small amount of the surface is a unique feature of solid wood. When scraping laminated wood, the base becomes visible. Immediately after scraping, you may notice a difference in color from the surrounding area, but over time it will gradually blend in. However, be sure to use sandpaper while keeping an eye on the condition so that you don't create unnatural dents.
Natural oils are applied once a year
If natural oils are used on the surface, you should paint it with oil. Once a year is sufficient. Basically, you can follow the same procedure as mopping the floor. If dust or dirt remains on the floor, it may be painted over, so first use a vacuum cleaner to remove any debris from the floor surface. Once the dust has been removed, repaint the floor following the grain. If the paint comes off, the water repellency will decrease, so check the condition regularly.
★Please also check out our video on caring for solid wood floors!
Even if it does get scratched, you can make it less noticeable using everyday items
In the course of your daily life, it's common for something to fall on your floor and cause a dent! For scratches on solid wood or dents in floors, try placing a damp tissue overnight. Depending on the depth of the scratch, it may be back to normal by morning. If you want to deal with the problem right away, place a cloth over the dent and use a steam iron to make the scratch less noticeable. Please give it a try.
★Please also watch the video that summarizes how to deal with scratches and stains.
If maintenance is difficult, ask a professional.
If you are concerned about large stains or gaps, ask a professional to carry out maintenance. Depending on the home builder, someone from the company may come to perform maintenance regularly, so when building a solid wood home, you should make sure to check whether the company provides thorough after-sales maintenance services.
Comparing a solid wood house to other houses
Solid wood and laminated wood houses
Some people who are considering a solid wood house may want to compare it with a laminated wood house. While a solid wood house uses raw wood from trees cut from the mountains, a laminated wood house uses artificial wood made by gluing multiple layers of wood together.
-Characteristics of laminated wood
Laminated wood is often said to have high strength and no cracks or deformations. This is because each individual component is small, so deformations and the associated cracks that occur during drying are minimal. It is easy to handle because its strength and quality are consistent, and it is said that there is little variation depending on the skill of the craftsman who handles the wood. Another feature is that it is available in a stable distribution system, making it cheaper to procure than solid wood.
However, adhesives are used to bond the components of laminated timber together. Currently, there are many building materials on the market that are rated F☆☆☆☆ (four-star) and have low formaldehyde emissions, but the fact remains that some formaldehyde emissions are possible.
--Even if it's advertised as a "solid wood house"...
Recently, the number of construction companies that tout solid wood and natural materials is on the rise. In reality, each company offers a variety of options, such as solid wood flooring, where the surface is solid wood and the bottom is laminated wood, or laminated wood is used extensively for invisible structural materials inside the walls such as pillars and beams. The atmosphere and comfort of the house will change depending on the materials used. When building a house, we recommend that you carefully check what materials are used where and whether they are truly reliable.
The advantages of laminated timber are that it is less likely to crack or deform and has stable quality, so some people may be concerned about the strength of a solid wood home.
At Kobo Shinshu House, we use structural materials with the necessary strength and thickness based on structural calculations for each house, providing houses that are strong and earthquake-resistant and safe to use. Above all, we use safe and reliable real solid wood from a clearly identified source. Please come to our showroom and experience the comfort of a real solid wood house. View our showroom
Solid wood house and plastered wall house
Examples of houses made with natural materials include houses with walls made of lime plaster or diatomaceous earth. Both are natural materials, so they are healthy and safe to live in. Let's take a look at the differences and appeal of each.
- A house with solid wood on the walls and ceiling
By using solid wood planks on the walls and ceiling, you can feel more like a "wooden house". Depending on the design, it can even have the feel of a log house. The impression can change greatly depending on whether the planks are made of knotty or knot-free wood.
←The ceiling is designed with knot-free boards
←The ceiling is designed with knotty boards
-Stucco house
Shikkui refers to a wall material made from limestone derived from coral reefs. It is often seen on white walls in Japanese houses and castles. Shikkui hardly changes over time, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy a stable and unchanging look in their home for a long time.
- Diatomaceous Earth House
Diatomaceous earth is a water-repellent and moisture-absorbing material that is now commonly used for bath mats and coasters. Diatomaceous earth is derived from diatoms, a type of phytoplankton. While lime plaster is basically white, diatomaceous earth can be colored to your liking, so you can coordinate it with your favorite colors. There are many housing companies that sell houses based on natural materials, with solid wood floors and diatomaceous earth painted walls.
↑A bedroom with one side painted gray diatomaceous earth. The sides are finished in white diatomaceous earth.
The key to using solid wood is drying and wood handling.
The quality of solid wood is determined by its drying!
Solid wood has the ability to absorb and release moisture, but this can sometimes cause cracks, gaps, and warping in the wood. To reduce these problems, it is necessary to thoroughly dry the solid wood beforehand. By drying it thoroughly, you can not only reduce shrinkage and deformation, but also prevent the growth of rot fungi and termites.
Use natural solid wood that is appropriate for the location
Natural solid wood is cut from trees cut from nature, so its properties will naturally vary depending on the place and environment it was grown in. When building a house, if you use wood that is suited to the local climate, the environment will not change, so the wood will be less damaged and will remain in good condition for many years. It would be ideal if you could build a house using local wood instead of imported wood.
The craftsman's careful selection of wood
Using wood in the right place, taking into consideration the nature of the wood, is called "kizukai". A skilled carpenter not only needs technical skills, but also a keen eye for wood. When using solid wood in a house, there are appropriate places for each type of wood, but each piece needs to be processed to make the most of its individuality. Whether or not the wood can be used in the best way will have a big impact on the beauty of the appearance, the distortion over time, and the functionality. The woodworking technique, which can be said to be the carpenter's discerning eye, has been cultivated and passed down since ancient times in the construction of solid wood houses. It is no exaggeration to say that the quality of a solid wood house can only be maintained by having such traditional woodworking techniques handed down.
Examples of solid wood homes
You're probably curious to hear the real voices of people who actually live in solid wood houses. Here, we will summarize the comfort of living in a solid wood house from interviews with the owners of Kobo Shinshu House!
◆The smell of real solid wood
With "solid wood floors" as our first requirement, we toured the residential park. When we visited the newly built houses, it was clear whether the smell was the pure smell of real wood or the unpleasant smell of new building materials. The friends who gathered at the home party praised it, saying "The smell of wood is great!" (Mr. and his family from Suzaka City, living with 3 people and 1 child, total floor area 102.2 m2)
◆ The feeling of "nurturing" in a solid wood home
I'm looking forward to the flavor of the solid wood deepening as I live here. It's a material that changes and gets scratched with the seasons, but caring for it and watching over it gives it a sense of "nurturing" that only natural materials can. (K family from Komagane City, living with 6 people including 4 children, total floor area 121.2 m2)
◆ Be comforted by the tranquility of solid wood
I love the whole space, filled with the comfort of solid wood, including the planked ceiling and wide floorboards. It's new, but it feels good to my body, and it's a precious home that helps me relax after busy days. (Matsumoto City, Mr. and Mrs. K family, living with their husband and wife, total floor area 78.2 m2)
A house that grows in depth together with its residents
The deciding factor for a solid wood house is the use of real natural materials and a timeless design. When I visited the showroom, I thought the texture of the solid wood that had changed over time was wonderful, and I felt that the natural materials in our house would also gain depth as we grew older. We usually select materials such as brass and linen that have a nice texture and will develop a unique character, so our theme for building our house was to enjoy the changes that occur over time and to nurture the materials. (Family S from Azumino City, living with 3 people and 1 child, total floor area of 92.2 m2)
◆ Experience the joy of living in a wooden house
At first, I thought a log house would be nice, but I think this is a house where you can feel the joy of living in a wooden house. In particular, I'm attached to the solid wood pillars that I chose in the mountains during the tree selection tour, like family. (The H family from Iizuna Town, a couple living there, total floor area of 121.7 m2)
◆Children spending their time freely
I'm envious of the way the children spend their time so freely, as it's so different from my childhood in Tokyo. They run around, collect nuts, play house, and seem to have fun even without toys! (Matsumoto City, D family, 4 people living with 2 children, total floor area 121.2 m2)
◆A house you'll want to return to soon
Since we moved to this house, my son has been saying "I want to come home early" more often even when we go out, and I think he feels more comfortable here. (M-san and his family, Nagano City, living with 2 children, total floor area 102.2 m2)
◆We are proud of the individuality of solid wood
I really like the view of the solid wood pillars and beams that my eldest daughter picked on the tree-selection tour. When Yamamori-san saw the tree rings after felling, he told me that this was a sturdy tree that had not been planted but had naturally sprouted and survived. I am very proud that we chose such a tree to welcome into our home. (Y-san and his family, Nagano City, living with 5 people including 3 children, total floor area 131.2 m2)
Why do people want "solid wood homes"?
Solid wood houses have been loved for a long time since ancient times. There is a reason for their popularity. Here are some of the reasons why people want solid wood houses.
Same relaxing effect as forest bathing
Wood contains a substance called "phytoncide" that has a calming effect on the mood, and it is said that this substance brings healing to people. It is this substance that makes you feel relaxed when you go into the forest. Therefore, if you build a house using solid wood, which is a natural material, you can feel a sense of security and peace as if you were in the forest, even while staying inside your home. In addition, because solid wood does not require chemical substances such as adhesives, you can live without suffering from sick house syndrome, and the essential oils in the wood also suppress the growth of fungi such as dust mites and mold, making it possible to create a home that is gentle on the body.
Small temperature difference reduces strain on the body
Solid wood contains air and has excellent moisture absorption properties, so it reduces humidity and keeps the temperature cool in the summer and traps air in the winter, keeping the temperature warm. Many homes these days use floor heating and other methods to regulate the temperature throughout the house, but solid wood maintains a comfortable temperature naturally without the need for machinery, making it an ideal material for Japanese homes that experience four different seasons.
High confidentiality and earthquake resistance
By drying trees thoroughly after felling, stronger solid wood is created. This drying process increases the airtightness and earthquake resistance of the wood, making it an essential step in building a house that people can live in safely for a long time. A solid wood house built by experienced craftsmen who are well versed in drying and woodworking can demonstrate earthquake resistance that rivals that of reinforced concrete or reinforced concrete houses.
The relationship between solid wood houses and condensation
The moisture-regulating properties of wood prevent condensation
Solid wood has a moisture-regulating effect, absorbing and releasing moisture to keep the room temperature constant. When the humidity level rises, the solid wood absorbs the moisture, so the humidity level in the room remains constant. Condensation is the main cause of deterioration in houses, which can lead to corrosion and damage, but solid wood has the effect of reducing these symptoms.
Differences between reinforced concrete and natural solid wood
- Likelihood of condensation
Reinforced concrete is known for its high strength, excellent earthquake resistance and soundproofing properties, but it has the disadvantage that it easily transmits heat because of the iron, which can cause temperature differences and lead to condensation.In contrast, solid wood does not transmit heat well, so it is less likely to cause condensation and has the ability to suppress corrosion.
- Earthquake resistance
Reinforced concrete has excellent earthquake resistance, but if the walls are unevenly positioned, there is a high risk of collapse. In contrast, buildings made of solid wood are durable because the wood itself has the ability to expand and contract, and they can reduce shaking compared to other structures. This explains why wooden architecture has been used in earthquake-prone Japan since ancient times.
- Also known as "natural air conditioner"
It is said that wood has 12 times the insulating power of concrete. This allows you to stay warm and comfortable even in winter. In addition, solid wood has a moisture-regulating effect, absorbing and releasing moisture to keep the indoor temperature constant. Therefore, a house made of solid wood can naturally regulate the temperature without relying solely on air conditioning.
The difference between solid wood and plywood flooring
There are two types of wood used for flooring: plywood flooring and solid wood flooring. What are the differences and characteristics of each?
What is plywood flooring?
Plywood flooring is a type of laminated wood made by gluing together multiple thin boards with adhesives. It is mainly made of plywood and other materials, and is designed to look like real wood by applying decorative materials or natural wood to the surface. The advantage is that it is easier to maintain than solid wood. It is a material that does not absorb moisture, so it can be easily wiped with water and light stains can be easily removed. The disadvantage is that chemical substances such as adhesives are used, so there is a concern of sick house syndrome and allergic reactions. Recently, chemical substances that are not harmful to humans have been developed, so serious symptoms are less likely to occur as in the past, but it still uses a lot of chemical substances compared to solid wood. If you want to relax and live a healthy life both physically and mentally in your home where you spend a lot of time every day, you should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages.
What is solid wood flooring?
Solid wood flooring uses solid wood cut from nature as is. This allows you to enjoy the natural flavor of the wood in its entirety. The color and shape of solid wood varies from piece to piece depending on the tree and how it is cut, so no two pieces are the same. As it is a unique material, you can enjoy it for many years. Furthermore, solid wood is a material whose color and luster change with age. Laminated wood such as flooring deteriorates over time, but solid wood changes over the years, so many people grow attached to it. The appeal of solid wood flooring is that you can enjoy the changes in your home as your family grows.
The disadvantages are that it is a soft material and therefore easily scratched, and that cracks and gaps may appear due to changes in expansion and contraction. However, because solid wood can absorb moisture, this principle can be used to allow moisture to penetrate the wood grain and repair scratches.
Where can I build a solid wood house?
Unlike new building materials, solid wood is characterized by the fact that it can crack, warp, and move. If used well, solid wood is strong, but this requires skilled techniques. When building a solid wood house, it is important to hire an experienced construction company that is familiar with the characteristics of solid wood.
Solid wood also has a moisture-regulating effect, and shrinks when it dries, so the way it moves may vary depending on the region you are building in. Check with local construction companies, house manufacturers, and carpenters to see if you can build using solid wood, and then make a plan.
To date, Kobo Shinshu no Ie has built over 1,300 houses using solid wood from Nagano Prefecture throughout the prefecture. We can plan your home with a thorough understanding of the climate conditions and natural materials of Shinshu, so please feel free to consult us.
Ask about building a house at a consultation
At Kobo Shinshu no Ie, we hold home building consultation sessions from time to time. Our experienced staff will help you with your home building. Please feel free to consult us about any concerns you may have about home building. Consultations are also available online.
summary
We hope you understand that solid wood is a material that fully brings out the natural flavor of "wood" and can be enjoyed for many years. If you are attracted to these characteristics of solid wood houses, why not consider a solid wood house that uses plenty of solid wood and allows you to live in peace of mind?
If you are considering building a house using solid wood in Nagano Prefecture, please contact us at Forest Corporation. We will propose "Shinshu Workshop Houses" that use more than 80% solid wood from Shinshu according to your needs. All floors, walls, and ceilings are made of solid wood, and we build houses that are environmentally friendly and do not use chemicals. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
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