Wooden urban furniture is today an ecological and aesthetic solution for developing public spaces. However, choosing the wooden street furniture that best suits your needs can be a real challenge.
Understanding the advantages and limitations of wooden urban furniture
Wooden street furniture has many advantages. First of all, it is an ecological and sustainable solution. Wooden furniture is made from renewable materials that do not contribute to environmental pollution. Next, wood is a very aesthetic material that can be used to create unique designs. Finally, wood is a durable material that can withstand harsh weather conditions and last for many years.
However, wooden street furniture also has some limitations. First of all, it requires regular maintenance to avoid discoloration and damage. Then, it may be more expensive than other materials such as metal or plastic. Finally, wood can degrade more quickly than other materials, especially if it is not treated against insects and humidity.
The essential criteria to consider when choosing the right wooden urban furniture
- The type of wood
The type of wood is an essential criterion to take into account when choosing wooden street furniture. The most commonly used woods are oak, teak, mahogany, fir, pine and cedar. Each of these types of wood has specific properties in terms of strength, durability and cost.
- Design and functionality
Design and functionality are also important criteria to consider. Wooden urban furniture must be both aesthetic and practical. There are many different designs such as benches, trash cans, flower boxes, etc. It is important to choose a design that suits the environment in which the furniture will be installed.
- Weather resistance
Weather resistance is an important criterion because wooden street furniture will be exposed to external elements. It is important to choose wood that is resistant to humidity, mold, insects and UV rays.
- Durability
Durability is an important criterion for choosing wooden street furniture. It is essential to choose wood that will last a long time and require minimal maintenance. Woods like oak and teak are known for their durability and strength.
- The price
Price is an important criterion to take into account because wooden street furniture can be more expensive than other materials. It is important to find a balance between quality and cost.
The advantages of wooden street furniture for the environment
Wooden street furniture has many benefits for the environment. By choosing this type of furniture, you contribute to the preservation of nature and the reduction of the carbon footprint of your city.
First of all, the wood used in the manufacture of street furniture is a renewable material. Unlike synthetic materials or metal, wood can be harvested responsibly from sustainably managed forests. This means that for every tree cut, a new tree is planted, ensuring the sustainability of this precious resource.
In addition, the production of wooden street furniture requires less energy than other materials. Compared to the production of plastic or metal, which requires chemical and energy-intensive processes, the transformation of wood into street furniture is less polluting and more environmentally friendly.
In addition, wood is a biodegradable material. At the end of its lifespan, wooden street furniture can be composted or recycled, thus avoiding the production of non-degradable waste. This contributes to the reduction of waste and the preservation of natural resources.
Finally, wood is an excellent thermal insulator. By using wooden street furniture, you help reduce energy consumption for heating and air conditioning in nearby buildings. Wood retains heat in winter and provides pleasant coolness in summer, creating a more comfortable environment for city residents.
Current trends in wooden urban furniture
In addition to the advantages already mentioned, wooden street furniture also presents new trends that make it even more attractive for the design of public spaces.
One of these trends is the use of recycled wood. More and more street furniture manufacturers are using recycled wood from old structures, pallets or even the wood industry, thus giving a second life to these materials. This practice contributes to the reduction of deforestation and reduces the carbon footprint associated with the production of wooden urban furniture.
Another trend is the combination of wood with other materials such as metal or glass. This combination of materials allows for the creation of modern and innovative designs, whilst retaining the aesthetic and sustainable benefits of wood. For example, some wooden benches can have metal frames to provide greater strength and stability.
Finally, wooden street furniture can also be adapted for use in sustainable landscaping projects. For example, certain wooden benches or flower boxes can be designed to encourage the development of vegetation, by integrating spaces for planting flowers or shrubs. This makes it possible to create attractive green spaces while using natural and sustainable materials.
