How Devon Homeowners Are Using Timber for Coastal Charm

Sarah Parker
Authored by Sarah Parker
Posted: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - 10:51

Devon County is one of the biggest counties in the UK, and it sits nicely between two coastlines boasting the most unique beaches and coastal towns in the country. Many homeowners in these areas have come to realize the humidity and exposure to saltwater can greatly affect their home’s building material. 

This has led to the development of a certain aesthetic and building style that can only be attributed to homes at the seaside. If you’re planning to get a property by sea or take a page out of homeowners in Devon in designing your home, we’ve got some handy tips for you.

Why is Picking the Right Timber Important?

If your home is built right by the beach, you want material that is very durable while being lightweight enough to elevate your home above rising sea levels. Humidity and moisture are a big problem when you live in coastal areas, as they can affect wood. This is why it’s important you have timber that can is treated and resistant to decay. Some great timber for building in coastal towns are cedar, larch, Douglas fir, oak, and cedar.

Timber Framed Extensions

Timber is the preferred material for the structural support of many Devon homes. Timber’s easily adaptable colour and grain patterns of various wood species complement the relaxing seaside theme. Thin wooden beams create a spacious interior that maximizes the natural light and sea view through large windows.

Flooring

Wood is a very popular flooring material in the county. Wooden flooring brings out the modern appeal in your home with standard hardwood floors or the elegant patterns of parquet floors. With timber, you enhance the natural feel of your space without sacrificing the durability and longevity of your floors.

Doors

Many of the doors in our homes are made of timber; it’s easy to maintain and can survive the wear and tear of daily use. Homeowners give their interior a vintage or traditional theme by using the same timber used on the doors for the architraves and skirting around the house.

Pergolas

A pergola is the perfect outdoor living space for people who love being outside. Devonians love to breathe in that fresh sea breeze and soak in the warm rays of the sun. What better way to do it than in an outdoor space in your backyard?

The natural look of various timber species lets the pergola blend in nicely in whatever garden or backyard you build it in; plus, if it’s made with treated timber, it can easily withstand humidity and moisture.

Furniture

Furniture in coastal areas is usually made from sustainable materials like reclaimed wood. You’ll see furniture pieces like shelves, sofas, and chairs created with popular hardwood (oak, sycamore, elm) produced with attractive finishes that add coastal chic to a home.

The Stylish Appeal of Timber

Wood is a very sought-after building material in coastal towns in Devon. It’s easily accessible and creates stunning architecture and finishes. Here we’ve seen various ways timber is used in creating not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and lasting homes; these factors are very important, especially when you live close to water.