Inventory Guide for Hardgood Materials in the Home: A Homeowner’s Reference for Building, Repair, and Replacement
Homeowners often face the task of either building, repairing, or replacing items throughout their homes. Knowing the types of hardgood materials available can make these tasks easier, whether it's for a small repair job, a larger renovation or a complete rebuild after a catastrophe.
This guide provides an overview of commonly used hardgoods, including cork, cut glass, finish metal, furniture-grade wood, and other general or miscellaneous materials, along with their specific uses and types.
Cork
Cork is a versatile material used in various home applications due to its flexibility, Sustainability, and insulating properties. It’s made from the bark of the cork oak tree and offers a unique combination of resilience, warmth, and water resistance.
Types of Cork and Their Uses:
Cork Flooring
Purpose: Cork flooring is popular for its softness underfoot, sound Insulation, and natural warmth. It’s a great option for kitchens, living rooms, and home offices where comfort and durability are needed.
Uses in the Home: Commonly installed in areas where sound dampening and comfort are essential. Cork flooring is also naturally antimicrobial and eco-friendly.
Cork Wall Panels
Purpose: Cork wall panels are used as a design feature or for Acoustic Insulation, particularly in home offices, media rooms, or recording studios.
Uses in the Home: They reduce noise transfer between rooms and can double as a functional pinboard surface for messages and notes.
Cork Underlayment
Purpose: Cork underlayment is placed beneath floors to provide a cushion, sound insulation, and Moisture Barrier. It is often used under Hardwood, Laminate, or Tile Flooring.
Uses in the Home: Ideal for multi-story homes where sound control is important. It’s also used under radiant heating systems to help retain warmth.
Cork Bulletin Boards
Purpose: Cork boards are used for posting messages, reminders, and notes, commonly installed in kitchens, mudrooms, or home offices.
Uses in the Home: Provides a practical surface for family organization or personal workspace management.
Cut Glass
Cut glass adds elegance and functionality to various aspects of home design. It’s typically used in windows, doors, cabinets, and tabletops for both decorative and structural purposes.
Types of Cut Glass and Their Uses:
Tempered Glass
Purpose: Tempered glass is heat-treated to increase its strength, making it safer and more durable for home use. If broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards.
Uses in the Home: Ideal for Shower doors, tabletops, and Patio Doors where safety and durability are crucial.
Frosted or Etched Glass
Purpose: Frosted or etched glass provides privacy while still allowing light to pass through. The decorative finish adds a soft, opaque appearance.
Uses in the Home: Frequently used in bathroom windows, shower enclosures, or as a decorative element in cabinet doors.
Stained Glass
Purpose: Stained glass adds artistic flair and vibrant color to a home. It’s often seen in older homes or as a custom feature in modern designs.
Uses in the Home: Used in entry doors, Transom windows, and decorative window panels to create a unique Focal Point.
Laminated Glass
Purpose: Laminated glass consists of two or more glass layers with a plastic interlayer for added strength and security.
Uses in the Home: Commonly used in skylights, hurricane windows, or high-security areas like doors or large windows.
Beveled Glass
Purpose: Beveled glass features edges that are cut at an angle to give a three-dimensional, prismatic effect.
Uses in the Home: Used in mirrors, doors, and windows to add a decorative and luxurious element to the design.
Finish Metal
Metal is frequently used in homes for structural and decorative purposes. Finish metals, in particular, are refined for their appearance and durability, making them ideal for visible areas in your home.
Types of Finish Metal and Their Uses:
Stainless Steel
Purpose: Stainless steel is known for its Corrosion Resistance and modern look, making it a popular choice in kitchens and bathrooms.
Uses in the Home: Used in kitchen appliances, sinks, countertops, faucets, and light fixtures due to its durability and sleek finish.
Brass
Purpose: Brass is a warm-toned metal often used for decorative and functional purposes due to its corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.
Uses in the Home: Frequently seen in door hardware, faucets, lighting fixtures, and cabinet Handles, brass adds a classic, vintage, or even industrial style to home interiors.
Copper
Purpose: Copper develops a beautiful patina over time and is prized for its conductivity and antibacterial properties.
Uses in the Home: Commonly used in kitchen backsplashes, sinks, range hoods, or as decorative accents for countertops and fixtures.
Bronze
Purpose: Bronze has a distinctive reddish-brown finish that ages to a darker patina, lending a rustic or old-world charm to various home features.
Uses in the Home: Popular in door hardware, faucets, and lighting fixtures for homeowners who prefer a more traditional or rustic aesthetic.
Aluminum
Purpose: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum is commonly used in both functional and decorative applications.
Uses in the Home: Often used in window frames, door hardware, and outdoor furniture due to its resistance to weather conditions and ease of maintenance.
Furniture-Grade Wood
Furniture-grade wood is of higher quality than standard construction lumber and is often used for building or refurbishing fine furniture and cabinetry. This wood is selected for its appearance, durability, and workability.
Types of Furniture-Grade Wood and Their Uses:
Oak
Purpose: Oak is a strong and durable hardwood with a distinct Grain pattern, ideal for furniture and cabinetry.
Uses in the Home: Often used for dining tables, chairs, and cabinets, oak’s durability makes it a popular choice for heavy-use furniture.
Maple
Purpose: Maple is a dense hardwood with a smooth, even grain. It is highly resistant to wear and tear.
Uses in the Home: Commonly used for furniture like dressers, desks, and cabinets, as well as butcher block countertops due to its strength and resistance to moisture.
Cherry
Purpose: Cherry wood has a rich, reddish Hue that deepens over time, making it a favorite for fine furniture and heirloom pieces.
Uses in the Home: Ideal for high-end furniture, cabinetry, and custom millwork due to its beautiful color and workability.
Walnut
Purpose: Walnut is a premium hardwood prized for its rich, dark color and fine grain.
Uses in the Home: Used in high-end furniture, headboards, and cabinetry, walnut adds elegance and warmth to a home.
Pine
Purpose: Pine is a softer wood that is less expensive but still offers versatility in furniture construction.
Uses in the Home: Commonly used for rustic furniture, shelving, and accent pieces, pine is easy to work with and readily available.
General / Miscellaneous Materials
In addition to specific categories like wood, metal, and glass, there are general materials that serve a variety of purposes in home construction, repairs, and finishing touches. Most of these are covered in our articles covering Building Materials but are worth mentioning here for reference.
Plywood
Purpose: Plywood is made from layers of wood veneers glued together and is used for structural purposes as well as for furniture and cabinetry.
Uses in the Home: Commonly used in subflooring, furniture construction, and cabinet-making. It is available in a variety of grades depending on the intended use.
Concrete
Purpose: Concrete is a highly durable material used in both structural and decorative applications in and around the home.
Uses in the Home: Used for driveways, patios, countertops, and flooring, concrete provides strength and can be finished in various styles.
Tile (Ceramic, Porcelain, Stone)
Purpose: Tiles are durable, water-resistant materials often used for flooring, backsplashes, and shower surrounds.
Uses in the Home: Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces, tiles are available in various designs, colors, and finishes.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)
Purpose: MDF is an Engineered Wood product made from compressed wood fibers. It’s smooth, dense, and easy to paint.
Uses in the Home: Commonly used for shelving, cabinetry, and baseboards due to its affordability and versatility.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Purpose: PVC is a type of plastic used for Plumbing, Trim, and outdoor construction.
Uses in the Home: Found in pipes, Window Trim, and exterior Siding, PVC is waterproof and durable, making it ideal for moisture-prone areas.
Wrap-Up
Understanding the different hardgood materials available for home projects allows homeowners to make informed decisions about repairs, replacements, and new builds. Each material serves a specific purpose, and choosing the right one ensures durability, functionality, and aesthetics.
Whether you're repairing furniture after a storm, rebuilding your cabinets, or working on a home improvement project, having an inventory of these materials can help streamline the process and enhance the outcome of your efforts.