ALUMINIUM VS WOOD

Aluminium is an extremely versatile metal with many advantages, it is recognised for being both lightweight and flexible. Aluminium also can be casted, melted, formed, machined and extruded which mean it can be manufactured into a various shape and fabricated to suit a variety of uses. In recent years, the use of aluminium is becoming more popular due to its extreme versatility and strength, especially with the advantages it has to offer.

Meanwhile, wood usually be the user’s choice in term of common and a historical as a material. However, in the past few decades, there has been a move away from wood in favour of engineered products or metals like aluminium. Traditionally, furniture & fixtures has been made of wood but with the industrial revolution, furniture & fixtures made by steel, aluminium, glass and plastic, began to appear.

Aluminium and wood materials serve different purpose. Most likely, aluminium materials are the best of these two materials as far as the strength of the cabinets, windows, doors and others. Aluminium is one of the best options for those houseowners who are looking for contemporary and sleek looking design.

Now, let’s take a look closely the differences between aluminium and wood. So, let’s dive in…

 

WATER PROOF

Waterproof is a big plus for aluminium compared to the wooden ones. This is because if there any spills on aluminium material will just stay on the surface and can be easy cleaned with wipe-off. So, by choosing aluminium for house furniture or fixtures, homeowners do not have to worry if spills getting soaked up and damaging house furniture and fixtures like the wooden ones.

 

CORROSION RESISTANCE

Aluminium is a corrosion resistant metal that naturally generates a protective coating. The coating formed is extremely thin and is generated when aluminium comes into contact with an oxidising environment. This protective aluminium oxide layer helps protect the surface of the metal from corrosion. Additionally, getting surface treatment such as painting or anodising can further improve the overall corrosion resistance of the metal. Hence, aluminium kitchen cabinet, window & door are not easily to corrosive compare than wooden material.

 

INSECT PROOF

Another differences between aluminium and wood is in term of insect proof. As we all know, aluminium material is not prone to insect infestation because of non-porous and waterproof nature. Furthermore, house furniture & fixtures made by aluminium material are very easy to maintain, strong and reliable which means they can be relied upon for many years once they are installed. According to the website Kronfonster (2017), doors made by aluminium are free from rotting and degradation. Meanwhile, furniture & fixtures from wood material can rot and potentially suffer issues with pest, and be attacked by insects especially termite in few years.

 

FIRE PROOF

Other than that, one of the differences between aluminium and wood is fire proof. In this case, wooden furniture & fixtures are more easily to damage compare than aluminium. The aluminium kitchen cabinets can survive the disaster in case of an unfortunate kitchen fire. All you need is to clean and add a fresh coat of paint on the aluminium kitchen cabinets.

 

DURABILITY

Moreover, furniture & fixtures from aluminium material is much stronger and will last longer than wooden ones. Aluminium offer exceptional strength for long lasting durability. Homeowners can expect aluminium to last for decades, if they take good care of their aluminium furniture well. Wood material, on the other hand, are prone to warping, contracting and expanding as temperatures and humidity level change throughout the year. If the window seal is damaged and the wood frame gets soaked, it may require a replacement.

 

COST

Aluminium material tends to be much less expensive than for a comparable wood material.
Aluminium furniture & fixtures such as windows, kitchen cabinet or awning are far more affordable than wooden options, especially if you’re on a strict budget, then aluminium may be the best material for you. Wooden window frames tend to be more expensive than other materials. Plus, the extra cost of continual maintenance also needs.

 

MAINTENANCE

Hence, wooden furniture & fixtures usually requires high maintenance compare than if you’re choosing furniture & fixtures from aluminium material. Aluminium furniture and fixtures only require minimal maintenance due to aluminium material are waterproof, insect proof, fire proof, more durability, low cost as well as low maintenance.

As a conclusion, aluminium material possesses high strength as they do not wrap or rot, lightweight, flexible and are also available in many different shapes, sizes & finishing. Last but not least, as we all know the design of aluminium furniture & fixtures more suit modern designed homes rather than wooden.

Key Points	Aluminium	Wood
Waterproof	Waterproof	Non waterproof
Fireproof	Fireproof	Non fireproof
Insect Proof	Insect proof	Non insect proof
Corrosion Resistance	High	Low
Durability	Long lasting	Short-lived
Cost	Affordable	Expensive
Maintenance	Low	High