Dubai’s lifestyle is very modern and luxurious but its climate is also very challenging especially when it comes to wooden interiors. The intense heat and often high humidity can make wood problematic.

If you’ve ever noticed doors that swell, cabinet doors won’t close, or wood that smells of mold it is  because of the humidity in the air.

But don’t worry. There are better options available today to bring back the rich look of wood to your home without having to go through multiple repairs.

Here’s how —

Wood and moisture: Why does it get damaged 

Wood is a natural material. Wood absorbs moisture from the air and when the humidity is high in the air, wood expands and when it is low, it shrinks.

This leads to problems like:

• Doors and drawers getting stuck
• Wood warping or cracking
• Mould or moldy smells
• Paint or polish peeling off

If wood is used without any thought in Dubai, problems can start within a few months.

Choosing the right wood and material

• Kiln-Dried Wood

This wood is dried in machines so that most of the moisture is removed from it. When you install such wood in your house, it absorbs very little moisture.

Example:

If you want to get a table or cabinet made in the kitchen then use Kiln-dried Teak instead of ordinary wood. This will not spoil it for years.

• Engineered woods like Marine Plywood, MR MDF, and HDF

These products are specifically designed to resist moisture:

• Marine Plywood: Perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. It is also used on boats. 
• MR MDF: Great for painting or laminating. Doesn’t swell easily with moisture.
• HDF: Very dense and strong material and it is perfect for flooring or frequently used parts.

• Naturally resistant woods (such as teak, iroko, white oak)

These woods naturally have oils that resist water and insects.

Although these are very much expensive, it is better to use good material once rather than having to repair it again and again.

Finishing and Treatments: Protective Shield for Wood

• Water-Based Polyurethane or Acrylic Coatings

These provide a strong layer on the wood that prevents moisture from penetrating, yet retains the flexibility of the wood.

• Edge Banding

The exposed edges of MDF or plywood often absorb moisture. So sealing them is a must.

Common mistake:

People get cabinets made but do not get edge banding installed on the edges — the result: the wood starts swelling in 3-4 months.

• Anti-Fungal and Anti-Mold Treatments

These treatments can protect wood from fungus especially in bathrooms, laundry areas, or flats where there is less ventilation.

Design and installation

• Acclimatization

Keep the wood in a room for 2-3 days so that it settles a little according to the temperature and humidity—then install it.

• Ventilation Slats

Get vents installed in built-in cabinets so that the moisture inside can escape. Ventilation is especially important in the bathroom or kitchen.

• Expansion Gaps

If there is any chance that wood will expand or shrink in the long run, then carpenters leave small gaps to prevent the wood from breaking.

Maintenance: For long life of wood

• Humidity Control

If your flat is on a lower floor or there is less window ventilation, a dehumidifier is a good investment.

• Run exhaust fans

Especially while cooking in the bathroom and kitchen. This helps in removing moisture.

• Keep the cleaning method right

While cleaning don’t use wet cloth, use damp cloth and also when cleaning the floor, make sure that water does not get on the wooden legs.

• Repair leaks immediately

If the water pipe under the sink is leaking or there is dripping from the A/C unit get it fixed immediately.

Conclusion 

Using wood in a humid and hot climate like Dubai is a challenge, but not impossible. If you choose the right materials and use modern treatments and finishing, and take care in design and installation you can retain the natural beauty of wood in your home. 

Whether you are getting new furniture made, designing a modular kitchen, or interior decorating an entire home moisture-proof carpentry solutions are the need of the hour, especially in a city like Dubai.

A smart investment not only makes your home beautiful but also makes it long lasting and maintenance free.

If you want your woodwork to last for years without warping, cracking, and developing fungus we are here to help. 

At Handyman Services Dubai we provide all types of carpentry services. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing best handyman services tailored to meet your unique needs. 

Contact us:

Email: info@handymanservices.ae

Contact no. +971508603634