Different Types of Wood Used by Carpenters in UAE

Most people scroll Pinterest or Instagram, see a Scandinavian dining table or a dark walnut TV unit, and think, “I want this.” But what works in Europe or the U.S. doesn’t hold up in the UAE.

Wood is wood until it cracks or invites termites. That’s when people realize: they chose wrong.

That is why, when it comes to building a Custom Bed or crafting a Custom Sofa, the first decision isn’t about fabric or shape. It’s about wood. The right foundation makes the difference between something that lasts a decade… and something that swells apart within a year.

1. Teak Wood

This hardwood isn’t just known for its beauty. It’s known for its resilience. Naturally rich in oils, teak resists termites without chemical treatment. That makes it ideal for clients who don’t want to worry about infestations or yearly maintenance.

You’ll often find teak in custom outdoor furniture, high-end bed frames, Arabic majlis sofas, and classic villa doors. But don’t confuse “traditional” with “outdated”. Teak works just as well in modern layouts when used with minimal shaping and matte finishes.

For carpenters in UAE, teak is more than just a premium wood. It’s a long-term material. It doesn’t crack in humidity, and once built right. It can stay in the family for decades. Yes.. It’s not the cheapest wood, but for those who never come back with regrets.

2. Oak Wood

Oak is premium. It’s known for its light to medium grain and surface. It holds its shape over time, which means no bending and no surprises even years after installation.

At Furniture Carpentry, we use oak in the making of custom dining tables. Open shelf cabinets in living rooms or your kids’ study rooms. Custom Furniture in Dubai Villas.

Oak is minimalist. It works especially well in modern interiors. The ones where the design language is clean and the material has to do the talking. It’s not just wood. Its structure, tone, and reliability combined into one material.

3. Ash Wood

Ash wood has a light tone and open grain. The kind of texture that feels right at home in modern Dubai interiors. It’s one of the few hardwoods that stays lightweight without sacrificing durability. That is also the main reason why Dubai-based carpenters often choose this for slatted panels, curved forms, or sculpted furniture pieces. You’ll see ash used in custom chairs with bent frames. Round coffee tables with tapered legs and wooden wall panels.

Ash wood is a favorite choice in Scandinavian-inspired villas across the city. Also in co-working lounges and boutique interiors, where clients want their space to feel quietly premium.

We, at our custom carpentry store in Dubai, work with imported ash for your custom builds.

4. Walnut

When a client says they want “something different,” we show them walnut wood.

It’s not your average wood. Dark in tone, bold in grain, and heavy in weight. Walnet gets chosen for its presence. In Dubai interiors, walnut is often used where the goal is to build a media wall unit that anchors the room or a reception desk that commands attention.

We rarely build full sets in walnut.. not because it isn’t durable, but because it’s a premium choice. Most clients use it selectively: paired with lighter tones or as a backdrop behind custom TV units. Works best in moody interiors and executive offices. Especially in dark fabrics.

We ourselves use walnut solids, veneers, and hybrid structures based on the layout. This lets us balance costs without compromising the finish.

5. MDF & Plywood

Engineered wood like MDF and Plywood isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about smart structure, especially when you’re building custom furniture that looks premium but stays cost-efficient.

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)

Carpenters in Dubai use MDF mostly for inner frameworks, drawer panels, wardrobes, and paint-finished furniture. Ideal for colored finishes or matte lacquers. It doesn’t have a natural grain and that’s the point. Clean, consistent, and easily shaped into modern profiles.

Plywood

Plywood has better shape retention over time. We often use marine-grade plywood for areas like kitchens, wall panels, or bed bases. The durability is based on layers, seals, and assembly. When done right, your furniture looks high-end, feels solid, and lasts for years,

The best part of plywood is the price. Very affordable.

Need Help Choosing the Right Wood for Your Furniture?

We don’t guess, we guide. We offer free design consultations where we walk you through wood types, grain patterns, and finish options. You can even request sample panels to see and feel the difference before making any decision. We only make custom handcrafted furniture.

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