Materials in Motion: Wood

Materials determine how a vehicle is constructed, how it looks and feels, as well as giving an insight into a vehicle’s characteristics.

This series takes a look at the evolution of materials commonly used in cars. This week, wood.

Check out the other parts of this series:

Materials in Motion: Carbon Fibre
Materials in Motion: Metal
Materials in Motion: Leather
Materials in Motion: Wood

Perhaps drawing on its status as the material of choice for prestige furniture makers, wood has traditionally been used as evidence of the craftsmanship and luxury inherent to a vehicle.

In the mid-20th Century, particular markets such as North America popularised the use of wood panelling on the exterior of the car. 

Known as the ‘woody’, these vehicles were typically station wagons, with the wood panelling harking back to the vintage construction of horse-drawn carriages from various hardwoods. In this way, wood panelling ostensibly acted as a more obvious signifier of the luxury and comfort contained within the vehicle.

Whilst ‘woodies’ have been phased out today, wood as an interior trim material remains, to some extent, a signifier of luxury. Its use remains especially palpable in the American market.

Another recent development in the contemporary use of wood trim is the divergence between glossy and matte finishes.

Whilst glossy finishes are perhaps the most reminiscent of the traditionally varnished and polished hardwood that furniture makers would historically use, they run the risk of giving an overly plasticky, fake feel by disguising the true texture of the wood being used.

In contrast, matte finishes preserve the original texture and feel of the wood, thus giving the customer a better appreciation of the solidity and durability that are inherent qualities of the material.

The Volvo S90 and BMW i3 are prime examples of the virtues of using a matte wood finish. By combining this matte finish with an extruded, three-dimensional panel design, the S90 conveys a feeling of warmth and comfort, whilst the i3 incorporates natural eucalyptus wood to enhance its ecological credentials.

What's your favourite use of wood on a car? Tell us about it in the comments.