What type of wood or timber to build a table in Hong Kong

I want to build a simple bedside table out of wood. What type of timber should I use?

Unless you're thinking of solid wood, which is pricey, the most widely available materials are plywood, blockboard and medium density fibreboard.MDF is my personal favourite as it's the easiest material to work with. You can cut, plane and route it easily, although make sure you use mask while you do so. It also has no grain, so it's ideal for creating a finish on, such as painting.

If you're aiming for a varnished or stained finish, plywood is a cost-effective option. However, it's heavy to work with and the edges can split and splinter.

To avoid this, try to cut across the grain. Blockboard has a plywood-like veneer and would again be suitable for staining or varnishing. Lt's lighter than plywood but not as strong due to its centre construction of randomly glued blocks. The edges are also an issue as slicing through reveals the unsightly interior. You would have to fill either an edge with woodfiller or nail on an additional piece of timber.

Good sources for all the above are Hop Sze Timber, 425 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai (tel: 2833 6069) and Sam Shing Timber, 176 Wellington Street, Central (tel: 2850 6161).

What Wood Species Work Best in Hong Kong's Humidity?

If you are set on using solid timber rather than sheet materials, the choice of wood species matters enormously in Hong Kong. Our humidity levels -- routinely 80% or higher for months at a stretch -- cause wood to expand, warp, and in some cases crack. I have seen beautiful tables ruined within a single wet season because the wrong timber was used or it was not properly treated.

Here is my honest assessment of the most common options:

• Teak -- the gold standard for Hong Kong. Teak has a naturally high oil content that makes it resistant to moisture, warping, and insect damage. It is widely used in outdoor furniture across Southeast Asia for good reason. The downside is cost: expect to pay HK$800-1,500 per square foot for solid teak. But for a bedside table, you do not need much material.
• Camphor wood (zhang mu) -- a traditional Chinese favourite that is well-suited to the local climate. It is naturally insect-resistant (the fragrance repels moths and other pests) and handles humidity reasonably well. Camphor is also more affordable than teak, typically HK$400-700 per square foot.
• Rubberwood -- an increasingly popular and sustainable option. It is stable, takes stain well, and is reasonably priced at HK$200-400 per square foot. Most of the affordable solid-wood furniture you see in Hong Kong shops is made from rubberwood.
• Pine -- affordable (HK$150-300 per square foot) and easy to work with, but it is soft and prone to denting. More importantly, pine absorbs moisture readily and will expand and contract significantly in Hong Kong's climate. Only use pine indoors in air-conditioned rooms, and always seal it thoroughly.
• Oak -- a classic choice that is hard and durable, but it is expensive in Hong Kong (HK$600-1,200 per square foot) because it is imported. White oak handles moisture better than red oak.

Whatever timber you choose, the single most important step is sealing and finishing. In Hong Kong, I always recommend applying at least three coats of polyurethane varnish or a marine-grade wood oil. This creates a barrier against moisture penetration. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next -- and do this work on a dry day with the air-conditioning running, not during a humid spell when the finish will not cure properly.

For sheet materials like MDF and plywood, moisture is also a concern. Standard MDF will swell and disintegrate if it gets wet, so look for moisture-resistant MDF (sometimes labelled MR MDF or green MDF). It costs slightly more -- around HK$150-250 per 8x4 sheet compared to HK$100-180 for standard -- but it is far more suitable for Hong Kong conditions. If you are reviving an existing table, stripping and re-sealing the surface is often more practical than building from scratch.

Where Can You Buy Quality Timber in Hong Kong?

Finding good timber in Hong Kong takes a bit of legwork, but there are reliable suppliers if you know where to look:

• Hop Sze Timber, Lockhart Road, Wan Chai (tel: 2832 9989) -- a long-established supplier with a good range of sheet materials and some solid timber. They can cut to size for you.
• Sam Shing Timber, Central (tel: 2850 6161) -- another reliable source, particularly for plywood and blockboard.
• Sheung Wan timber merchants -- there are several small timber shops clustered around Queen's Road West and Des Voeux Road West. These tend to stock a wider variety of solid hardwoods, including teak and camphor. Prices are often negotiable, especially if you are buying in quantity.
• Tai Kok Tsui -- the industrial area around Anchor Street has several wholesale timber yards that sell to the public. Prices are generally lower than Hong Kong Island, though the selection can be hit-or-miss.

For smaller projects like a bedside table, you can also source pre-cut timber from HKTVmall or Taobao, though I would always recommend seeing and handling the wood in person before buying. Photographs rarely show grain quality or defects accurately.

If you are thinking about building something more ambitious, such as a gazebo or outdoor structure, the timber requirements are quite different -- you will need pressure-treated timber rated for exterior use. And for general woodworking tips and techniques, my guide on building with wood covers the basics.

When Should You Call a Professional?

Building a simple bedside table from MDF or plywood is a manageable DIY project if you have basic tools and some patience. However, there are situations where bringing in a professional carpenter or joiner makes more sense:

• Solid hardwood furniture -- working with teak, oak, or other hardwoods requires sharp tools, proper joinery techniques, and experience. Mistakes in expensive timber are costly.
• Built-in furniture -- if you want a custom bedside table that integrates with existing built-in wardrobes or shelving, a professional will ensure a seamless fit. In Hong Kong's small apartments, every centimetre matters.
• Complex designs -- drawers, dovetail joints, and curved elements require skill and specialist tools that most home workshops lack.
• Finishing to a high standard -- achieving a smooth, professional-looking paint or varnish finish is harder than most people expect, especially in humid conditions.

A custom-built bedside table from a Hong Kong carpenter typically costs HK$1,500-4,000 depending on size, materials, and complexity. For a matching pair, expect HK$2,500-7,000. Given the cost of materials, tools, and your own time, having a professional build it for you is often the more economical choice -- particularly if you do not already own the necessary tools.

Last updated: March 2026