The attractive qualities that wood possesses make it a popular material for interior design, says one industry expert, which could lead to more workers signing up to carpentry courses.

Director of Pascoe Interiors Clare Pascoe claimed that wood gets more beautiful with age as long as it is cared for in the right way, which makes it very desirable for consumers of all types.

She also praised its versatility, saying the material suits contemporary and traditional designs equally well, which could mean that workers may need to take carpentry courses to carry out some projects in the future.

"Wood has natural beauty, has many ways it can be cut, fashioned and shaped, and due to its classic nature the products are ensured greater longevity," explained Ms Pascoe.

Recent research by Santander Mortgages showed first-time buyers currently spend nearly double what their counterparts in the 1970s did, with the figure standing at an average of ?