Our research process
We approach every topic the way a materials scientist or a curious architect would: start with the primary sources, understand the underlying principles, then translate that into something a non-specialist can use.
For material guides, our research draws on:
- Manufacturer specifications — technical data sheets, product certifications, and performance standards from the makers of the materials we cover.
- Industry standards bodies — organisations like ASTM International, the American Hardwood Export Council, the Forest Stewardship Council, and equivalent bodies in Europe and Asia.
- Academic and scientific literature — peer-reviewed research on material properties, fibre science, photometry, and related fields.
- Expert consultations — we talk to furniture makers, interior architects, materials suppliers, and craftspeople who work with these materials every day.
Fact-checking approach
Specific numbers in our articles are not approximations. When we write that white oak has a Janka hardness of 1,360 lbf, that number comes from the standard test. When we write that 2700K is considered warm white, that is the photometric definition.
We distinguish between:
- Verified facts — specific, measurable values confirmed against primary sources.
- Established conventions — industry-accepted practices or widely agreed standards.
- Informed judgement — recommendations that involve our editorial assessment, clearly framed as such.
If we are uncertain about a specific claim, we say so. We prefer "commonly between X and Y" over false precision.
Education-first philosophy
Our content breaks down roughly as follows:
- 60% pure education — material science, design principles, technical explanations. No product recommendations, no affiliate links.
- 25% roundups and curated selections — when we cover specific products, we select based on quality and relevance. We disclose affiliate relationships clearly.
- 15% comparisons — side-by-side analysis of materials or approaches, evaluated on technical merit.
We believe the home design media has an affiliate problem: too much content is written backward from the product. We try to write forward from the question.
No paid placements
Hushbasket does not accept sponsored content, paid placements, or payment in exchange for coverage. The articles on this site are not advertisements.
When we participate in affiliate programmes, we disclose this clearly at the top of the relevant article. Affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial assessments.
Affiliate disclosure
Pure educational content does not contain affiliate links. When we write roundups or buying guides that include product recommendations, we may use affiliate links. These are disclosed at the start of the article.
How articles are updated
We update articles when:
- Underlying standards or certifications change
- Significant new products or materials enter the market
- A reader or expert identifies a factual error
- Our own updated research contradicts something we previously wrote
When an article is substantially updated, we note the update date alongside the original publication date.
Corrections and feedback
If you spot an error, please tell us. Email hello@hushbasket.com with the article title and the specific concern. We investigate every credible correction.