A Guide To Being Eco-Friendly In Cabinetry & Furniture

There is a lot of talk these days about all things green. Organic, hybrid, recycled – just a few of the buzz words associated with making things better for us and better for the environment. As designers and furniture makers, we’ve got our own list of buzz words – sustainable, low VOC, formaldehyde- free. But what do all these terms mean? And what are the practical applications when designing and building furniture and cabinetry for ourselves and our clients?

As they pertain to furniture and cabinet making, the terms Green and Eco-Friendly are often used interchangeably. In practice, the issues they represent are two-fold. Whether referred to as “green” or “eco-friendly,” what we are really discussing are the separate matters of environmental sustainability and the assurance of healthy homes. In order to make informed “green” decisions in the design and production of furniture and cabinetry it is important to understand both these issues.

Sustainability

Sustainability is the idea that the materials being used are harvested and/or manufactured in an environmentally responsible way. For hardwood lumber and mahogany this means using logs that are felled in forests managed to protect wildlife habitats and soil erosion. This often includes bans on destructive techniques such as clear cutting. There are programs that award certification to companies that harvest lumber according to a strict set of guidelines. The Forrest Stewardship Council (FSC) is one. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) is another. As we purchase lumber from our suppliers, Hat Factory Furniture looks to ensure that we are provided with material that meets these guidelines.

For manufactured panels, such as plywood, MDF, and newer entries like Wheatboard, sustainability is achieved by using as much recycled content as possible and using replenish-able, non traditional materials such as natural grasses.

Bamboo is receiving a lot of attention lately as a sustainable product. Because it grows so rapidly, bamboo can be harvested rather aggressively without much concern of depleting stocks. It is then processed into a wide range of manufactured panel products that can be used for the construction of cabinetry and furniture. The appearance of a bamboo panel is distinct and quite striking and can be used to dramatic effect in a design. For this reason alone, we often incorporate bamboo with other materials within a project.

Healthy Homes

The second aspect of being “green” with respect to furniture and cabinetry design is concerned with creating a healthy environment within our workplace here at the Hat Factory and in the homes and offices of our clients. This involves selecting and using materials that limit the release of harmful fumes and emissions.

All forms of manufactured panels used in furniture and cabinetmaking, such as plywood, MDF, and particleboard are essentially some combination of wood, wood dust, and glue. Traditionally, these glues have included Formaldehyde, a toxic chemical compound found to be both allergenic and carcinogenic. In response to customer demand and tighter restrictions, many manufacturers have started producing panels that do not contain formaldehyde resins. Because these newer panel products are often made with recycled wood fibers and waste material, they are a key component of environmentally responsible cabinetry construction.

The final area of focus to maintaining a healthy environment is concerned with the selection of finishing materials. Many traditional wood finishes, such as varnish and oils contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and heavy metal compounds that are employed to help finishes dry more quickly. These toxic elements continue to release harmful pollutants long after the initial drying and curing of the finishes. More and more “green” finishes are being developed that avoid the use of these substances. At the Hat Factory, we are experienced in selecting and using a wide range of environmentally responsible finishes. These include water-based lacquers, paints and stains that can provide beautiful, long lasting results while contributing to a healthy workplace, home and planet.

Today, the options for creating environmentally responsible furniture and cabinetry projects are great and continue to expand. The importance of being educated in the products and techniques that enable green construction is key. Here at the Hat Factory, we are committed to pursuing that knowledge and using it to the benefit of our clients. Good design, high quality, and eco-friendly.