Kitchen Cabinets
There are two main elements of your kitchen cabinets:
The interior casework of kitchen cabinets is often made from MDF (medium density fiberboard) or particleboard. As this type of manufactured board is made up from mainly recycled wood, it lessens the impact on natural timber resources. However, MDF is usually bonded with urea formaldehyde glue, which is toxic.
The process of cutting or sanding MDF poses the primary health risk, so if you are buying kitchen cabinets from a supplier this risk is minimized. However, if you are concerned about the off-gas effects of finished MDF you should consider other materials such as FSC-certified plywood, wheatboard, bamboo or formaldehyde-free MDF for your kitchen cabinets.
In general, whether you are purchasing new kitchen cabinets or constructing your own, look for materials that minimize the dangers of off-gas in your home. These include:
For the exterior of your kitchen cabinets, wood and wood veneers are the most popular finishes. Check that the wood for your kitchen cabinets comes from a well-managed, sustainable source that is industry certified, e.g. by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
An alternative to traditional wood is bamboo, a fast-growing, renewable and sustainable resource which can be harvested many times more than hardwoods. Bamboo can give a warm, elegant wood finish to your kitchen cabinets.
Even if your preference or budget takes you to the major suppliers of kitchen cabinets, check the company’s website and literature to look for eco-friendly options and ensure that they are certified in the Environmental Stewardship Program administered by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer's Association. You can look for the ESP seal on kitchen cabinets supplied by members of this organization.
Sources: Various
There are two main elements of your kitchen cabinets:
- Casework – the interior box and drawers that are only visible when open.
- Exterior – the paneled doors and drawer fronts.
The interior casework of kitchen cabinets is often made from MDF (medium density fiberboard) or particleboard. As this type of manufactured board is made up from mainly recycled wood, it lessens the impact on natural timber resources. However, MDF is usually bonded with urea formaldehyde glue, which is toxic.
The process of cutting or sanding MDF poses the primary health risk, so if you are buying kitchen cabinets from a supplier this risk is minimized. However, if you are concerned about the off-gas effects of finished MDF you should consider other materials such as FSC-certified plywood, wheatboard, bamboo or formaldehyde-free MDF for your kitchen cabinets.
In general, whether you are purchasing new kitchen cabinets or constructing your own, look for materials that minimize the dangers of off-gas in your home. These include:
- Water-based sealants
- Finishes with low levels of VOC (volatile organic compounds)
- Formaldehyde-free paints
- Solvent-free adhesives
For the exterior of your kitchen cabinets, wood and wood veneers are the most popular finishes. Check that the wood for your kitchen cabinets comes from a well-managed, sustainable source that is industry certified, e.g. by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
An alternative to traditional wood is bamboo, a fast-growing, renewable and sustainable resource which can be harvested many times more than hardwoods. Bamboo can give a warm, elegant wood finish to your kitchen cabinets.
Even if your preference or budget takes you to the major suppliers of kitchen cabinets, check the company’s website and literature to look for eco-friendly options and ensure that they are certified in the Environmental Stewardship Program administered by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer's Association. You can look for the ESP seal on kitchen cabinets supplied by members of this organization.
Sources: Various
