At the heart of sustainability is the creation and use of furniture that is kinder to the environment. Green and Eco-friendly furniture options are healthier for the environment and the home. According to a recent study, people who use eco-friendly products score 26% higher on cognitive function tests.
There are a variety of affordable, eco-friendly furniture options available. But it’s essential to know the primary sources. The eco-friendliest furniture sources include:
1. Beautiful Bamboo
Bamboo is a green alternative to metal and plastic materials. It’s a grass with woody material in its stem. Bamboo grows over ten times faster than most hardwoods, meaning it needs few pesticides, fertilizers, and little irrigation. Many turn to bamboo for its sleek appearance and “green” cache.
Bamboo is much more sustainable than slow-growing hardwoods. The material is very pliable; after heating, the wood quickly bends to its master’s wishes and takes any shape. There are hundreds of furniture producers making bamboo style furniture. Bamboo also features a fine grain that adds beauty and elegance to furniture.
2. Reclaimed Wood
Today’s century-old reclaimed wood emerges from a time when wood was in abundance. Reclaimed wood suitable for furniture can come from anywhere. There are many benefits to using reclaimed wood over the new material. Reclaimed lumber has a lower carbon footprint than new lumber production.
People choose reclaimed wood for its durability and strength. You can use it to create furniture, accent walls, decor accents, and more. It is also used for home furniture such as coffee tables and cabinets.
3. Palm Wood
Palm Wood is derived from oil palm trunks. Palm could potentially be a significant source of wood in the years to come. This wood species is not listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Black Palm is durable and hard with a unique grain structure, without growth rings. The woody material comes from the outer layer of the tree.
In effect, coconut palm wood is a by-product of coconut production. The distinctive end grain has a fascinating speckled appearance. After taking certain pre-conditions into account, the stem of the palm tree can be used to manufacture furniture. For example, the wood itself is used to construct wicker furniture. Coconut palms grow quickly and have a productive life.
4. Beech
Beech (Fagus grandifolia) grows quickly in every hemisphere. Beech is a reliable, hard, and durable closed-grain hardwood. The European Beech tree is sustainable, although it can also be found as a shrub or tree at the equator. The close texture of the beech makes it a very fit timber for furniture. It is particularly suitable for heavily used furniture.
Although stiff, it’s easy to work with both traditional machines and tools from the top cabinet table saw brands. It is often used for making chairs, stools, and hardwood floors. Unlike synthetic materials, beech wood furniture will often age gracefully. If you are bothered by wood smells, then beech furniture may be right for you.
5. Oak
Oakwood is a type of hardwood that derives from the oak tree. It grows commonly throughout Europe and Asia Minor and is particularly widespread in France. There are more than 600 species of oak growing in the Northern hemisphere. It’s environmentally friendly, it looks great, and it’s warm and cozy.
The attractive appearance of oak wood makes it suitable for furniture. It’s often found in traditional, craftsman, and mission style furniture. However, it requires adequate treatment to prevent cracking and warping. Oak burns quickly, so any motorized tools are kept at low settings.
6. Pine
The pine tree occurs naturally throughout central and eastern Europe. Pine is a renewable resource and, therefore, better for the environment. It is light in color, usually with a creamy white look. There are more than 100 species worldwide. Pinewood has a high moisture permeability rate and breathability.
Its availability has made it one of the most common furniture materials. Many carpenters prefer to use it over the softer spruce for creating furniture. Pine is easy to work with, and it readily accepts preservatives. To keep pine in its prime condition, look for straight grain and avoid large knots.
7. Walnut
Walnut trees are deciduous trees from temperate climates and are not listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Walnut wood is lumber cut from the trees of the Juglans genus. Over the years, natural walnut wood develops a lustrous patina. The trees grow relatively tall and straight with few lower branches. Mature black walnut trees can grow to 100 to 120 feet in height.
The wood ranges in color from light to dark brown to chocolate brown. Generally, lumber that is kiln dried is flat brown. Walnut is highly desired for expensive furniture and carpentry. Walnut has excellent bending properties and can stand up to a fair amount of abuse. Surface blemishing can take place when wet and in contact with iron.
Bottom Line
Eco-friendly furniture needn’t mean boring or utilitarian items. The eco-friendliest furniture is made from eco-friendly materials. The materials listed above are an excellent source of sustainable furniture.
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