Not many people would use "eco-friendly" and "solid wood furniture" in the same sentence. Many environmentally conscious individuals think of "deforestation" rather than "eco-friendly". However, solid wood furniture can be eco-friendly, as well as a beautiful keepsake for generations.
How can solid wood furniture be eco-friendly?
It's hard to imagine because it's wood, and sometimes a lot of wood at that. However, keep in mind that "green" has been around and doing its thing for quite some time now. Slowly but surely, solid wood furniture produced today is starting to come from managed, sustainable forests rather than from complete deforestation.
Thanks to programs and organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council, American Tree Farm Systems and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, sustainable forestry practices are becoming more mainstream and help promote the growth of the world's forests. For instance, six trees or more are planted to replace just one tree that has been harvested. In addition, sustainable forestry practices follow much the same techniques as nature, harvesting a single tree or small group of trees rather than large swaths.
In addition, solid wood furniture is eco-friendly by its very nature because:
- It can last for several centuries
- It is reusable
- It is recyclable
Should something happen to a piece, solid wood furniture can be remade into something else, such as a dining room table becoming an end table. As well, if it is ruined to the point it is unable to be fixed or turned into a smaller piece, it can be recycled to become part of a wood composite door, for example.
What are the benefits of solid wood furniture?
There are many benefits to owning solid wood furniture, some a matter of vanity, others a matter of money or even health:
- The Look - Solid wood furniture looks exactly like what it is - tasteful, well crafted and valuable; nothing can compare. Veneers over plywood or pressed wood may give a hint of the "solid wood" look, but it's always obvious that the piece isn't solid wood. In fact, with plywood you can even see the different layers.
- The Cost - It may not be the cheapest option when just comparing price tags. However, remember that solid wood can last for ages. That beautiful wooden dining room table you bought will be there for your grandkids to pass down to their children. While it may cost more than plywood, with solid wood furniture you will likely never have to buy a table again. Although it may gain scratches and signs of wear and tear, it can always be repaired and restored for, or by, future generations.
- Your Health - Furniture made of plywood, particleboard and other types of "pseudo-wood" are extremely susceptible to parasites such as termites. To make them last longer, these types of wood are treated with formaldehyde. Some, such as outdoor furniture, are treated with large amounts. In yet another form of being eco-friendly, solid wood furniture doesn't contain formaldehyde.
Is solid wood furniture a good choice to buy?
Undoubtedly! Whether the piece is an antique or brand new, solid wood furniture is a solid investment. Consider the many pieces that have sold for twice their original value, if not more. In fact, many homeowners have bought cheap imitations to get by until the day they can invest in eco-friendly solid wood furniture.
Why? "Solid" means just that, in every nuance of the word. Solid wood furniture is extremely durable, long lasting and high quality. If you add in that it's eco-friendly, free of formaldehyde and well crafted, every piece of solid wood furniture becomes priceless!San Francisco Furniture.com is run by the Urban Loft Company, the #1 discount furniture store in the Bay Area. Choose from an exciting selection of living room, dining room, bedroom and leather furniture plus entertainment centers, barstools, coffee tables and more all at discount prices. Visit today for
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