Green Cabinetry – Wood Species
Wood Species
If you want wood as opposed to alternatives such as stainless steel, it is important to check the type of wood used and where it is sourced. By utilizing no or low impact solutions when wood is required saves the many natural forests and rainforests around the world being decimated due to logging. Environmentally friendly choices for wood include:
Bamboo
Naturally good looking and grows in half the time of other hardwoods. It is actually a wood plant and can grow up to 24 inches per day. Bamboo has a fine, even grain and is less susceptible to mold and fungus.
Coconut Palm
Coconut palm comes from plantation grown coconut palms, which are in abundance throughout much of the world. Heavy cracking is a natural characteristic and can’t be prevented. Flat cut and edge cut boards are available. Coconut palms produce nuts for up to 80 years then the non-producing palms are removed and replaced.
Alder
While not generally thought of as a “green” product Alder wood is very abundant and when a rustic door style is selected there is very little waste in production. As seen in the photo below the natural splits, knots and cracks are a desirable feature of this look.
