Introduction
Kitchen cabinets play a big role in the functionality and aesthetics of any kitchen. However, most standard cabinets are made using materials that can negatively impact human health and the environment. As people become more aware of indoor air quality, sustainability, and the health impacts of chemicals used in manufacturing, the demand for greener and non-toxic cabinets is growing.
When designing your dream kitchen, it’s important to look beyond the style and color of cabinets. You also need to consider what the cabinets are made of, how they were produced, and if they will off-gas any harmful compounds. With some research and strategic decision making, you can have a kitchen with cabinets that align with your values around health and sustainability.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the factors to weigh when selecting Health-Conscious Kitchen Cabinets. You’ll learn how to avoid hazardous materials and chemicals of concern, choose eco-friendly and responsibly sourced options, and understand certifications that indicate safety and low emissions.
Health Considerations for Cabinet Materials
The first and most important thing when choosing kitchen cabinets is understanding what materials are used and if they have any associated health risks. Here are some of the main considerations:
Avoid Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen that is commonly used in the production of composite wood products like particle board and medium density fiberboard (MDF). These wood composites are then used to construct cabinet boxes and doors. When new, products containing formaldehyde release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause respiratory irritation and other health issues.
When possible, opt for solid wood cabinets or composites made without added formaldehyde, such as those certified as low-VOC or formaldehyde-free.
Choose Non-Toxic Finishes and Adhesives
The stains, paints, and glues used on cabinets can also contain harmful VOCs and chemicals like benzene, heavy metals, or formaldehyde. Select cabinet finishes that are GREENGUARD or FloorScore certified to ensure minimal chemical emissions. Water-based stains and finishes are lower in VOCs than oil-based options. Pay attention to adhesives as well and look for low-VOC or non-toxic varieties.
Avoid PVC and Other Harmful Materials
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a common plastic used for decorative surfaces like thermofoil. However, PVC production and disposal can release dioxins and phthalates, which are concerning chemicals from a health perspective. Opt for alternative materials like acrylic or polyethylene thermoplastics for non-wood surfaces. Also avoid cabinets with antimicrobials or flame retardants added.
Consider Air Quality and Off-Gassing
Even with low-VOC assemblies and finishes, some off-gassing of chemicals can still occur. Allow plenty of time for installed cabinets to air out fully prior to use, ideally at least 3-4 weeks. Proper ventilation is key. Also look for cabinets with Declare or other labels that indicate emissions testing.
Choose Durable and Naturally Renewing Materials
Well-made hardwood cabinets from responsibly managed forests will last for decades, avoiding the health impacts of frequent replacement. If you do opt for composites, ensure they use recycled content and non-toxic binders to minimize air pollution and other impacts.
Sustainable Cabinet & Hardware Options
Beyond just human health, many people also want to reduce the environmental footprint of their kitchen cabinets as much as possible. Using responsibly sourced, reusable, and recycled materials are key ways to improve sustainability.
FSC Certified Wood
Opting for wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures timber is harvested sustainably. FSC certification means forests are managed to protect ecosystems as well as the communities and workers who depend on them. Solid wood as well as wood composites like particle board can carry FSC certification.
Use Reclaimed or Recycled Wood Materials
Wood products made from reclaimed lumber or recycled scrap are an eco-friendly choice. Reclaimed wood from old barns, factories, or homes gives cabinets a unique rustic charm while reducing demand for virgin forest resources. Many companies also make particle board and MDF using post-industrial recycled wood content.
Choose Responsible Surface Materials
Carefully research any veneers, laminates, or thermofoils used to ensure they don’t contribute to deforestation. Opt for agricultural fiber-based options like bamboo or avoid tropical hardwood veneers harvested unsustainably. Recycled glass, concrete, or plastic surfaces can also be good alternatives to virgin materials.
Use Recycled Metal Hardware and Fixtures
Cabinet hardware like hinges, pulls, and tracks are often metal. Seek options made from recycled content or that are easily recyclable. Many companies focus specifically on eco-conscious hardware and fixtures made from recycled metals or plastic.
Consider Reusable, Recyclable, or Upcycled Cabinets
Rather than buying brand new cabinets, reusing salvaged cabinets from other buildings gives them extended life and avoids landfill waste. Some companies also make new cabinets from upcycled or discarded materials, like old scaffolding boards. If replacing later on, ensure your chosen cabinets can be recycled or donated rather than sent to landfills.
Low Emission Certifications to Look For
With the rising popularity of health-conscious building, a number of certification programs now indicate that products meet certain chemical emission standards. Here are some of the most common low-VOC labels to look for with cabinets:
GREENGUARD Certification
The GREENGUARD certification program sets strict limits on allowable VOC emissions. Products bearing the GREENGUARD Gold certification meet the most stringent criteria for low emissions. GREENGUARD certification is run by the UL Environment organization.
EPA TSCA Title VI Compliant
In the United States, cabinets labeled as compliant with EPA TSCA Title VI have passed formaldehyde emissions tests. However, compliance with this regulation alone does not guarantee formaldehyde-free products. Additional low-VOC certifications are recommended.
FloorScore Certification
The Resilient Floor Covering Institute’s FloorScore program also certifies products that have low VOC emissions, including cabinetry and furnishings. FloorScore has specific criteria for VOCs as well as for formaldehyde, phthalates, and other chemicals.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
As outlined earlier, FSC certification indicates responsible forestry practices. Solid or composite wood cabinets bearing the FSC label come from sustainably managed sources verified by this globally recognized organization.
Greenguard Gold, Indoor Advantage Gold
UL Environment’s most rigorous certification, Greenguard Gold and Indoor Advantage Gold certify products have passed some of the most stringent standards for chemical emissions and offgassing. Products with this certification are well-suited for use in sensitive indoor environments.
Top Brands of Healthy and Eco-Friendly Cabinets
If researching every material and certification seems overwhelming, start instead with cabinet brands that specialize in healthy, sustainable products made without harmful chemicals and emissions. Here are some top options to consider:
Plyboo
Plyboo makes stunning contemporary cabinets using FSC-certified bamboo plyboard. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable material grown without pesticides. Plyboo products are formaldehyde-free and use water-based finishes.
Neal’s Cabinets
This company handcrafts modern and traditional cabinets from FSC-certified woods with no formaldehyde or toxic glues. Their award-winning Essentials line is Greenguard Gold certified for low emissions. Many products use sustainably sourced veneers and recycled glass surfaces.
Fraedom Kitchens
Fraedom Kitchens offers completely custom cabinetry made from FSC certified woods with no urea formaldehyde. Their innovative modular cabinet system allows for ultimate flexibility and the ability to easily change layouts as needs evolve.
UrbanCore Cabinets
UrbanCore upcycles salvaged scaffolding planks, wood from old buildings, and surplus ICU hospital cabinetry into stunning kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Each is unique and keeps materials from ending up in landfills.
Kraftmaid Cabinetry
From modular stock cabinets to full custom designs, Kraftmaid’s Environments line includes GREENGUARD Gold certified options constructed from recycled and FSC certified wood materials using low-VOC finishes and adhesives.
Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry
This employee-owned company specializes in custom designs handcrafted from solid wood. Their Natural Living line uses FSC certified lumber with low-VOC finishes. BIFMA level and CARB Phase 2 certifications indicate compliance with emissions standards.
Key Takeaways on Selecting Health-Conscious Kitchen Cabinets
Choosing cabinets made with health and sustainability in mind requires carefully researching materials and manufacturing processes. Keep these key tips in mind as you select products for your kitchen:
- Always opt for formaldehyde-free products, ideally with third party certification such as FSC, Greenguard, or FloorScore.
- Look for durable solid wood or wood composites made with recycled/reclaimed content and non-toxic adhesives.
- Avoid PVC, phenol resins, flame retardants, and added antimicrobials.
- Check that any stains, paints, and finishes used are low- or zero-VOC. Water-based is best.
- Allow installed cabinets at least 3-4 weeks to off-gas before full use. Proper ventilation is a must.
- Choose FSC certified wood from responsibly managed sources whenever possible.
- Consider reusable, recyclable or recycled/upcycled cabinet materials.
- Research brands focused on healthy materials and processes to simplify selection.
The decisions you make about kitchen cabinet materials can have a real impact on your family’s health and the environment. Use this guide to help you select Health-Conscious Kitchen Cabinets aligned with your green values, while still achieving your desired style. With some diligent research and careful choices, you can feel confident that your dream kitchen puts people and the planet first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health-Conscious Kitchen Cabinets
What makes a kitchen cabinet “healthy”?
Healthy kitchen cabinets are made without harmful chemicals like added formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They use durable yet renewable materials sourced responsibly. Good air quality from low emissions and offgassing is a key indicator of healthy cabinets.
How much more do green or non-toxic cabinets cost?
Prices vary widely, but generally expect to pay 10-20% more for the healthiest cabinet options over standard cabinetry. Prioritizing areas visible to occupants for non-toxic materials can help balance cost. Considering the impacts on indoor air quality and sustainability, improved health and environment performance is worth the moderate price premium to many.
Can you paint existing cabinets to make them healthier?
Painting and refinishing existing cabinets with no- or low-VOC paints or sealers can help reduce offgassing of harmful compounds. However, the substrate materials like particleboard may still emit VOCs. Fully removing old finishes through sanding also creates a lot of dust. Replacing doors or boxes may be better options.
Are there pros and cons to choosing solid wood vs. composite wood cabinets?
Solid wood is considered healthier since it avoids adhesives with VOCs. However, solid wood is generally more expensive and can warp or expand/contract more than composites. As long as their adhesives and finishes are non-toxic, composites like particleboard and MDF offer durable performance at lower cost. Composite wood products can also utilize recycled content.
Can cabinets be too “green”? What’s the sweet spot?
The sweet spot differs for everyone based on needs and priorities. Some folks want every material scrutinized to optimize health and eco-impact. Others focus only on the most critical elements like avoiding formaldehyde. Often a good approach is having cabinet boxes and interiors meet very stringent standards, while being more flexible on hidden components. Set goals that align with your resources and values.
Which certifications indicate the highest quality healthy cabinets?
GREENGUARD Gold, FloorScore, and FSC 100% certifications offer the strongest assurance that cabinets minimize chemical emissions and use responsibly sourced woods. EPA TSCA Title VI Compliant and CARB Phase 2 Compliant are also good baseline low-VOC indicators to look for. Made in the USA from domestic sustainable woods is also favorable.
How can you reduce VOC exposure from new cabinets until fully offgassed?
First allow cabinets to offgas in ventilated warehouse/garage areas before installing inside. Then keep windows open and run ventilation fans during and after installation. Avoid full stocking and use until at least 3-4 weeks after install. Place items in cabinets loosely so air can circulate. Adding activated carbon air filters also aids with absorbing residual VOCs faster.
What are the best materials for countertops to pair with non-toxic cabinets?
Natural stone from environmentally responsible quarries is a great zero-VOC countertop pairing. Tile made from recycled glass, concrete, or porcelain is also good. If using wood, choose formaldehyde-free options like bamboo or FSC-certified butcher block. Solid surface materials from brands like Richlite that avoid petrochemicals and use sustainable paper sources are other options.
Where are the best places to buy non-toxic, sustainable kitchen cabinets?
Start your search online directly through cabinet brands focused on health and sustainability. Local cabinet makers specializing in environmentally preferable products are another option worth exploring. Some green building supply stores may carryGREENGUARD Gold certified cabinet lines as well. If working with kitchen designers, vet their experience specifying healthy cabinetry and materials.
Conclusion
There are many factors to evaluate when selecting kitchen cabinets, but choosing options that support human and environmental health should be foremost. Avoiding formaldehyde and VOCs, using responsibly sourced renewable or recycled materials, and verifying low emissions through certifications like FSC and GREENGUARD Gold are key to identifying Health-Conscious Kitchen Cabinets.
While weighing aesthetics, function, and cost, be sure to keep health impacts at the center of cabinet decisions. Investing a bit more for quality materials and transparency around manufacturing pays back exponentially in enhanced indoor air quality and reduced toxicity. By selecting cabinetry aligned with green building principles, your kitchen can help nurture rather than harm the wellbeing of both people and the planet.