Eco-Conscious Kitchen Hardware Finishes Comparison

By Danielle Roberts August 23, 2023 21 mins read 123 Views

Choosing eco-friendly cabinet materials is important for both the environment and your family's health. Look for finishes that are no- and low-VOC, which means they emit fewer toxins into the air.

Designer Stelmack also recommends using kirei board made from the stalks of sorghum plants, and bamboo cabinets with a water-based finish. Other renewable materials include reclaimed or salvaged wood.

Plywood

Plywood is one of the most important building products of the last century, a staple in home construction. It's also a favorite for DIYers, as it's inexpensive and versatile. It can look as nice as real wood and won't warp or shrink like solid lumber. It's available in many grades, from rough-surfaced construction-grade product used for sheathing to smoother products suitable for furniture and finish work.

Plywood consists of multiple strips of veneer that are cross-laminated. This creates sheets that are strong and durable, yet flexible. It's also much less susceptible to water damage than solid wood. It's also easy to work with, making it a top choice for furniture base material. It holds screws well, and the varying grain of the different layers provides an excellent surface for staining. Plywood does, however, contain urea-formaldehyde and other VOCs that can off-gas into your home, so it needs to be carefully sealed in areas that will be exposed to moisture.

The edges of plywood can be rough and splintery, so they need to be sanded or covered with iron-on edge banding. It's also not as easy to cut as MDF. For example, it's difficult to make fine-grained scroll saw and jigsaw cuts in plywood because the edges tend to chip off or splinter. It's also difficult to cut rounded corners in plywood because the layers can separate or shift.

In general, the quality of plywood is determined by the type and grade of veneers used to make it. Higher-quality veneers will produce a better-looking product. It's also important to choose the correct thickness for your project. Thicker sheets are more rigid and stronger, while thinner ones are more prone to warping or becoming brittle.

Some people think that plywood is less desirable than other engineered wood products because it can't be reassembled and disassembled as easily. But this isn't necessarily true. It's just a matter of choosing the right thickness for your project and using proper finishing techniques to ensure that it stays looking good for as long as possible. This can be especially important for large projects, such as kitchen cabinets.

Particleboard

Particleboard gets a bad rap for being flimsy and poorly constructed, but high-quality particleboard can be very strong when used in the right applications. This wood-based material is made by heat pressing small particles of wood waste with resin. It’s less expensive than plywood and can be finished in a variety of ways. However, it’s important to understand its pros and cons before using it in your kitchen cabinet hardware.

Plywood is thicker than particleboard and can handle screws, nails, and other fasteners well. It also stands up to water and humidity better than particleboard. In addition, it’s typically less expensive and can last longer than particleboard.

However, particleboard is durable and comes in a wide range of colors, styles, and finishes. It is also easy to cut and can be reshaped into many different shapes and sizes. This makes it ideal for DIYers and those looking to revamp their kitchen without spending a lot of money.

A downside of particleboard is that it can be prone to damage and scratching. It’s best to use protective surfaces like melamine and veneer when working with this material. Another issue is that it can chip when cut with a circular saw, especially if the surface is not properly prepared beforehand.

Luckily, particleboard can be easily repaired by replacing damaged pieces and refinishing the rest of the cabinetry to make it look new again. It’s also an affordable option if you’re considering replacing your cabinetry altogether, since the cost of particleboard is much lower than that of solid wood.

Particleboard can be bare or covered with decorative laminates or wood veneers for an improved look. It can also be made into other types of furniture, such as beadboard or wainscot paneling. These materials are available in a wide range of colors and can add texture to your kitchen. Some of these include cherry, which has close-grained color with reddish undertones, maple, which has a light to medium color with red and brown undertones, and alder, which is light brown in color with subtle and uniform grain.

Reclaimed or Salvaged Wood

Reclaimed wood is eye-catching, which makes it a popular choice among designers looking to make a statement in their kitchens. It’s also eco-friendly, as no new trees are needed to produce it. And it has a rich history that can give a room character that’s hard to replicate through commercial processes. This material is typically sourced from old warehouses, barns, factories and other structures that have been dismantled.

One drawback of reclaimed lumber is that it requires more care to clean and maintain than new materials. This includes sanding, skip-planing and brushing. It can also contain residual toxins from chemicals and paints used in previous projects. You can minimize these toxins by sourcing wood from a company that has extensive environmental credentials and a comprehensive quality program.

Another con of reclaimed wood is that it may not perform as well as new materials in hot or humid environments. If the wood isn’t kiln-dried, it can experience issues like warping and cupping. This can be mitigated by selecting a quality material from a trusted dealer that has a good reputation and offers kiln-dried products.

Reclaimed wood can also have mineral stains from nails and other hardware, as well as other signs of wear. These can be hard to remove and will require special cleaners. Additionally, color variations can occur between planks of reclaimed wood, but this can mellow out over time as it is exposed to the elements. It’s also important to choose a finish that will protect the wood from moisture and other stains. You can use a water-based product or opt for a semi-gloss varnish.

Water-Based Finishes

Water-based wood finishes clean up with soap and water, making them much less messy than oil-based ones. This makes them suitable for homes with children or pets. They also have fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than their oil-based counterparts, and are non-flammable and non-toxic. This makes them a healthier choice for the environment and for your body, as they do not affect your indoor air quality. They can be used on light coloured timbers without the yellowing that occurs with oils, and are more resilient than oils. These finishes range from coloured washes such as MUROBOND Woodwash and water based stains such as RUBIO MONOCOAT Precolor Easy, through to very resilient clear timber coatings such as MUROBOND Murothane and VOLVOX Floor Sealer. The newest water-based finishes are even more resilient than oil finishes, and some even have antifungal properties.

One of the most common water-based finishes is polycrylic, which comes in gloss or satin sheens. It can be used over both painted and natural wood, though it’s not recommended for dark woods. It dries completely clear, but some people report that it can take on a milky appearance if over-applied or insufficiently sanded.

Another option is polyurethane, which can have either an oil or a water base. It’s not as easy to apply as polycrylic, but it is still a popular choice among do-it-yourselfers. It dries to a hard, durable finish that protects wood from moderate use and from high temperatures. It is not as flexible as polycrylic, however, so it may not be the best choice for areas that get heavy traffic.

Both types of polyurethane are available in brush- or spray-friendly versions, which makes them relatively easy to apply. They won’t dry as quickly as lacquer, but they can be applied in two or three coats in a day, depending on the brand of product and your equipment. Neither is as durable as oil-based polyurethane, but they are more resistant to scratches than most other finishes. They’re also non-yellowing, which can be a benefit for some homeowners. They don’t have the same strong odor as oil-based products, and they are easy to clean up with a damp cloth or sponge.

Frequently Asked Questions

A white kitchen is a good idea given Vancouver's climate.

White kitchens are popular among homeowners in Vancouver because they brighten up the space and create a modern look. It's important to use natural elements like wood, as we don't have much sunlight in Metro Vancouver.

How to style a small, white kitchen?

A small white kitchen requires a lot of creativity. Natural materials like wood, stone, or glass are the best ways to create beautiful designs for small white kitchens. White kitchens need to be kept neat and organized.

Personal touches can be added to your space. This will make the kitchen feel more at home.

How to Reduce Kitchen Remodeling Costs

These tips can help you cut costs when you remodel your kitchen.

Do your research.

Before you start any kitchen remodeling project, you must do your research first. This will give you a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your kitchen remodel. Research will help you find cost-saving options.

Create your budget.

Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your kitchen remodel, the next step is to create a budget. This will help you decide how much money to spend on the job. To avoid overspending, it is essential that you adhere to your budget.

Look around for discounts and deals.

Look for bargains and savings when you shop for materials or appliances. This will save you money when remodeling your kitchen.

Find a reliable contractor.

It is important to find a contractor that you trust and who has a solid track record when remodeling your kitchen. A reputable contractor can provide you with quality workmanship at a reasonable price.

Do the job yourself.

You may consider doing the work yourself if you are handy around the house. This will help you save money on kitchen remodel costs and give you a sense of satisfaction knowing that you did the job yourself.

These tips will save you money on kitchen remodels.

Statistics

This is rather grim, but according to Business Insider, 12 percent of couples consider getting a divorce while renovating their home! (familyhandyman.com)
Your most significant cost investment for a kitchen remodel will usually be cabinets, typically comprising 25 percent of your budget. (hgtv.com)
Keep 10 to 25 percent of List 2, depending on the budget. (familyhandyman.com)
Experts also recommend setting aside 20 percent of your budget for surprises, including unpleasant demolition discoveries. One is water damage, the electricity that is not up to code, or other budget-spiking gotchas. (hgtv.com)
In large firms, the commission charged by the GC ranges from 15 to 25 percent of the total job cost. (thespruce.com)

External Links

How To

How to choose a kitchen remodelling contractor?

These tips will assist you in making a decision about a Kitchen Remodel contractor.

Ask around to find out what friends have to say about their experiences dealing with different contractors. This is a great opportunity to get honest feedback from those who are familiar with the contractors. Ask them about the work quality, professionalism, cleanliness, punctuality, etc. Ask them if they have had any issues with the contractor. How did they resolve the issues?
Get quotes from multiple companies. You should be prepared to describe your project in detail and to explain why you would like to hire another company. You can also tell them that you are looking for someone who is skilled in kitchen remodeling. You can also include details about the size of the room, the type of materials used, etc. Be sure to tell them exactly what kind of finish you want (i.e., countertops, cabinets, backsplash, flooring). Make sure to include any specific requests during the project. If you are looking for new appliances, this is a good example. Do you desire a particular style or type of cabinetry Are there any unique features, such as a wine refrigerator?
Ask the company about worker's and workers' compensation insurance. To check if the contractor is part of any trade organizations, go online. It is always a good idea to partner with a reputable company.
To discuss your project, schedule a meeting with the contractor. Ask about their experience and qualifications. Find out their approach to your project and the timeline they have in mind.
Ask for references from past clients. When hiring a contractor, don't just take his word for it; ask him for referrals. Call the people he recommends by going through his references. Ask them if you can speak with them about their positive experiences working for this contractor.
Look at reviews left by past customers on sites like Yelp, Angie's List, and Houzz. Many homeowners use these websites to leave reviews after completing projects. If you see positive reviews, it is likely that you will get a high-quality job.
Hire a kitchen designer to help you plan your kitchen remodel. A professional designer will know what looks best in your kitchen. He/she will also be familiar with the latest trends in kitchens.

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