Using reclaimed wood is an eco-friendly way to create a dramatic, unique look. While this option definitely does add character and style, it’s actually not as easy on the environment as you may think. In fact, cabinet refinishing in Central Jersey is a much greener alternative. Here’s why.
Reclaiming Wood Contributes To Waste In Landfills
Using reclaimed wood for new cabinets means your old ones will need to be torn out and dumped in a landfill. However, when you refinish your existing cabinets, you renew and reuse what you already have and help limit waste.
Reclaiming Wood Uses More Energy Than Cabinet Refinishing
The process of tearing out cabinets and replacing them with reclaimed wood actually requires more fossil fuels than cabinet refinishing because reclaimed wood is typically custom milled before being built into cabinets. Once reclaimed wood is processed, it will also need to be shipped to various locations. Cabinet refinishing virtually eliminates the need for manufacturing or transportation, which lowers energy usage.
You Can’t Know The True Source Of Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood can come from various different locations—like barns, railroads, schools, commercial facilities, and more. This means that the source of the wood used is in question, and you can’t know for sure if toxic chemicals like lead paint are left behind on the old wood.
And even if reclaimed wood is free of dangerous toxics, companies often add adhesives, paint, or preservatives that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to enhance the finished product. VOCs generate smelly, toxic fuels that negatively impact indoor air quality and can damage the earth’s ozone layer.
Reclaimed Wood Doesn’t Always Last
When you don’t know the source of the wood, you can’t know for sure if it’s been exposed to excessive moisture that can cause problems like mold, mildew, and even respiratory issues in the future. And if not treated properly, reclaimed wood can also house termites and other pests that will then make their way into your home. Reclaimed wood is also more likely to curl in the middle or the ends—an issue that’s nearly impossible to fix.
Reclaiming Wood Costs More Than Cabinet Refinishing
Although reclaimed wood may seem like a more affordable option, it’s actually more expensive. Finding reclaimed wood can be a difficult task, and more of it will be needed to build new cabinets from scratch. Cabinet refinishing, on the other hand, simply requires paying for painting or staining and replacing cabinet doors in some cases. There’s truly no better option both for your budget and for the planet.
N-Hance Cabinet Refinishing Experts Can Help
If you decide to use reclaimed wood for your new kitchen cabinets, verify that it’s from a legitimate source by making sure the dealer or cabinet maker is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or the Rainforest Alliance.
If you prefer to refinish your cabinets rather than use reclaimed wood, N-Hance is here to help. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the environment through our partnership with American Forests—the oldest national conservation organization in the United States.
For every project we complete, we donate one tree to American Forests. We’re proud to lend a hand in restoring forests throughout the U.S., fighting climate change, preserving nature, and protecting wildlife in the process.
If you’re looking for a stylish, eco-friendly approach to cabinet refinishing, N-Hance has the answer. Contact N-Hance of Central Jersey today for your FREE estimate!