Introduction
Kitchen cabinets play a huge role in any kitchen design. Not only do they provide essential storage and organization, but they also make up a large portion of the aesthetics and style of the space. With increasing awareness around potentially toxic materials used in many cabinet constructions, more and more homeowners are looking for non-toxic kitchen cabinet options for their remodels or new builds.
When searching for non-toxic kitchen cabinets, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the following topics:
What Makes Kitchen Cabinets Toxic
Some of the most common potentially toxic materials used in many stock kitchen cabinet constructions include:
- Particleboard/MDF: These wood byproducts are bound together with formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, to create the substrate of many cabinets. Formaldehyde off-gassing can occur over time.
- PVC/Vinyl: PVC is often used for cabinet veneers and edges. It can off-gas VOCs and contains phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors.
- Stains/Finishes: Many stains, paints, and clear coats contain VOCs and toxic ingredients like formaldehyde. Their fumes can linger in a kitchen.
- Glues: Adhesives used in cabinet construction may contain formaldehyde and VOCs. These can off-gas into the air over time.
Benefits of Non-Toxic Cabinets
Opting for non-toxic kitchen cabinets provides a number of benefits:
- Improved indoor air quality: Eliminating VOC off-gassing improves overall air quality.
- Reduced health risks: Toxic chemicals can be associated with increased cancer risk, reproductive issues, and other problems. Non-toxic cabinets avoid these concerns.
- Eco-friendly materials: Greener materials like wood, bamboo, recycled metal, and plant-based resins are much better for the environment than particleboard and PVC.
- Peace of mind: You can feel at ease knowing your family won’t be exposed to harmful substances in their own home.
What to Look for in Non-Toxic Cabinets
When evaluating kitchen cabinet options, keep an eye out for the following non-toxic and low-emission attributes:
Materials
- Solid wood: Opt for FSC-certified solid hardwoods like maple, cherry, and oak. Avoid particleboard and MDF.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is a renewable grass material and a green alternative to wood. Ensure it has a low-VOC CARB compliant finish.
- Recycled metal: Look for recycled steel or aluminum cabinets to reduce environmental impact.
- Glass: Glass cabinets are non-toxic and provide brilliant display.
- Plant-based resins: Bio-resins made from plants can replace plastics.
Finishes
Seeking out zero- or low-VOC stains, paints, and clear coats ensures cabinets don’t off-gas toxic fumes into your home. Natural plant-based finishes are ideal.
Hardware
Opt for metal hinges and handles that are nickel- or chrome-plated rather than featuring a plastic/PVC coating.
Certifications
- FSC: The Forest Stewardship Council label indicates sustainable forestry practices for solid wood.
- CARB Compliance: The CARB label means a product emits very low VOCs.
- Greenguard: The Greenguard certification denotes products with low chemical emissions.
Non-Toxic Cabinet Brands
Some excellent cabinet brands offering non-toxic kitchen cabinet lines include:
- Canyon Creek Cabinet Company: American-made cabinets featuring solid maple boxes with zero-VOC finishes.
- Neil Kelly Cabinets: Custom cabinets available with formaldehyde-free plywood construction. Low/no-VOC stains.
- Poggenpohl: Luxury European brand with urea-formaldehyde-free cabinetry coated in ecological stains.
- IKEA: Many IKEA cabinet boxes are CARB-compliant with low-VOC paint options.
- Campion: Canadian company producing solid wood and bamboo cabinets with water-based finishes.
- Plain and Fancy: Custom Amish-built cabinets available in solid maple with non-toxic glazes.
Tips for a Non-Toxic Kitchen
A few other tips for maximizing the non-toxic quality of your kitchen include:
- Choose greener countertop materials like recycled quartz, granite, or concrete.
- Select natural linoleum or hardwood flooring instead of vinyl.
- Use LED lights which don’t emit UV rays or heat.
- Ensure appliances are ENERGY STAR certified and don’t leak gas emissions.
- Install an air purifier to actively filter out chemical contaminants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are non-toxic cabinets more expensive?
They can be, but not always. Well-made solid wood cabinets tend to cost more than cheap particleboard options regardless of being non-toxic. There are affordable non-toxic lines from brands like IKEA that won’t break the bank.
Do Greenguard or CARB labels guarantee no formaldehyde?
Not exactly – they limit formaldehyde emissions to low levels, but don’t necessarily mean zero is present. Solid wood cabinets are inherently formaldehyde-free.
Can you refinish existing cabinets to be non-toxic?
Yes, you can strip or sand existing cabinets and apply a new zero- or low-VOC stain, paint, or clear coat to greatly reduce their toxicity.
Should I avoid laminate cabinets?
Laminate cabinets can contain melamine resins with some formaldehyde. Seek out greener laminate made with phenol resins or plant-based options if you like the look.
Are frameless cabinets less toxic than face-frame?
Frameless cabinets use less wood and formaldehyde-containing materials, so they may be slightly better. But you can find non-toxic options for either style.
Conclusion
Creating a non-toxic kitchen with greener cabinets is an important consideration for any health-conscious homeowner. By avoiding conventional particleboard and opting for solid wood or sustainable materials with zero- or low-VOC finishes, you can feel confident that your family’s health and safety is being protected. Be sure to vet brands thoroughly and look for certifications like FSC, Greenguard, and CARB compliance. Combining non-toxic cabinets with other green kitchen materials and appliances results in a beautifully designed, eco-friendly space your whole family can thrive in.