Chris Matey
Andover Townsman

Here in Andover, we are seeing an increased interest in green home remodeling. Specifically, green kitchen remodeling is a growing area of interest. There are many ways to go green in your kitchen - floors, countertops, appliances, cabinets and finishes, including paints.

Let’s focus on green cabinetry. There are materials and finishes in a renovated kitchen that can cause air-quality issues. For example, inexpensive wood-based products offgass formaldehyde. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, formaldehyde can cause cancer or eye and upper respiratory irritation.

The good news is that there are eco-friendly alternatives. Many homeowners have at least heard of low or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) finishes. Products available with low or no VOCs include paints and wood.

The need for hypoallergenic building materials such as low or no-VOCs is on the rise for a number of reasons. Environmental allergies and chemical sensitivities are increasing, and there is a growing base of consumers who are demanding greener building materials. In addition, an increased awareness of possible health risks and overall air quality from traditional paints has led to a demand for products lower in VOCs.

Cabinets

If you are interested in formaldehyde-free kitchen cabinets there are several choices available to you. Stainless steel kitchen cabinets or any other metal cabinet are going free of toxic chemicals. But if you have your heart set on wood there are several green kitchen cabinet options available.

The most common material for green kitchen cabinets is bamboo. Bamboo is beautiful and also durable. It is a rapidly renewable resource. Bamboo can mature in less than half the time it takes hardwood trees to reach market size making it a popular choice for environmentalists.

When choosing a cabinet manufacturer who claims to have ‘green cabinets’ ask for certification. This will confirm that their products are formaldehyde free and created with no or low VOCs. Wheat board is the remnants of straw waste left over from wheat crops. The plant stems of the wheat are finely milled and bound with sustainable binders which are formaldehyde free. This is also a by-product of a sustainable resource that would otherwise be disposed of if not used in cabinetry. Wheat board exceeds the set standards for particle board in the U.S.

As you may already know, particle board is the base material used in most manufactured kitchen cabinets. For consumers with cabinets made of particle board, there are a couple of ways to limit the danger of further outgassing of VOCs in your kitchen. First, you could replace the existing cabinets with ‘green’ cabinets. A second option is to remove the face of the cabinets and purchase a no-VOC, water-based sealant to thoroughly cover them. If purchasing a sealant, completely cover every square inch of surface as well as all cracks.

Also, some type of plywood used by cabinet manufacturers are also free of VOCs. This varies by manufacturer so make sure you check on the specific cabinet you are considering.

Another green option is to use recycled wood. Older kitchen cabinets made from solid wood can be sanded, stained and refinished with a no or low-VOC finish. This is a good choice for those who aren’t able to afford green kitchen cabinets.

Paints

The increased awareness of possible health risks and overall air quality from traditional paints has led to a demand for products lower in VOCs. Manufacturers have risen to the challenge by developing high-quality, latex-based coatings and adhesives for a wide variety of uses.

In addition to “green” consumers, a growing number of expecting parents want no VOC paints.

Most major paint companies have a line of low and no-VOC paints. Note that not every latex-based coating is low in VOCs. Check the label before you buy. VOC levels are expressed in pounds per gallon (lbs/gal) or grams per liter (g/l). Interior paint is given a Green Seal if it has a VOC content less than 50 g/l (for flat sheen) or 150 g/l (non-flat sheen).

Starting your green renovation

There are many eco-friendly alternatives available for home remodeling needs. Do-it-yourself enthusiasts should be prepared to invest time in learning about green options, from poring over bamboo solutions to interviewing cabinet dealers to meet their specifications.

Hiring a renovator? Make sure the company you choose is knowledgeable and is able to easily answer all of your questions.

Also, make sure your contractor has a license. In addition, confirm coverage of liability insurance, worker’s compensation, and automobile insurance. Better yet, ask to see a certificate of insurance. This will show you that the contractor holds these three types of insurance is in good standing.

Make sure your renvovator provides a written warranty statement. You’ll want this, because if a contractor does not provide one, you may never see him again if something needs to be adjusted or repaired. Have a basic idea of what you want to accomplish. Lastly, find a renovator who offers design services that can take your ideas and dreams from concept to completed project.