Wood furniture brands often form an essential part of many people's home décor.
But it can lead to stress and worry about style, safety, and environmental impact.
Pine wood furniture is popular thanks to its beautiful grain detail and versatility. However, have you ever asked yourself, "is pine wood furniture toxic?".
You're not alone. It's easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of information regarding the toxicity and sustainability of different materials.
But fear not. We've got you covered.
Read on, and we'll dive in and answer the burning questions so you can make the best decision when looking for sustainably made furniture that fits your style and eco needs.
Contents
Pine wood is a type of softwood that comes from, you guessed it, pine trees.
The most common pine wood species used are Southern Yellow Pine, Ponderosa, and Sugar Pine.
Pine is a popular choice for furniture for numerous reasons, including:
It's not all plain sailing, though. Pine does have its disadvantages, such as:
The short answer is no because the pine wood used in the furniture is not naturally toxic. However, it's not quite that simple, unfortunately.
Pine contains some natural oils that can irritate the skin for some people, but these amounts are far too small to be considered toxic.
When obtained from reputable sources (such as FSC-certified forests), pine wood is also an environmentally friendly option as it's a sustainable material that can be replenished.
The problem arises from the fact that most pine wood furniture contains a lot more than just pine.
Most pine wood furniture on the market today is made from MDF (medium-density fibreboard) or plywood with a thin pine wood veneer.
These materials are often made with formaldehyde and other toxic glues, so choosing wisely is essential when buying pine wood furniture.
Of course, pine furniture isn't the only culprit.
It's important to remember that any type of furniture can be considered toxic if it contains harmful chemicals that can off-gas into your home.
So, what can you do to reduce the risk?
Look for items clearly labeled with respected, trusted, and well-known certifications that give you peace of mind that your furniture is as non-toxic as possible.
Some of the best to keep an eye out for include:
Materials such as natural wood, cork, and bamboo are less likely to contain toxic substances than synthetic materials like vinyl or foam.
Additionally, natural materials tend to be more durable and longer-lasting.
Opt for nontoxic wood furniture constructed using natural, non-toxic adhesives such as gum arabic, beeswax, or flaxseed oil.
If your budget can stretch that far, always try to go for furniture made from solid wood.
Solid wood furniture is healthier furniture. It's usually significantly less toxic than composite wood (such as MDF), which is smaller bits of wood stuck together.
Open the windows and doors for a few hours after bringing new furniture into your home to help reduce the off-gassing of potentially hazardous substances.
You can take this one step further by using a natural air purifier to remove potential toxins from the air.
We have Briiv units scattered around the Miller household that work away in the background, purifying our air with the power of plants (moss, to be precise!).
Houseplants are not only gorgeous to look at, but they can also help improve air quality and mitigate some of the ill effects of toxic furniture.
Some of the best include spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies.
Choose upholstery textiles from natural fibers and sustainable fabrics such as natural wool, organic cotton, and jute.
These are often more breathable than synthetic fibers and can help to reduce the risk of off-gassing from your furniture.
Look for furniture finished with water-based stains, or natural waxes.
Try to avoid oil-based finishes, which can contain potentially harmful chemicals.
Heat-treated wood is exposed to high temperatures to reduce its moisture content, altering its properties and making it less susceptible to decay and rot.
Chemically-treated wood is treated with a preservative chemical, such as borate or copper azole, to protect it from damage caused by fungi, insects, and other organisms. Chemical flame retardants are sometimes also used.
Both methods are beneficial in extending the service life of lumber and can be used alone or in combination with one another.
There are two main differences between the two methods:
Buying second-hand furniture can be a great way to save money and help the environment, but it's essential to ensure that the furniture you're buying is non-toxic.
There are a few simple steps you can take:
By following these steps, you can find non-toxic second-hand furniture that will last for years without exposing you and your family to potentially hazardous chemicals.
Oak is a hardwood, and pine is a softwood. Softwood usually off-gasses more VOCs than hardwood.
Therefore I would say that pine is more toxic. However, both kinds of wood, in their natural form, can be used to make non-toxic furniture.
No. The softwood of pine tends to absorb moisture more readily than hardwoods, making it prone to warping, cracking, and rotting over time in extreme weather conditions.
Additionally, pine may need to be treated regularly with a sealant or varnish to help protect it from the elements.
Cedar is naturally more resistant to moisture and rot than pine, making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture as it can withstand the elements better over time. Also, cedar has a pleasant aroma that some people find very appealing.
Yes - solid pine wood with a zero-VOC stain or paint is an excellent choice for non-toxic children's furniture, and it's perfectly safe for kids' bedrooms or nurseries.
Wood is an excellent choice of material for a sustainable quiet bed frame.
I answer this in greater detail in my Metal Vs. Wooden Bed Frame: Which Is Right For You? article.
Particle board, or chipboard, is an engineered wood product made of wood dust and resin. It's often used in furniture and other products as an inexpensive alternative to solid wood.
So, while pine itself is not a toxic material, numerous factors can make your furniture toxic.
Do your research and look for certifications to help you navigate your way to the non-toxic piece of furniture of your dreams.
If you have doubts about the safety of your furniture, consult a professional who specializes in wood treatment or contact the manufacturer with specific queries.
Do you always buy solid wood furniture? Or are you happy with small amounts of MDF in your home? Do you love pine? Or is hardwood more your thing? Drop me a line and let me know.
