Wood is a popular choice for making new furniture or building additions like decks for homes due to its durability and timeless appeal. However, over the last years, many people have begun to consider the structural disadvantages and maintenance costs associated with traditional wood. This is why alternatives to wood furniture have become quite popular for remodelling projects as well as home construction. One can find various options according to the needs and budget.
Bamboo
One of the top eco-friendly furniture picks is bamboo as an alternative to wood. It is quite a viable option for building furniture as well as construction materials. Traditionally, this material has been used for making scaffolding and ladders. Now, many homeowners have started using bamboo for making sustainable flooring. While it looks good aesthetically, it also helps to maintain the overall temperature of the house. Besides, many contractors have started to opt for bamboo for roofing as well. With bamboo having a faster harvest speed, it is more readily available than some of the slow-growing wood varieties. Also, it is quite flexible to work with, making it highly versatile for various purposes.
Hemp
When looking for durable furniture choices, hemp is a good choice to consider. It is a sustainable alternative to using wood, especially for those concerned about deforestation. It grows quite quickly and has always been used for manufacturing commercial products such as textiles, paper, clothing, and so on. Hemp can be combined with other materials to make composite products that can be great alternatives to wood in the construction of furniture.
Wood Composite
A popular furniture material requiring less upkeep is wood composite. These are made from wood elements that are combined using binders. With demand for alternatives to wood on the rise, there has been a surge in the wood composite industry. Most of these wood composites are made from wood waste materials, making them an eco-friendly and sustainable choice. They have the same strength as steel beams and joists. This means wood composites can be used to make furniture that can withstand everyday wear and tear while still standing strong.
Not just furniture, but deck flooring, benches, wood frames, and railing can also be made from composites as they are available across different grades, sizes, thickness, and strengths.
Wood Plastic
A useful synthetic furniture option is wood plastic. It is a type of plastic lumber that is made using recycled or virgin plastic. It is commonly used for making garden furniture. Besides, wood plastic has always been used in the construction of outdoor deck flooring as well as moldings and trims. The material is resistant to cracking and splitting if the furniture is assembled properly during the manufacturing process. Additionally, it is rot-resistant, making it useful in the construction of easy-care interior furniture. Another important benefit of this material is that it is completely recyclable, making it a good, sustainable choice for household furniture.
Cork
Cork is another wood alternative that is growing in popularity when it comes to material for household furniture. Since the cork oak tree is not felled during the harvest, cork as a material is also known to be more sustainable than wood. This is why, when looking for eco-friendly furniture options, the ones made from cork are a good option to consider. While the cork oak is the main source, some cork furniture is also made by combining with other materials like plastic and metal. Along with being sustainable, this material is versatile as well as durable. Also, it is known for its natural soundproofing and insulation properties, making it suitable for building furniture for the office as well as the home. From sofas to chairs, stools, tables, as well as shelves and storage solutions, there are many products that are made using cork.
Straw
For modern furniture replacements, the ones made of straws are slowly gaining popularity. While this furniture is not made exactly from straws, they have a similar appearance. The material used is customized particleboards made using fibers and straws from flax, wheat, or oat. The final product looks like layered fibres of wood.
From doors to indoor furniture, these straw particleboards can be used for a wide range of household constructions. Besides, this alternative material can considerably lower the percentage of global deforestation, making one choose a sustainable option. Many homeowners prefer this material for outdoor and patio furniture because it is lightweight and movable. From the aesthetic perspective, they give a rustic and natural look, which is often a preferred choice for outdoor furniture.
Metal
For years, doors made from metal have been a top choice among homeowners looking for alternatives to wooden doors. This has been mostly because metal doors are not prone to warping and rotting. Besides, they have high durability and resistance to natural elements. This is why metal has become a top choice also for furniture for those looking for alternatives to wood. Along with taking less effort for maintenance, metal furniture is also recyclable, making it a sustainable choice. From bed frames to chairs, tables, and storage solutions, there are several furniture options that can be made using metal.
