Whenever we can reuse a product instead of producing a new one from raw materials--even if those raw materials are recycled--we save on resource use and energy. Many salvaged materials used in buildings (bricks, millwork, framing lumber, plumbing fixtures, and period hardware) are sold on a local or regional basis by salvage yards. It can be challenging to ensure that salvaged material can meet performance requirements, so it’s common to see this material used decoratively (when doing so, watch out for hazards like lead paint).
Also included in this category are products made from reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood is usually salvaged from buildings slated for demolition, abandoned railroad trestles, and “sinker logs” that sank decades ago during river-based log drives. It can also be obtained from trees that have been recently harvested from urban or suburban areas (such as disease-killed trees). Reclaimed wood is often available in species, coloration, and wood quality that is no longer available in newly harvested timber. In some cases, reclaimed wood suppliers have only limited quantities with matching coloration or weathering patterns; ample lead time and accurate materials estimates can help ensure the availability of the desired wood. Lowering the uniformity standards for finished wood can also increase the potential for use of reclaimed wood. As with other resources, the supply of reclaimed wood is limited. High demand for some kinds of reclaimed wood can lead to unique concerns, such as the premature demolition of historic barns and other buildings, or "sinker log" reclamation practices that are illegal or compromise river bottoms. The Rainforest Alliance's SmartWood program is available for reclaimed wood as well as for FSC wood, although few salvage operations are currently certified. In the absence of certification, take a close look at company protocols to ensure that reclaimed wood is appropriately sourced.
Reclaimed-Wood Products
Centre Mills Antique Floors salvages, remills, and sells several species and types of wood products, many hand-hewn. Species include chestnut, oak, white pine, and fir. Centre Mills uses the old gristmill, built in 1841, in Centre Mills, Pennsylvania as their storage facility.
GreenSpec lists wood flooring that is made of FSC-certified wood, reclaimed wood, or suppressed wood.
The availability of domestic hardwood from third-party FSC-certified forests makes flooring a great application for certified wood. Some companies listed here sell both certified and noncertified wood products, or products that have been certified according to different, less stringent environmental standards.To make certain that you get environmentally responsible wood products, be sure to specify FSC-certified wood.
The availability of reclaimed-wood flooring may vary by region. White pine, longleaf yellow pine, cypress, oak, walnut, and chestnut reclaimed-wood flooring may be available from Eastern and Midwestern suppliers. Western suppliers commonly stock Douglas fir. Plan your needs with plenty of lead time, as availability and pricing fluctuate widely.
Suppressed wood comes from trees growing in the understory of mature forests—usually where forestry practices have prevented fires, so natural thinning and succession hasn't occurred. It is now generally recognized that overly dense forests increase fire hazard and leave trees vulnerable to insect infestation and disease. These small, slow-growing trees were once regarded as waste, suitable only for fuel and firewood. Attributes of these trees include close grain, fine texture, and small tight knots. This can provide a raw material for joinery, flooring, and panels.
GreenSpec lists heavy timber that is made of FSC-certified wood or reclaimed wood.
Some companies listed here may sell both FSC-certified and noncertified products or carry other types of certification that don't qualify for GreenSpec. To ensure the use of environmentally responsible wood products, be sure to specify FSC-certified wood when buying from these companies.
Pressures on timber supply are especially acute for high-visibility, solid-wood products like window sash and molding, which have traditionally been produced from old-growth trees. GreenSpec lists millwork that is made of FSC-certified wood, reclaimed wood, fiberboard, or agricultural fiber such as straw.
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) molding made from post-industrial wood wastes is an excellent substitute for paint-grade moldings. The consistent quality and economical price of MDF moldings is broadening its market share. Some MDF is available with a non-formaldehyde binder.
With similar qualities to wood particleboard and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), straw particleboard is made from the stems left over after harvesting the cereal grains, such as wheat, oats, and rice. This is a substitute for paint-grade moldings, offering consistent quality and economy, though it is somewhat rougher and more porous than MDF and does not mill as smoothly. Straw particleboard is made using a non-formaldehyde PMDI binder.
Be aware that reclaimed wood may contain lead paint; testing is recommended if lead paint residue is suspected.
Some companies listed here may sell both FSC-certified and noncertified products or carry other types of certification that don't qualify for GreenSpec. To ensure the use of environmentally responsible wood products, be sure to specify FSC-certified wood when contacting these companies.
GreenSpec lists wood paneling that is made of FSC-certified wood.
Some companies listed here may sell both FSC-certified and noncertified products or carry other types of certification that don't qualify for GreenSpec. To ensure the use of environmentally responsible wood products, be sure to specify FSC-certified wood when buying from these companies.
GreenSpec lists products here from FSC-certified or reclaimed-wood sources.
GreenSpec lists wood siding that is made of FSC-certified wood or reclaimed wood, or that provides enhanced durability without the environmental concerns of typical wood preservatives.
Reclaimed-wood siding, though not commonly available, is environmentally attractive. It is generally milled from large timbers recovered from old buildings and other structures—not from wood that previously served as siding. Due to slower growth and straighter grain, in quality, stability, and durability reclaimed siding is often superior to new siding. However, the finite supply of reclaimed wood resources suggests that the material may be more suited to higher-visibility uses, such as furniture, interior trim, and flooring.
Some companies listed here sell both FSC-certified and noncertified wood products, or products that have been certified according to different, less stringent environmental standards. To make certain that you get environmentally responsible wood products, be sure to specify FSC-certified wood.
Countertops and other horizontal surfaces have to be able to withstand water, cleaning chemicals, abrasion, and other abuse. There is no perfect surface for every application and aesthetic sensibility, but whichever type of surface you choose, you can find products with raw materials, binders, and adhesives to minimize environmental impact.
High-pressure laminates (HPLs)—with Formica being the best-known brand—are inexpensive and are made from kraft paper and melamine (MF) or phenol formaldehyde (PF) binders crosslinked together into a thin thermoset plastic. The HPL is then adhered to particleboard or MDF panels. According to manufacturers, the formaldehyde in the MF and PF resins is transformed by the manufacturing process into an inert material, resulting in extremely low emissions from the final product. Products listed by GreenSpec contain FSC-certified content and meet CDPH Standard Method emissions requirements. No-added formaldehyde, biobased laminates are also listed.
Composite surfaces are also made from paper or wood fibers and PF or MF binders. They are available in different thicknesses and are not laminated to wood cores. There may not be as much paper or wood fiber in these products as you might assume, with resins sometimes comprising 50% of the final product by weight, but some contain biobased resins. Products listed by GreenSpec contain 100% post-consumer recycled or FSC-certified content.
Glass composites use pre- and post-consumer recycled glass and/or porcelain along with a portland cement-based binder. Some glass composites contain biobased resins, but avoid those that use epoxy, which contains the endocrine disruptor bisphenol-A.
Solid surface materials are made from either acrylic or polyester resins and conform to ANSI-approved performance standards. Non-porous and homogenous, they can be sanded and repaired if damaged and can be installed without seams. GreenSpec lists products that contain post-consumer recycled content and meet CDPH Standard Method emissions requirements.
There are plenty of wood and rapidly renewable surface products available. GreenSpec lists those made from reclaimed wood; FSC-certified wood; and rapidly renewable bamboo, wheat, sorghum, or hemp.
GreenSpec does not currently list natural stone countertops, pending review of new life-cycle assessment data produced by the industry.
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