Shiraz Kahn

Wood is a versatile natural product that adds a warm, personal touch to any home that cannot be beat. Remember, however, to ensure the wood you buy comes from sustainable forestry.

What is sustainable wood?

Sustainable wood is wood that has been obtained from sustainable forests. This means that for each tree that is cut down and used to make everything from toilet paper to dining room tables, another one is planted in its place. This ensures that the world’s forests do not disappear but continue to be enjoyed and utilized for generations to come. In addition to the many uses of wood and the pleasure forests give us in terms of recreation, trees are also essential in order to maintain the delicate balance of the eco-system, removing harmful greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, and helping combat erosion, among other things.

How do I know the wood I’m buying is sustainable?

Wood is a key material in the furniture industry, and the industry has made great progress in recent years in using sustainable wood in the pieces they produce, from tables to window shutters. All sustainable wooden furniture is certified via at least one of two global independent labeling schemes.

First, check to see if the furniture you are intending to buy is FSC-certified. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization that works toward environmentally and socially responsible logging. All FSC forests are properly managed, with new trees planted to replace all those felled, thus ensuring that the world’s forests are not depleted. Furthermore, FSC certification is also an assurance that the social and economic well-being of forest workers and local communities has also been respected.

You could also check for PEFC-certification. The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC) is a similar labeling scheme that assures the timber you are purchasing comes from sustainable forests.

In addition, it’s worth remembering that European-sourced wood is generally more sustainable than that logged elsewhere on the planet. This is because the EU has much stricter standards that in other parts of the world where endangered tropical and exotic woods, such as Brazilian mahogany, are still being logged.

What is reclaimed wood?

Reclaimed wooden furniture is another option. Reclaimed or recycled wood is timber reclaimed from its original use and transformed into beautiful and practical objects with new purposes. For example, old planks salvaged from a shipyard can add a raw yet contemporary look when used in home furnishings. Enjoy the warmth and authenticity of rustic reclaimed pine in your dining room or living space, perhaps stained in a variety of different shades.

How can I ensure good quality?

Generally, FSC-certified wooden furniture is of a high quality. The certification implies good workmanship as well as satisfactory working conditions. Check too, however, how the piece has been constructed and joined together, and whether it is sturdy and hardwearing.

How do I take care of my wooden furniture?

With proper care, wooden furniture can last for years. Remember to oil or varnish wooden surfaces and keep them away from both direct sunlight and excessive humidity.
Wooden furniture adds something to a home that other materials fail to capture: the warmth and beauty of a natural, living material. Reclaimed wood brings its layers of history to a space, while sustainable wood is bright and fresh. Buy responsibly and enjoy its benefits for decades to come.