Solid Wood Vs Manufactured Wood: What's the Difference?

Have you ever wondered what the difference between solid wood and manufactured wood is? Manufactured wood, commonly referred to as MDF is made through the process of heating, gluing, and compressing wood chips and sawdust together to create a wood-like composite.

Why Do We Avoid Using  Manufactured Wood at World Interiors?

• Manufactured wood contains formaldehyde; a known carcinogen. Anybody like putting more holes in the ozone?
• Manufactured wood contains high volumes of toxic VOCs (volatile organic chemicals). These chemicals off-gas greatly during and for several months after production. Who likes toxins in their home? I know I don't.
• Manufactured wood cannot be recycled. Because of this, unwanted MDF gets sent to the landfill, often getting incinerated. Remember how I told you that this stuff contains VOCs and formaldehyde? All of that gets released into the environment when MDF gets incinerated.

So, manufactured wood is bad....But, what makes solid wood better?

Solid wood is essential to both the construction of our furniture and our company's core values. Why, because solid wood comes straight from nature. Why change something that's naturally so beautiful?

• No need to superheat wood chips, so no off-gassing needed
• Solid wood is recyclable. Tired of your finish? Sand it down and re-finish it. Table broken? Cut down the top and make some shelves. Nothing goes to waste. Nothing gets incinerated at some landfill.
• Deforestation is a major concern in the timber industry. Entire forests are cut down, just to make a buck. We're a bit more conscientious and source all our wood from sustainable sources, such as plantations or tree farms.

Summary

All in all, manufactured wood has some bad materials in it. Formaldehyde and toxic VOCs off-gas, not only during production, but for several months after that. It can't be recycled, either, so any MDF that isn't wanted gets sent straight to the landfill.

Solid wood, on the other hand, only contains materials from the tree. It doesn't off-gas, and it's recyclable. We take extra care to only source wood from sustainable sources, because nobody likes deforestation.

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