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BANG FOR THE BITE
If 10,000 Biters buy an end table made from reclaimed wood instead of virgin wood, we'll avert the CO2 created by 29 cars in a year.
COCKTAIL FACT
Towering almost 380 ft high, the world's tallest tree (nicknamed Hyperion) is located in Redwood National Park, CA.
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home › tip library › Wood Furniture
When it comes to furniture, are you a conformist?
The Bite
Then have fun at Ethan Allen. But if you want wood furniture that's a little more unique, look for artful pieces made from reclaimed (read: recycled) wood, you rebel-with-an-eco-cause, you.The Benefits
- Preserving endangered trees. 50% of the world's forests are gone. Reclaimed wood furniture avoids using virgin wood from threatened tree species such as mahogany.
- Less energy use. A lotta wood is shipped from thousands of miles away (example: some teak comes from 8,000 mi away in Phillipines). Our picks are from U.S. designers who typically source their wood locally.
- Good news for nonconformists. Reclaimed wood pieces are one-of-a-kind, so you're not gonna see these beauts anywhere but your own place.
Personally Speaking
Jen is hiring a local MT furniture maker to whip up a custom, reclaimed-wood coffee table. It's setting her back $450, but she figures it'd cost that much for a nice hardwood one anyway.Wanna Try?
- Yelp - search for local antique and consignment shops using this yellow pages-like directory.
- Alan Vogel Furniture - has studios in MT and WA state; specializes in rustic benches and tables.
- Mi-Workshop - CA designer with a playful, simple aesthetic.
- Moe Design Studio - NY designer who creates modern-ish pieces using reclaimed lumber.
- Staples Cabinet Makers - New England craftspeople who specialize in reclaimed-wood pieces.
- Sustainable Furniture Council - if you aren't in any of the above locales, check out this listing of eco-conscious furniture makers.
Feb 19,2008
Sponsor
My favorite piece of furniture is an old 50s-style wooden bar that belonged to my grandparents. It was originally made from not-so-sustainable cherry wood, but someone along the way painted it pea green (of all colors). The design made it cool enough to keep, but it was only after I accidentally nicked it that some paint chipped off to reveal the richly colored wood beneath. Well, I promptly got out some sand paper. Then some varnish remover (anyone tried a soy-based varnish remover, by the way? If so, please tell us about it in today's comments!).
Many hours later, I had a stunning piece of antique furniture in front of me.
Just something to think about if you end up browsing used furniture - there are a lot of beauts out there, waiting for you to scratch their surface.
-Jenifer Morgan...off to mix myself a drink on the bar...
Biter Comments...
PHOTO ALBUMS
Posted by: Stephanie R | February 19, 2008 at 06:48 AM