The wood panels feature different sustainability aspects such as the type of wood, sourcing style, manufacturing techniques, and durability. When wood paneling choices are being made, it is necessary to consider such aspects as the origin, the way of processing, the emissions, the durability, and the recycling options to make a proper green decision
Here’s an overview of the most common types of paneling used for the interior and a focus on sustainability factors.
Solid Wood Paneling: Solid hardwood or softwood lumber is normally used to make plywood. Sustainability is connected with the type and origin: forests from which the timber is being extracted are harvested following responsible practices. E.g., from wood FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) panels, which implies that wood is from forests in a sustainable way. Moreover, salvaging or recycling poles from old wood is a good choice and contributes to slowing down deforestation.
Engineered Wood Paneling: Through these means (plywood and OSB), wood fibers, strands, or veneers that are bonded together by adhesives can be made. Sustainability will, therefore, be influenced by the production process and mostly the materials used for wood panel wall. Formaldehyde emissions from low-formaldehyde adhesives are also to be considered. They may contribute to indoor air pollution, so go for products containing such adhesives. Other engineered wood products are from forest trees growing at a fast rate or from tree scraps, which can be more eco-friendly than solid wood products.
Bamboo Paneling: Bamboo is a swiftly growing hardwood plant, while hardwood trees are slow-growing at the seedling stage. Bamboo construction usually uses either bamboo laminates produced by cutting bamboo into laminates and gluing them together or solid bamboo stretchers made of bamboo. The effect of the bamboo plantation on the environment is also something to note, such as habitat destruction or the extensive water consumption by the plantation monocultures. Yes, it is, but in its sustained managed growth and harvest, bamboo has become the new nature-friendly eco-material that can replace old wood boards.
Cork Paneling: Cork material is derived from the bark of trees known as cork oaks, which create additional growth after being harvested. Cork panels offer superb insulation properties and protection from humidity and mold. Sustainable cork harvesting ensures the longevity of cork oak groves and contributes to the biodiversity where the trees grow. Besides, cork walls static can facilitate carbon sequestration because cork oak forests suck up CO2 in their development.
Wood Composite Paneling: Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard, which are wood composite materials, are bonded together from wood fibers or particles. The sustainability of these products lies in the wood used and the nature of the resins used. You will reduce the environmental impact by choosing products made from recycled wood fibers and residues from agricultural industries. Still, the VOC diversion in using adhesives in composite wood products is an issue of discussion.
Finally, the material form, added features such as durability and the end-of-life disposal of the wood paneling also determine sustainability. An appropriately maintained high-quality trellis can last up to a decade, thereby reducing the need for its replacement and minimizing waste. In addition, the use of non-toxic and environmentally friendly treatments and finishes underlines the sustainability of wood paneling.