[Greenbuilding] FINISHES for MDF vs Particleboard vs Whatever

[Melissa Andron]

Alan, what are you (and others) using to finish/seal these wood countertops?
What have you had successes with?  Failures?  

 

I realize that a client's priorities dictate what we're able to use-a client
with chemical sensitivities may require a very different finish (or even
material) than a client who does not have this issue and prioritizes
longevity over all else.  There was a time in my life where the former was a
requirement for ME based on my health, but now, after many years, I'm in
much better health-and would be more likely to choose something that might
offgas a bit (and preferably allow it to do this in my garage/workshop for
some time!) but would last indefinitely (just as sustainable an option, in
my book, if it doesn't have to be replaced for a much longer time).  

 

Thanks!

 

Melissa (Andron) Walter, LEED AP, GreenAP, Allied Member ASID

realm design studio, inc.

sustainable interior design

919.649.2384

www.realmdesignstudio.com

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From: greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of Alan
Abrams
Sent: Monday, October 25, 2010 6:18 AM
To: JOHN SALMEN
Cc: Chris Koehn; Greenbuilding at bioenergylists.org
Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] MDF vs Particleboard vs Whatever

 

Nothing like wood for counters.  When I can sell it, we're using urban
harvest black walnut, which is as beautiful as it is stable (I have a walnut
vanity top with an undermount sink, made as an durability experiment.  after
four years of daily exposure to water, it is in great shape.  

We did a large portion of a kitchen with urban harvest mulberry--also dense,
fairly stable, and unexpectedly beautiful.  As I've mentioned before, there
are at least three sets of high grade white pine counters still in service
that I made in the early 80's--one of which housing a sink.

regrettably, I have ripped out countless proprietary (Bally or similar)
maple butcher block counters that were severely warped and delaminated.

Alan Abrams
Abrams Design Build LLC
A sustainable approach to beautiful space
 <mailto:alan at abramsdesignbuild.com> alan at abramsdesignbuild.com
 <http://www.abramsdesignbuild.com> www.abramsdesignbuild.com
202-726-5894 o
202-437-8583 c
202-291-0626 f

 

 

Butcher block is a good counter surface for dry areas that can be used well
and refinished as needed.

 

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