Today, many people pay closer attention to what they eat and the products they bring into their homes. The materials used in our living and working spaces are also worth considering, especially when we spend a significant amount of time indoors. Understanding what a building product is made of can help us make more informed choices.
Do you know what your furniture or other wood products are actually made of? A product that looks like wood is not necessarily made entirely from solid wood.
Many furniture and building products use engineered or composite wood materials such as plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard. These materials are made differently from solid wood and may include adhesives or resins as part of their construction. The exact composition varies by product and manufacturer, so the word "wood" alone does not always tell you the full story.
Formaldehyde is one of the substances often discussed in connection with certain composite wood products and indoor air quality. It can be released from some composite wood products, particularly those manufactured with certain resins and adhesives. At elevated exposure levels, formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. The National Cancer Institute notes that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a human carcinogen.[1]
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, formaldehyde is used in some of the resins and glues used to manufacture composite wood products such as hardwood plywood, particleboard, and MDF.[2] Emission levels can vary depending on the product, manufacturer, materials, and production method, which is why buyers concerned about indoor air quality may want to consider both material composition and the emissions standards a product meets.
Many wooden shed kits use OSB, plywood, or engineered siding in their construction. If solid-wood construction is important to you, don’t stop at the word "wood." Check what is actually used in the walls, roof, floor, and other main components.
A shed is much more than a place for storage. It can be a workshop, studio, office, hobby room, or simply an extra space to enjoy and spend time in. When a structure becomes part of how you live or work, understanding what it is made of matters even more.
California was one of the first states to set strict formaldehyde emission limits for composite wood products.[3] Similar federal requirements now apply across the U.S.[2]
When comparing shed kits, material specifications are worth reviewing alongside size, price, design, and assembly requirements.
At SolidBuild, we believe “wooden” should mean more than just looking like wood. Customers should be able to understand what their shed is made from. Our kits are made of solid wood, offering a more natural material choice and a clear alternative to shed systems that rely on engineered or composite wood products.
Sources
[1] National Cancer Institute — Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk (Cancer.gov)
[2] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products (US EPA)
[3] California Air Resources Board — ATCM to Reduce Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products (CARB)
