RE: [GBlist] "Green" kitchen cabs

[JohnSalmen <terrain@shaw.ca>]

It is interesting you mention the metal components. There was a period where
they were used extensively in NA. Youngstown produced a large line of
cabinets in the 40's,50's, don't know if they are still around as a company
but there certainly are still a lot of their cabinets in place.

I would argue that there are some advantages in terms of usage and
environmental benefit. The powdercoat finishes are more benign and more
durable, especially in application (some powdercoating is being done on wood
components but its now widespread). The units are more impact resistant and
less likely to suffer moisture damage. Ultimately there is a greater
potential for re-use of the original object to its original purpose and then
finally the metal itself is 100% recyclable. Not a bad application for a
thin material used to make a box.

Conventional sheetgood cabinet units tend to be quite shortlived. Part of
the problem is that the finishes tend to become fractured and quite porous
over time and impact and the sheet materials typically don't do well with
moisture - conventional sheetgoods are not really an appropriate material
when you consider the number of amendments required to make them perform eg.
waterproofing addititives adhesives, etc. As far as recycling there is not
good technology to deal with mixed material (sheetgood and coatings)so the
life of these objects is pretty minimal, ultimately ending up in the lower
end of the waste wood stream.

You might want to contact Viking metals for a quotation, there are other
companies still out there as there is a large market in commercial metal
cabinetry still.

As for countertop materials you might want to consider roll linoleum (thick
commercial grade) which I've used similar to laminates. Another option is
wood laminate (butcherblock type thing) which is comparable in cost to some
laminates and offers good durability and re-use.

John Salmen
TERRAIN E.D.S.




-----Original Message-----
From: Barbara Linn [mailto:barblinn@uswest.net]
Sent: January 28, 2002 7:20 PM
To: greenbuilding@crest.org
Subject: [GBlist] "Green" kitchen cabs


I have been looking for the best material or cabinet system for a low
income housing project.  We would like it to be as sustainable as
possible, but need to be very mindful of the first costs.  We are
currently thinking of wheatboard boxes sealed w/ a low V.O.C. finish on
all sides.

We are also considering a metal system, popular in Europe.

Anyone have any successes they are willing to share?
I am also looking for countertop ideas besides plastic laminate.

I am concerned about the reuse or recycling after the life of the
material.

Thanks,

Barbara



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