What material should you choose for your bed if you want to protect both the environment and your health? With the bedding market flooded with low-quality, budget-friendly beds, many shoppers are turning back to wood—and not just any kind of wood, but solid wood.
Despite the rise of metal and plastic materials a few decades ago, timeless solid wood is making a strong comeback among consumers. Why is solid wood still a good choice? What are its environmental benefits? What risks do other materials pose? Here’s an overview of the advantages of solid wood beds.
Solid Wood Bed Frame and Bed: For a More Eco-Friendly Option
Our environmental impact on the planet stems from everything we create, transport, buy, and consume. Even the choice of a bed has an impact on the environment. Some products travel thousands of kilometers and pass through several countries before ending up in a bedroom.
Fortunately, solid wood significantly reduces a consumer’s carbon footprint. But be aware: several conditions must be met to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. First, the solid wood must come from a sustainably managed forest—that is, one that organizes logging in a responsible manner: the trees have time to grow and store their share of CO2. The best way to choose an eco-friendly bed is therefore to opt for a piece of furniture certified by the PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), a standard recognized in more than 50 countries. Another certification, the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) standard, also guarantees that the bed is made from sustainably sourced wood.
Next, you should choose a solid-wood bed made locally. What’s the point of opting for an eco-friendly material if it comes from a forest thousands of kilometers away? In 2018, the transportation sector alone was responsible for 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Freight transport accounts for 40% of these emissions, which is why it’s urgent to prioritize local wood species, such as beech, oak, or pine.
Wood: The Ideal Material for Building a Bed
Thanks to its characteristics, solid wood is the ideal material for crafting a high-end bed. Attractive, sturdy, and durable: these are its main qualities.
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Solid wood: an aesthetically pleasing material
Solid wood is the most refined and aesthetically pleasing material for building a bed, as it complements any type of interior. A wooden bed not only pairs well with other wooden furniture but also with other materials. Requiring a high level of craftsmanship, woodworking stands out for its natural, elegant, and rustic appeal.
Depending on the type of wood, the bed takes on a different color. What do beech and oak have in common? The warm, inviting atmosphere they both bring to the entire room. However, each type of wood has its own unique characteristics. That’s why it’s best not to mix different types of wood in the same room. Finally, a solid wood bed is unique, just as every tree is. The growth rings, marks, and patterns found on the wooden bed are found nowhere else but right there.
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Solid wood bed: sturdy and durable
Historically, wood has remained the material of choice for making beds and furniture in general. Durability is an essential quality for structures of all kinds. In this regard, solid wood proves to be the ideal solution due to its strength. However, the bed is probably the piece of furniture put through the most wear and tear. After all, we spend a third of our lives sleeping. It is therefore essential to choose a bed with a long lifespan. Most solid wood beds last for several decades and are passed down from generation to generation. Durability and craftsmanship thus make wooden beds both comfortable and long-lasting.
- How Can You Stop Your Solid Wood Bed from Squeaking? Two Tips for Fixing It
Of course, a solid wood bed isn’t all advantages. Over time, it may start to creak. This problem can occur with any type of bed—whether made of wood, metal, or another material. Usually, it’s simply a matter of loose fasteners, such as those on the headboard or footboard. In this case, all you need to do is check them and then tighten them.
Sometimes, the squeaking comes from the bed frame or even the box spring. This is caused by friction between the box spring slats and the bed frame, which eventually leads to wear and tear and then an unpleasant noise. Fixing this couldn’t be easier: simply lubricate the parts properly using talcum powder or beeswax, both of which work very well.
Laminated or solid wood—which is the best type of wood?
In the past, solid wood was the standard material used to make beds. However, it has gradually been replaced by melamine-faced wood. Yet melamine-faced wood poses several health risks.
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The Dangers of Melamine-Laminated Wood
In addition to the environmental benefits of locally sourced solid wood, it offers significant health advantages. After all, not all materials are recommended for use. Plastic, for example, emits numerous VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can contribute to respiratory diseases and certain cancers. What is less well known is that melamine-faced wood also poses the same risks.
Wood-based panels, such as plywood and particleboard, contain numerous polluting resins that bind the wood chips together. Among these is formaldehyde, classified by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) as one of the most dangerous carcinogens for humans. It also causes many other health issues, such as irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract. While certain certifications (such as the French Environmental Standard for Furniture, etc.) exist, it is best to avoid melamine-faced wood, which clearly poses a threat to the environment and human health.
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Solid wood is good for your health
In contrast, solid wood contains no melamine-faced or engineered wood. No synthetic or toxic substances are used in the bed’s construction. Adhesives and varnishes are not needed to bind any wood particles. Furthermore, a solid wood bed stands on its own: no paint or stain should be applied to it, as this would spoil the material’s natural beauty.
Eco-friendly manufacturers simply use natural, water-based finishes, which ensure that there are no VOCs or harmful emissions. Finally, solid wood has antistatic properties, which prevent dust from settling on it. It is therefore ideal for reducing allergies.
Buying a locally made solid wood bed is fully in line with the philosophy of consuming less but better. Durable, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing, the solid wood bed is likely to retain its reputation as a piece of furniture with a timeless look for many years to come.
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