Green Home

18 Best Sustainable Furniture Brands For Your Home in 2023

Learn about the sustainable furniture brands we recommend you check out in 2023!

Sustainable Furniture Featured

Sustainable and eco-friendly furniture brands offer an ethical alternative to fast furniture, helping cut down on household furniture waste and reduce the amount of toxic substances and unsustainable materials that enter into our homes.

In recent years, fast furniture has led to furniture waste rising above 12 million tons. Like fast fashion, fast furniture is a significant risk to our planet, but by buying sustainable furniture you can do your bit to help save the environment.

Below, we’ve listed 18 ethical furniture brands that use socially and environmentally sustainable practices and high-quality manufacturing methods, which enables them to create furniture that is good for the environment and can last for decades.

We’ve chosen these eco friendly furniture companies because they use sustainably-sourced materials and fair hiring practices, so they’re not just good for the environment, but also for people. In addition to responsibly sourced and recycled materials, many use low-VOC finishes, use ethical production practices, and are fair trade. When you purchase from one of these brands, you are not only improving your home decor, but you are also helping the planet and helping others earn a fair wage.

Quick Picks: The 5 Best Sustainable Furniture Brands We Recommend

Here’s a rundown of our top sustainable furniture brands. Click to view their website or scroll down to read detailed overviews of each one.


1. Burrow – Best Sustainable Furniture Company for Modular Seating

Budget: $$$
Features: US-based, Sustainably-Sourced Wood, Non-Toxic Fabrics, Recycled Packaging

Burrow Nomad Fabric Sectional Sofa
Burrow Nomad Sectional Sofa (image by burrow.com)

Burrow, a USA-based furniture company, started with their collection of eco-friendly modular seating but has now expanded to include shelves and tables. Their contemporary and light designs look great in any home – this is sustainable style at its best.

By producing their pieces locally, and shipping direct-to-consumer, Burrow reduces both shipping costs and pollution. Their furniture uses sustainably-sourced hardwood, non-toxic fabrics, and recyclable packaging materials to keep their footprint low. With a focus on durability and build quality, Border designs eco-friendly pieces that will last for generations.

Range: Burrow’s eco-friendly furniture includes accent tables, armchairs, leather seating, loveseats, ottomans, sectionals, side tables, shelves, sleepers, sofas.
Out top picks: Burrow is known for the Nomad seating collection – comfy, customizable sofas that are sustainably made (see image above). Choose from five fabric colors, six leg finishes, and three arm styles. Available as a 2-seater, 3-seater, all the way up to an 8-seater. Optional extras include moveable chaise, ottoman, sleep kit, and bolster pillows.
Financing: Yes


2. Mater – Environmentally-Friendly Scandi Furniture

Budget: $$$$
Features: FSC-certified wood, recycled and upcycled materials

Mater Lounge Furniture
Furniture by Mater (image by materdesign.com)

Mater is a Copenhagen-based ethical furniture company that produces a wide range of sustainable furniture products, including seating, tables, outdoor furniture, and bar furniture, from eco friendly materials.

Their use of ethical materials and responsible production practices makes them an easy recommendation, especially when you take into account their stunning designs and focus on great craftsmanship and durability – these pieces will last you a lifetime.

The majority of their eco-friendly collection is ethically made using FSC-certified wood (Forest Stewardship Council), and they frequently use locally sourced recycled and upcycled waste materials – including car parts! – in their designs.

Range: Barstools, bowl tables, dining chairs & tables, lounge chairs, lounge tables, rockers, outdoor furniture, sofas.
Out top picks: We love Mater’s range of bowl tables as well as this stunning rocker.
Financing: Yes


3. The Citizenry – Handmade Products From Around The World

Budget: $$$$
Features: Ethical furniture, fair wages, fair trade practices, 10% of proceeds go back into communities

The Citizenry Tara Rattan Lounge Chair
Tara Rattan Lounge Chairs by The Citizenry (image by the-citizenry.com)

The Citizenry focuses on and celebrates the people behind its items. This sustainable furniture brand brings together eco-friendly handmade products from a wide range of artists & designers from around the world, including Chile, Vietnam, Japan, and Portugal, and provides them for sale in small batches of limited edition pieces.

The Citizenry is committed to fair trade, fair wages, and supporting good working environments. They only work with furniture manufacturers and artisan communities that create ethically made furniture. Additionally, The Citizenry invests 10% of its proceeds back into these communities.

Range: Chairs, coffee tables, headboards, nightstands, ottomans, poufs, stools.
Out top picks: Our top pick has to be the Lindu Cane Lounge Chair (pictured above), which has been handcrafted in a fair trade workshop in Indonesia from natural manau rattan and cane.
Financing: No


4. PlushBeds – Sustainable Beds, Mattresses, & Bedding

Budget: $$$
Features: Certified organic materials, renewable wood, Rainforest Alliance Certification, GreenGuard Certified & more

PlushBeds Scoresby Designer Bed
Scoresby Bed by PlushBeds (image by plushbeds.com)

PlushBeds is an eco-friendly mattress company that sells its own range of sustainable beds, mattresses, toppers, and bedding. The company uses certified organic materials and has an impressive range of certifications that include Rainforest Alliance Certification, GOTS, GOLS, and GreenGuard Certified (among others). They use renewable wood, are a Green America Certified Business and a member of the Sustainable Furnishing Council.

This brand’s eco-conscious outlook extends beyond its sustainable furniture: PlushBeds also offer green scholarships for students undertaking eco-degrees such as biodiversity, ecology, forestry, environmental law, and many others.

Range: Beds, bedding, organic mattresses, toppers.
Out top picks: Pictured is the Scoresby Designer Bed, available in four sizes (Full, Queen, King, and Cal King), and five colors (charcoal, desert, oat, spruce, and stone).
Financing: Yes


5. Copeland Furniture – American-Made Sustainable Furniture

Budget: $$$$
Features: US-based, Sustainable-harvested American hardwoods, Safe Award for Environmental Excellence, Greenguard certified (low emission) varnishes

Copeland Furniture Astrid Bed
Astrid Bed by Copeland Furniture (image by copelandfurniture.com)

Founded in the early 1970s in Vermont, Copeland Furniture has grown from a one-man operation to an international supplier of high-quality eco-friendly furniture, including beds, dining tables & chairs, office furniture, and dressers. Still based in Vermont, Copeland Furniture uses sustainably-harvested hardwoods from the American Northern Forest to create its range of sustainable furniture.

Copeland Furniture is a recipient of Silver Exemplary Membership Status by the Sustainable Furnishing Council (SFC), a recipient of the Safe Award for Environmental Excellence, and uses varnish that is Greenguard-Certified for low chemical emissions. Copeland Furniture also has a 500kw solar array to help power their factory, enabling them to offset nearly one million pounds of CO2 emissions each year.

Range: Bar furniture, beds, bed frames, benches, bookcases, computer desks, desks, dining chairs, dining room tables,  coffee tables, dressers, kids furniture, office storage, platform beds, seating, side & end tables, stools.
Out top picks: The Astrid bed (pictured above) will look great as part of your home decor. This handmade, hand-finished bed is available in 11 different kinds of woods and in Queen, King, and Cal-King sizes.
Financing: Yes


6. Saatva – Low-Waste Sustainable Mattresses & Beds

Budget: $$$$
Features: Organic and natural materials, members of Sustainable Furnishings Council, former winner of Sustainability Product of the Year

Saatva Minori Bed Frame
Minori Bed Frame by Saatva (image by saatva.com)

Saatva is a sustainable mattress and bed manufacturer. Their materials include organic cotton, recycled steel, plant-based flame retardants and CertiPUR-US certified eco-friendly memory foam. Saatva further reduces its carbon footprint by operating a direct-to-consumer model, which cuts down on shipping and increases the sustainability of their products.

Saatva are members of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and in 2018 their mattress was named Sustainability Product of the Year by the Business Intelligence Group.

Range: Beds, bed frames, mattresses
Out top picks: The Lineal Adjustable Base enables you to elevate your head and feet using a remote control and enjoy a massage from your own bed.
Financing: Yes


7. Skagerak – Danish Eco-Friendly Furniture Company

Budget: $$$$
Features: FSC-certified wood, fair pay, member of the UN Global Compact Act, certified b corp.

Skagerak Virkelyst 3-Seater Sofa
Virkelyst 3-seater by Skagerak (image by skagerak.com)

Founded in 1976 in Denmark, Skagerak produces beautiful sustainable furniture for a global audience. It is a member of the UN Global Compact Act and B Corp, and is FSC-certified. Currently, 71% of their wood comes from FSC-certified forests, and they are working towards 100% sustainably sourced wood furniture.

With a global supply chain, Skagerak takes its commitment to its workers seriously, aiming to produce sustainable furniture that is fair to both the planet and humans. It is committed to the principles of fair pay, no discrimination, no child labor, and decent working hours for its employees and only works with partners who do the same.

Skagerak is available at Finnish Design Shop – the world’s largest store for Nordic-designed furniture and furnishing (ships globally).

Range: Armchairs, bar stools, benches, cabinets, deck chairs, desks, outdoor furniture, side tables, sofas, stools, tables, wood furniture.
Out top picks: The Virkelyst 3-seater sofa (pictured above) has been designed for outdoor use without sacrificing the comfort and quality you’d expect from indoor furniture.
Financing: Yes


8. Simbly – Contemporary Minimalist Furniture

Budget: $$$
Features: US-based, FSC-certified wood, eco-friendly packaging

Simbly Coffee Table
Simbly Coffee Table (image by simbly.com)

Made in the USA, Simbly creates beautiful tables and benches using responsibly harvested FSC-certified wood. They create their contemporary minimalist furniture using Appleply, a premium hardwood plywood that is strong, durable, and beautiful. By both harvesting their wood and manufacturing in the USA, they cut down on shipping and reduce their carbon footprint.

Simbly’s aim is to become the first climate-positive furniture company in the world. In addition to using FSC-certified wood, they also use eco-friendly packaging, ship flat-pack to reduce emissions (more product per truck), and promise to plant a tree for every product a customer buys. Simbly is also a member of 1% for the Planet, which means they donate 1% of their revenue to environmental causes.

Other benefits of shopping at Simbly include free shipping and returns and a 100-day return option.

Range: Simbly offer a bench, coffee table, dining tables, and desk/kitchen table in their signature contemporary design.
Out top picks: With similar styles across their four products, pick whichever is best for your situation. We like the Simbly Dining Table in Walnut, which would make a great focal point for your dining room.
Financing: Yes


9. Nikari – Eco-Conscious Finnish Craftsmanship

Budget: $$$$
Features: Responsibly-sourced wood, hydro-powered factory, recycle packaging, certified natural finishes

Nikari December Lounge Chair
December Lounge Chair by Nikari (image by nikari.fi)

Nikari’s simple and beautiful sustainable furniture products are created using traditional Finnish craftsmanship from their workshop in south-west Finland. They use responsibly-sourced wood, power their workshop and offices with hydropower, and deliver using recyclable packing. They treat their sustainable wood with certified natural oil mixtures, soaps, and waxes.

Like many Nordic furniture brands, Nikari is available at Finnish Design Shop – the world’s largest store for Nordic-designed furniture and furnishing (ships globally).

Range: Bar chairs, bar stools, benches, cabinets, lounge chairs, ottomans, tables, space dividers.
Out top picks: The December lounge chair’s (pictured above) simple and natural styling would look good as part of your home decor. Made in Finland and available in Ask or Oak with a linen or leather seat.
Financing: Yes


10. Masaya & Co. – Plants 100 Trees For Every Product Sold

Budget: $$$$
Features: Eco-friendly furniture made from renewable hardwoods, plant 100 trees for every product sold.

Masaya & Co Chontales Dining Chair San Geronimo Pattern
Chontales Dining Chair by Masaya & Co. (image by masayacompany.com)

Masaya & Co is a socially and environmentally sustainable furniture store. Their eco-friendly furniture is handmade in Nicaragua using renewable hardwoods grown on their reforestation project, which manages over 1100 acres of trees using sustainable methods. Each time you buy a product from Masaya & Co, they plant 100 trees; this year, Masaya & Co expects to plant 250,000 trees as part of this project.

Masaya & Co. is available at Made Trade. Made Trade is a curated online store for sustainable and ethical furniture and home decor.

Range: This sustainable furniture brand’s range includes armchairs, barstools, beds, bed frames, benches, bookshelves, credenzas, desks, dining chairs, dressers, lounge chairs, love seats, nightstands, ottomans, rocking chairs, side tables, sofas, stools.
Out top picks: Masaya’s range of pieces includes many eye-catching patterns, but we particularly like the Geronimo pattern (seen above on a teak dining chair). The same pattern (and many others) are available on a rocking chair, lounge chair, ottoman, and even on the headboard for Masaya’s Monimbo bed.
Financing: Yes


11. VivaTerra – Large Range of Globally-Sourced Furniture

Budget: $$$
Features: Recycled & reclaimed materials, FSC-certified wood, supports global artisan craftsmen

Vivaterra Iron and Reclaimed Wood Nesting Tables
Nesting Tables by Vivaterra (image by vivaterra.com)

VivaTerra sells a large range of eco-friendly decor items, including furniture. This furniture and home decor company sources its items from artisans and family-owned businesses around the world, supporting creators and their communities who use sustainable methods to create beautiful items.

Most of their pieces are handcrafted, made with reclaimed or recycled materials, made using natural products, and using responsibly-sourced wood (either FSC-certified or reclaimed wood).

Range: Accent tables, armchairs, benches, chairs, coat racks, consoles, cupboards, desks, dining chairs, dining tables, drawers, dressers, nesting tables, lounge chairs, ottomans,  outdoor furniture, side tables, sofas, storage boxes, wine racks.
Out top picks: Vivaterra’s Iron and Reclaimed Wood Nesting Tables (Set of 3, shown above) with naturally distressed reclaimed wood look incredible and will make a versatile addition to your living room.
Financing: No


12. Greenington – Beautiful Eco-Friendly Solid Bamboo Furniture

Budget: $$$
Features: Sustainable bamboo furniture, sustainable materials, fair living wage

Greenington Azara Dining Table
Azara Dining Table by Greenington (image by greenington.com)

Greenington creates beautiful sustainable furniture products from molded Mosu Bamboo, a material that is sustainable, eco-friendly, and easy to grow. The natural materials are grown in China, where the products are manufactured, and Greenington is committed to paying all its workers and artisans in China a fair living wage.

Greenington is available at Made Trade. Made Trade is a curated online store for sustainable and ethical furniture and home goods.

Range: Accent tables, beds, bed frames, bookshelves, chairs, coffee tables, dining chairs, dining tables, drawers, dressers, end tables, media centers, nightstands, sideboard, stools.
Out top picks: Check out the Greenington Azara Dining Table.
Financing: Yes


13. Medley – Handcrafted in California

Budget: $$$
Features: US-based, FSC-certified hardwoods, organic materials, no harsh chemicals, eco-friendly furniture

Medley Rio Sofa
Rio Sofa by Medley (image by medleyhome.com)

Family-owned and founded in Los Angeles, Medley Furniture (aka Medley Home) is handcrafted in California using American hardwood from FSC-certified hardwoods. Medley doesn’t stop at wood when choosing sustainable materials: their foam is created using either natural latex foam (certified organic by The Global Organic Latex Standard), or, if you choose synthetic, the cleanest polyester foam available on the market (certified by CertiPUR-US).

Other natural materials used include eco friendly fabrics, such as sustainably-sourced Eco Wool (Oeko-Tex 100 Certified) and organic cotton (certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard). They also offer a 100-day trial, and they don’t use harsh chemicals on their products, making them great for the planet and your home or working environment.

Range: Accent chairs, accent tables, armchairs, benches, beds, bed frames, credenza, dressers, dining chairs, nightstands, ottomans, sectionals, side tables, sleeper sofas, sofa beds, sofas, stools, and many other furniture pieces.
Out top picks: The Rio Sofa (pictured above) is a popular choice, but our favorite piece is the Burr Accent Chair. We like this stunning wood chair best in Solid American Walnut paired with a darker fabric.
Financing: Yes


14. Thuma – One Product Superstar

Budget: $$$
Features: Reclaimed wood, recycled packaging

Thuma Bed Charcoal
‘The Bed’ in Charcoal by Thuma (image by thuma.co)

Thuma sells just one product – ‘The Bed’ – but what a product! Thuma’s beds are made from responsibly sourced rubberwood from rubber tree plantations close to their factories. This reclaimed wood has reached the end of its useful life (it has finished producing rubber) and is given a new purpose when it is upcycled and repurposed into a bed.

In addition to using reclaimed wood for their products, Thuma also use packaging made from recycled cardboard boxes, and they have partnered with One Tree Planted so that each bed sold means another tree planted.

Range:The Bed‘ available in Twin, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King sizes.
Out top picks: There’s only one product to choose from!
Financing: Yes


15. Floyd – US-made Sustainable Furniture

Budget: $$$
Features: US-based, sustainable furniture

Floyd Bed
The Bed Frame by Floyd (image by floydhome.com)

Floyd is reducing waste by creating eco-friendly furniture pieces that last for decades and reducing transportation emissions by manufacturing their products in the USA.

This eco friendly furniture brand has five sustainability goals they are aiming to hit by 2025, including a resale and refurbishment program, to extend the life of their furniture products, using 100% FSC-certified wood, and 70% of materials coming from recycled or renewable sources. Floyd haven’t hit all those targets yet, but they’re moving in the right direction – although the if off-gassing is a concern for you, be warned they use plywood which is stuck together with a flue that includes formaldehyde.

Range:  Bed, bed frames, mattresses, sofas, sectionals, tables, side tables, coffee table, standing desk, modular table, shelving, media console, outdoor chairs, outdoor tables, outdoor benches, rugs, dining tables.
Financing: Yes


16. Kaiyo – Second-Hand Superstars

Budget: $$
Features: Second-hand & pre-loved furniture, one tree planted for every order

Kaiyo Couch
Pre-owned Couch by Kaiyo (image by kaiyo.com)

Unlike many of the other sustainable furniture brands we’ve mentioned, Kaiyo is an online marketplace for second-hand designer furniture. By offering pre-owned products, Kaiyo have kept more than 2,201,390lbs of furniture out of landfill, and provided many sustainably-minded customers the opportunity to get high-quality pieces for a lower cost.

Kaiyo buys furniture from sellers, picks it up, cleans it, photographs it, then sells it on their website before delivering the furniture with their own delivery teams. This means buyers deal with Kaiyo, and not with individual sellers. And because Kaiyo offers second-hand pieces, it provides more affordable sustainable furniture options for consumers (let’s face it, some sustainable options are pretty expensive)

Range: Sofas, loveseats, chaises, sofa beds, bed frames, dining chairs, recliners, ottomans, dressers, wardrobes, armoires, ottomans, media units, dinner tables, dining tables, end tables, coffee tables, office desks, lamps, mirrors, rugs, and more!
Out top picks: Every furniture piece is unique!
Financing: No


17. Sabai – Sustainable Sofas made in North Carolina

Budget: $$$
Features: US-based, FSC-certified woods, recycled & upcycled fabrics, plastic-free shipping, local materials

Sabai Loveseat
The Essential Loveseat by Sabai (image by sabai.design)

Sabai create eco-friendly sofas, sectionals, loveseats and ottomans. They are fully committed to sustainability, using FSC-certified wood, Certipur-US certified foam, and recycled and upcycled natural fabrics. Additionally, their pieces are created ethically in North Carolina with 90% of materials sourced locally and do not include fire retardants or toxic materials.

They allow owners who want to replace their Sabai to trade their existing models in, and then refurbish and sell these pieces online secondhand. Additionally, they offer repairs and replacement components so that their pieces can keep being used for longer and stay out of landfill.

Range: Sofas, sectionals, loveseats, ottomans
Out top picks: We’re partial to the Essential Sectional with a recycled velvet fabric.
Financing: No


18. West Elm – Wide Range of Fair Trade & Sustainable Furniture

Budget: $$-$$$
Features: US-based, FSC-certified woods, recycled plastics, organic cotton, certified non-toxic, environmentally friendly materials (note: some ranges are less eco-friendly)

West Elm Anton Dining Table
Anton Dining Table by West Elm (image by westelm.com)

West Elm designs their large range of products from their Brooklyn studios, many of which use sustainably sourced materials, including FSC-certified wood (52% of wood furniture), upcycled and recycled materials, and organic cotton. Although their full-range is not yet eco-friendly, West Elm were the first furniture retailer to join Fair Trade USA and have invested $200M into artisan communities and local craftsman.

West Elm state they have saved 66 million plastic bottles from landfill ( the recycled water bottles are turned into polyester fabric) and saved 2.3 billion liters of water (in 2019 alone) by using organic cotton. Many of their pieces are also certified nontoxic by OEKO-TEX.

Range: Full range of furniture for your dining room, living room, bedroom, and office
Out top picks: The best-selling handcrafted Harmony Sofa is a popular choice.
Financing: Yes


Editorial Team

Editorial Team

Green Home

8+ Sustainable Construction Materials For a Greener Future

Learn how these sustainable materials are helping the construction industry become greener.

Sustainable Construction

Sustainable construction materials are a critical factor in reducing the amount of waste and pollution we create. A recent report by the United Nations found that the construction industry accounts for 38% of energy-related C02 emissions. By switching to sustainable building materials that release less carbon, we can save significant amounts of pollution.

What Are Sustainable Materials?

Sustainable materials are made from renewable raw resources, produce little waste during production, can be recycled, and help create an efficient home. Other important factors include the lifespan and durability of the material and shipping distance; imported products have lower sustainability due to pollution created during transportation.

There is no one set definition or award that states a building material is sustainable, and in many cases, you may need to weigh up contrasting factors. For example, if a material creates pollution when it is manufactured but then saves significant energy during its lifetime and can then be recycled, is it sustainable? Examples of sustainable materials include rammed earth, straw bales, bamboo, slate roof tiles, and wool insulation.

Below, we’ve provided an overview of sustainable options for construction, roofing, flooring, insulation, and more.

Sustainable Building Materials for Eco-Friendly Homes

Sustainable building materials such as rammed earth, straw bales, structural insulation panels (or SIPS), and mass timber enable home builders to create an energy-efficient home from eco-friendly materials that are durable, renewable, and can be recyclable or biodegradable once they reach the end of their useful life.

Below, we’ve looked at eight materials you might want to consider when planning the construction of your home. This section just concerns materials used for the walls of your home – there are separate sections below for insulation, roofing, and flooring.

Rammed Earth

Rammed earth construction is a traditional form of construction that involves filling a framework with earth and/or aggregates such as sand, gravel, and clay, and then ‘ramming’ them down with a wooden pole or pneumatic ram before moving the framework. Some modern rammed earth structures add 5-10% cement to increase stability.

Rammed earth construction is very eco-friendly: the materials it uses are plentiful and they can be reused if the structure is demolished. While its distinct appearance is popular with some, it isn’t for everyone. Rammed earth does not insulate well, so outer walls require additional insulation, and there are some concerns over the long-term durability of structures made using this method.

Straw Bales

Straw bale construction is a sustainable building technique that produces thick, airtight walls with a high thermal mass for a low cost. Straw bale buildings stay cool in summer, retain heat in winter, and are at no greater risk of fire than other types of building. Straw bales are easy to work with and can be carved using a chainsaw, allowing the creation of curved walls and other pleasing designs.

Straw bales are extremely eco-friendly – they use an easily obtainable waste product that will biodegrade if the building is demolished. However, straw bale construction does have a few downsides: the thickness of the walls restricts the available square-footage of the building and they must be protected from damp both during and after construction. Excess moisture leads to rotting and expansion, which can allow mold to infiltrate the walls.

Bricks

Clay bricks are durable, recyclable, and made from an abundant material. As a construction material, bricks are strong, low maintenance, and a good insulator for both heat and noise. They can also be used in a wide variety of styles and are fire-resistant.

Bricks are sometimes described as an eco-friendly construction material, but this depends on how the clay is baked (many kilns use natural gas to heat them) and whether the mining of the clay is good or bad for the environment. Recycled bricks are a good option for an eco-conscious builder, or there are some companies that produce green bricks from recycled products and/or using eco-friendly baking processes.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing and sustainable grass that can be used to create construction materials. It is strong, durable, and abundant, and is commonly used in both Asia and the Americas, although the wetter, colder climate in Europe make it less suitable for use there.

Bamboo is considered highly eco-friendly. Not only can it absorb a lot of greenhouse gases, but compared to trees it can grow back incredibly quickly, and can often be harvested every few years (annually for some types). In comparison, a hardwood planation might only be harvested once every 50 years.

Structural Insulation Panels (SIPS)

SIPs, or Structural Insulation Panels, are pre-built storey-high insulated panels made from two sheets of either oriented strand boards (OSB) or cement particle board (CPB) with a layer of insulation between them. They enable builders to maximize room space, build quickly, and create a highly efficient, highly insulated building.

SIPs are considered an eco-conscious choice because they can be used to create highly-insulated homes which improve energy conservation and reduce energy bills. Additionally, the manufacturing process used to create them is nearly waste-free as they are made to size for each project. This does, however, mean that the design of the home must be locked-in before production begins.

Mass Timber

Mass timber is a general term for a range of building materials created from engineered wood. Multiple layers or pieces of wood are stuck together to create load-bearing panels, columns, or beams that can be used instead of steel or concrete. The most common type of mass timber is CLT, or cross-laminated timber, but there are many other types including laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glue-laminated beams (glulam).

Mass timber has plenty of benefits as a building material. It can compete with steel and concrete in terms of strength, is quick and easy to build with, and is considerably better for the environment. Where steel and concrete production adds C02 to the atmosphere, mass timber actually reduces it. All that wood sucks up carbon and keeps it there for the lifetime of the building. There has been considerable interest in mass timber, and successful projects such as the 18-storey Mjøstårnet have received considerable press-time.

Recycled Shipping Containers

Recycled shipping contains can be upcycled into a modular building material that can be used to create anything from single rooms to large buildings. They are tough, stackable, quick to build with, and affordable, and can make a great alternative to traditional building materials like concrete.

Bark Siding

Bark, typically discarded as a waste product, is a sustainable cladding solution. It looks great, has a low impact, and requires no chemicals to create. It is also durable and requires no maintenance. The main downside of bark siding is that it isn’t the cheapest solution, something that holds it back from widespread use.

Avatar photo

James Evans

James is a copywriter based in the UK. He writes on sustainability, finance, tech, and anything else that interests him. He likes tea.

Green Home

14 Stunning Sustainable Tables For Your Home in 2023

Discover 14 exceptional sustainable tables for use in your home

Sustainable Tables Featured

These 14 sustainable tables are a great eco-friendly choice for furnishing your home. By using sustainably-sourced, recycled, or reclaimed wood, natural finishes, and eco-friendly manufacturing techniques, these sustainable furniture brands create high-quality tables that look great, are good for the environment, and will last for decades.

In this collection of 14 tables we’ve chosen the best products our favorite sustainable table brands have to offer.

Quick Picks

Short for time? Below are our five favorite tables:

or click below to skip to a specific section:

Sustainable Dining Tables

These 5 options are the best dining tables we’ve found for eco-conscious buyers:

Accent Dining Table by Mater

This stylish dining table is made from FSC-certified oak and is available with a matt white lacquered finish or a Sirka grey stain. With a diameter of 43” (110cm), this table seats four people comfortably.

Mater Accent Sustainable Dining Table
Accent Dining Table by Mater (image by materdesign.com)

The Accent Dining Table pairs perfectly with Mater’s Shell Dining Chair, which is made from Forest Stewardship Council certified oak and leather. In addition to this wood dining table, Mater’s Accent range also includes a cafe table, side table, and oval lounge table in the same style, all made from sustainably sourced solid wood.

Mater is a Copenhagen-based ethical furniture company who use ethical materials and methods and great craftsmanship to create pieces that last. In addition to tables, their range includes seating, outdoor furniture, and bar furniture.

Mater is available on 2modern.com, a leading retailer of modern furniture and home accessories. Click below to see prices:


Entwine Round Dining Table by Copeland Furniture

This stunning eco-friendly table will make the perfect focal point for your dining room. Manufactured in the US, it has an american black walnut hardwood base and a tempered glass top, making it the perfect focal point for your room.

Copeland Furniture Entwine Dining Table
Entwine by Copeland Furniture (image by copelandfurniture.com)

This dining room table is available in three sizes (48”, 54”, and 60”), even the smallest should comfortably seat five or six people, with the largest seating up to eight. The combination of US-made (cuts down shipping) and sustainable wood may make this the best dining table option available.

Based in Vermont, Copeland Furniture uses sustainably-harvested American hardwoods to create their furniture. They have been awarded Silver Exemplary Membership Status by the Sustainable Furnishing Council (SFC) and the Safe Award for Environmental Excellence. In addition to solid wood tables, their range includes bar furniture, benches, bookcases, dressers, beds, and seating.

Copeland Furniture is available on 2modern.com, a leading retailer of modern furniture and home accessories. Click below to see prices:

Check Price

Xiloa Dining Table by Masaya & Co

The Xiloa is handcrafted by local artisans in Nicaragua from sustainably harvested Royal Mahogany, Rosita Walnut, or Teak. This beautiful handmade rustic dining table seats eight and has a water-based, low VOC poly finish. Pairs great with the matching Xiloa Dining Chairs or the Xiloa Dining Bench.

MadeTrade Masaya & Co Xiloa Dining Table
Xiloa Dining Table by Masaya & Co (image by masayacompany.com)

Masaya & Co. grew out of a reforestation project which sustainably manages more than 1000 acres of trees. Masaya & Co. plants 100 trees every time a customer buys one of their dining room tables (or another piece of furniture), and as part of this scheme expects to plant 250,000 trees this year.

Masaya & Co. is available at MadeTrade.com – a curated online store for sustainable and ethical goods. Click below to check prices:

Check Price

Simbly Dining Table by Simbly

We love the clean lines of the minimalist Simbly Dining Table. Made in North Carolina from FSC-certified Appleply, a premium hardwood plywood, this sustainable dining table is easy to assemble (or disassemble for storage) and made with non-toxic adhesives and finishes that are free from formaldehyde. Pair with the Simbly bench or dining chairs of your choice.

Simbly Dining Table Walnut
Simbly Dining Table by Simbly (image by simbly.com)

Simbly use sustainably harvested wood, eco-friendly packaging, and ship their products as flat packs to reduce emissions. They are a member of 1% for the Planet and have pledged to donate at least 1% equivalent of revenue to eco causes. They also plant one tree for every product sold.

Click below to see prices at Simbly.com:

Check Price

Sustainable Coffee Tables

Add the finishing touch to your living room with these eco-friendly coffee tables:

Bowl Table by Mater

These stunning Bowl Tables from Mater combine Indian craftsmanship with Scandinavian style and design. These coffee tables are made from sustainably harvested mango wood with steel legs and finished with a lead-free, water-based PU lacquer.

Mater Bowl Table 3
Bowl Table by Mater (image by materdesign.com)

Available in four finishes (black, grey, natural & nori green) and four sizes ranging from 15.7” diameter (small) to 29.5” diameter (extra large), these tables will look great either as a set or as a standalone piece.

Mater is a Copenhagen-based ethical furniture company who use ethical materials and methods and great craftsmanship to create pieces that last. In addition to tables, their range includes seating, outdoor furniture, and bar furniture.

Mater is available on 2modern.com, a leading retailer of modern furniture and home accessories.

Check Price

Catalina Side Table by Copeland Furniture

Made from solid American black walnut hardwood and with a natural, Greenguard-certified finish, the Catalina’s clean lines are reminiscent of Mid-Century Modern designs and will look good in almost any living room.

Catalina Side Table in Oak
Catalina by Copeland Furniture (image by copelandfurniture.com)

This round table is just one part of the Catalina range, which also includes a nightstand, dressers, desk, and more. Their range of ethically made sustainable furniture is made from eco friendly materials and is a great purchase for any home.

Based in Vermont, Copeland furniture uses sustainably-harvested American hardwoods to create their furniture. They have been awarded Silver Exemplary Membership Status by the Sustainable Furnishing Council (SFC) and the Safe Award for Environmental Excellence.

In addition to tables, their range includes bar furniture, benches, bookcases, dressers, beds, and seating.

Copeland Furniture is available on 2modern.com, a leading retailer of modern furniture and home accessories.

Check Price

Serif Coffee Table by Burrow

Best known for their range of modular seating, Burrow are now branching out into other areas. One of their new products is the Serif, a beautiful coffee table design in the Danish Modernism style.

Burrow Serif Coffee Table
Serif Coffee Table by Burrow (image by burrow.com)

Made from sustainably-sourced ash from local forests, these Burrow coffee tables offer both style and substance and are easy to make with tool-free assembly and a flat pack.

Founded in the USA, Burrow ships direct-to-consumer to cut down on shipping. They use sustainably-sourced hardwood, non-toxic fabrics, and recyclable packaging materials. The Burrow range also includes armchairs, sectionals, sofas, shelves, ottomans, and sleepers.

Check Price

Gavilana Coffee Table by Masaya & Co

The Gavilana Coffee Table by Masaya & Co. is handmade from sustainably-sourced Rosita Walnut by skilled craftsmen in Nicaragua.

Masaya & Co Gavilana Coffee Table
Gavilana by Masaya & Co (image by masayacompany.com)

Each piece is unique, vividly displaying the character of the wood it is made from. Measuring 48” wide, 30” deep, and with a height of 16.5”, this is a great choice for a statement coffee table.

Masaya & Co. grew out of a reforestation project which sustainably manages more than 1000 acres of trees. Masaya & Co. plants 100 trees every time a customer makes a purchase, and as part of this scheme expects to plant 250,000 trees this year.

Masaya & Co. is available at MadeTrade.com – a curated online store for sustainable and ethical goods.

Check Price

Wood Stump Coffee Table by ABC Carpet & Home

This Wood Stump Coffee Table brings a chunk of Mexican sustainably-sourced wood straight into your home. Aged using heat to enhance its natural color and grain, this table has minimalist legs that ensure the focus remains on the stunning solid wood table top. Measures 28” diameter, 16” high.

ABC Carpet & Home Aged Wood Stump Coffee Table
Wood Stump Table by ACC Carpet & Home (image by abchome.com)

ABC Carpet & Home is a family business that delivers high-quality eco-friendly products. A ‘Top Scorer’ on the 2019 Furniture Scorecard (an initiative run by the Sustainable Furnishing Council and National Wildlife Federation to promote sustainability), ABC Carpet & Home have also founded the ABC Home & Planet Foundation to support communities and charities around the world.

Check Price

Sustainable Side & End Tables

Check out these eco-friendly side and end tables from some of our favorite brands:

Bento Side Table by Burrow

This stylish and smart Bento Side Table features multipurpose trays that enable you to cover or uncover the hidden storage department as you please.

Burrow Bento Side Table
Bento Side Table by Burrow (image by burrow.com)

The simple, uncluttered design is improved by its hidden cord slot, which allows you to run a charger into the table without cluttering the top with wires. Available in Oak and Walnut finishes, this table measures 20” L x 20” W x 17” H.

Founded in the USA, Burrow ships direct-to-consumer to cut down on shipping. They use sustainably-sourced hardwood, non-toxic fabrics, and recyclable packaging materials. The Burrow range also includes armchairs, sectionals, sofas, shelves, ottomans, and sleepers.

Check Price

Georg Side Table by Skagerak

Simple, clean lines and a natural finish make Skagerak’s Georg side table a great choice. Made from 100% FSC-certified Oak, this versatile table can be used as a side table, stool, or bedside table. Also available with a painted black finish.

Skagerak Georg Side Table
Georg by Skagerak (image by skagerak.com)

Skagerak is a Danish sustainable furniture firm. It is a member of the UN Global Compact Act and B Corp, and is FSC-certified. Currently, 71% of their wood is FSC-certified, and they are working towards 100%.

Skagerak is available at Finnish Design Shop – the world’s largest store for Nordic-designed furniture and furnishing (ships globally).

Check Price

April Table (Set of 3) by Nikari

This set of 3 April tables (also available individually) gives an unusual twist on the normal table design, emphasizing the legs over the tabletop. Each table is made from a different wood – the low from Ash, the medium from Oak, and the highest table from Birch – all responsibly-sourced.

Nikari April Table Set
April Table Set by Nikari (image by nikari.fi)

Nikari use sustainable local wood and traditional Finnish craft skills in their workshop in Finland. They power their workshop with hydropower, use recyclable packing, treat their wood only with certified natural products, and also donate part of their sales to the Finnish WWF to help protect global forests and rainforests.

Nikari is available at Finnish Design Shop – the world’s largest store for Nordic-designed furniture and furnishing (ships globally).

Check Price

Hand-Carved Twisty Stool Collection by VivaTerra

This set of two beautiful twisty stools (also available separately) is hand-carved from sustainable Monkey Pod wood and finished with natural lemon oil. Because they are hand-made, your pieces will be unique. Works equally well as a table or a stool. Available in 18” and 23”.

VivaTerra Hand-Carved Twisty Stool Collection
Twisty Stool Collection by VivaTerra (image by vivaterra.com)

Vivaterra sources items from artisans around the world, paying them a fair wage for their unique pieces. The majority of pieces use responsibly-sourced wood (reclaimed, recycled, or FSC-certified) and are created using traditional methods.

Check Price

Sustainable Stacking Tables

We’ve currently got just one stacking table to recommend, but it’s a good one!

Iron and Reclaimed Wood Nesting Tables (Set of 3) by VivaTerra

Save space with this set of 3 reclaimed wood nesting tables by VivaTerra. Each of these versatiles pieces has a unique, naturally distressed reclaimed wood top with a powder-coated iron base. VivaTerra also sell round nesting tables with a similar design, available as a set of two.

Vivaterra Iron and Reclaimed Wood Nesting Tables
Nesting Tables by VivaTerra (image by vivaterra.com)

Vivaterra sources items from artisans around the world, paying them a fair wage for their unique pieces. The majority of pieces use responsibly-sourced wood (reclaimed, recycled, or FSC-certified) and are created using traditional methods.

Check Price

Sustainable Bedside Tables

Buy something nice for your phone to sleep on!

Willow One-Drawer Nightstand by Greenington

This nightstand by Greenington is made from eco-friendly Moso bamboo. Its clean lines, simply style, and generous storage make it a great choice for almost any bedroom.

Greenington Willow One Nightstand
Willow Nightstand by Greenington (image by greenington.com)

Greenington creates its products exclusively from renewable Moso Bamboo, a material that is strong and fast to grow. The bamboo is grown in China, where the products are manufactured, and Greenington is committed to paying all its workers and artisans in China a fair living wage.

Greenington is available at MadeTrade.com – a curated online store for sustainable and ethical goods. Click below to check prices:

Check Price

Conclusion

These tables are a great way to support sustainable businesses while purchasing great furniture. But you shouldn’t stop there – check out our sustainable furniture guide for some ideas for good brands you can use to fill your house with eco friendly furniture.

Editorial Team

Editorial Team

Green Home

Is Bamboo Really As Sustainable As Big Brands Tell You?

Often touted as a green and eco-friendly material, bamboo isn't always quite as good as brands make out

Is Bamboo Sustainable Featured

Bamboo is a fast-growing material that can be used in the production of many different products, including clothing, fuel, furniture, and food. It is often touted by manufacturers as a green and eco-friendly material – but is it?

Bamboo is sustainable when it is grown organically and used naturally, such as when it is used to make furniture. Unfortunately, many uses of bamboo are not eco-friendly because of the manufacturing processes used.

So, the bamboo toothbrush sitting in your bathroom is probably sustainable because the raw bamboo is biodegradable, but a t-shirt made from bamboo fibers is less likely to be sustainable because it has been chemically treated.

Of course, it’s not just about the manufacturing process. The way the bamboo is mass-produced and grown can also affect how sustainable it is – although, as we’ll see, bamboo can be grown sustainably with little chemical use. Let’s take a closer look at how bamboo is cultivated, harvested, shipped, and produced into ‘eco-friendly’ products:

What is Bamboo?

Bamboo is a tree-like grass that is easy to farm and harvest. There are over 1000 species of bamboo and some variants are some of the fastest-growing plants on earth. It is also one of the few plants that do not require any chemicals to support its growth. That means it can be reliably (and profitably) grown without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, unlike many other natural products.

As well as growing faster, bamboo also converts carbon dioxide into oxygen up to 35% faster than a similar group of trees – although, of course, that carbon dioxide is likely to be released should the bamboo product become waste. It can be found growing in Africa, the USA, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

Bamboo plants grow slowly at first and take about five years to reach maturity, after which they exhibit that astonishingly fast growth that you probably associate with bamboo. After the bamboo reaches maturity, it can be harvested annually; you only have to plant the bamboo once and then you can harvest it many times. This compares very favorably with woods that might take 30 years to grow and can then only be harvested once.

When is Bamboo Sustainable?

In its raw form, bamboo is considered highly sustainable and a great choice for eco-conscious customers. It grows fast without chemicals, can be harvested every year, and the resulting product is strong, looks good, and will biodegrade once its useful life has ended.

One small negative is that because it is farmed mainly in China and India, there is very little information about how it is grown. It is possible chemical fertilizers are used to speed up the growth, although that is not typically necessary for growing bamboo and so it is not likely.

So natural bamboo is eco-friendly, but is bamboo sustainable once it’s been turned into the products you buy in the shops? The answer is it depends. Any use of bamboo in its natural form is pretty sustainable because of the reasons listed above. This includes furniture and construction uses (check out this extensive guide we’ve created on sustainable construction materials if you want to know more).

However, as we’ll see in the next sections, common bamboo fabric such as rayon is not so sustainable. To create this, the bamboo undergoes significant chemical treatment, making the final product semi-synthetic rather than natural.

Additionally, any discussion of the sustainability of bamboo should include shipping. Most bamboo is grown in Asia. This means it is often shipped to other countries to be used. This is no different from many other products and materials, but does add to the overall carbon footprint of bamboo if you are purchasing it in the USA or Europe.

Is Bamboo Furniture Sustainable?

Yes. When bamboo is used in furniture it is considered a sustainable and renewable material, making it a great choice for eco conscious consumers who are looking for stylish furniture for their homes. Compared to many hardwoods used in furniture, bamboo is quicker to grow and renews annually. It also does not need any pesticides to grow.

Strong and robust, bamboo is often used as a construction material, so your bamboo furniture is likely to last for a long time. Most manufacturers also laminate the bamboo materials before turning it into furniture to further strengthen the end product. With proper care and maintenance, bamboo furniture can last for years.

Bamboo furniture looks good too – it has a fine, natural grain that is simple yet elegant, and can be finished or stained to match other pieces in your home – and best of all, bamboo furniture is relatively cost-effective compared to other materials.

Overall, bamboo is a good choice for furniture. We suggest you stick to brands that not only guarantee the sustainability of the bamboo they are using but also offer fair wages and working practices for the farmers who are growing it.

Are you interested in sustainable furniture? Check out our mammoth sustainable furniture guide for more information, including brand reviews and a buyers guide.

Are Bamboo Clothes Sustainable?

There are two ways to use bamboo to create fabric:

First, you can weave bamboo fibers and spin a thread. This creates what is known as bamboo linen. This process is sustainable; however, the resulting bamboo linen is not soft to the skin or comfortable to wear, and the manufacturing process is also time-consuming and expensive. This process is rarely used, and you are unlikely to see bamboo linen clothing for sale on the high street.

Secondly, and far more commonly, bamboo is turned into a fabric called rayon through the use of one of several chemical processes. These processes are faster, cheaper, and more convenient than bamboo linen and create a better fabric but are also less sustainable. These processes are not considered a ‘closed loop’ because chemicals used in the manufacturing process (including carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide) are lost into waste water. From there, they enter the environment and cause damage.

Unfortunately, these chemical processes have another side effect. Bamboo’s excellent UV resistance and antibacterial properties – two benefits manufacturers are often quick to quote when advertising bamboo products – have not been proven to still work after undergoing these chemical processes.

The one decent alternative is bamboo rayon created using a chemical process known as the Lyocell process (often advertised using the brand Tencel). The bamboo rayon creating using this process uses fewer chemicals and more than 99% of the water and solvents used can be recovered,  which makes it better for the environment than viscose rayon. 

Unfortunately, lyocell rayon is more expensive than viscose rayon, so you don’t see it used that much. Most bamboo clothing is produced unsustainably but marketed as a green product. This ‘greenwashing’ confuses consumers and tricks them into believing they are making an environmentally-friendly purchase when they actually aren’t.

Overall, organic cotton is a better alternative to bamboo fabric in most cases. Consumers who want to buy bamboo fabric or clothes should carefully check the brand’s eco-credentials to see which process they are using, how efficient it is, and what the likely problems it might cause before they purchase bamboo rayon clothing.

Bamboo Toilet Roll

Bamboo toilet roll is a great alternative to normal toilet roll, which is normally created using virgin hardwood. This has led to deforestation and the removal of natural habitats; bamboo is a much more renewable source. To make matters worse, these toilet rolls are then packed in plastic packaging!

Several companies now offer bamboo toilet rolls instead. These are better for the environment and packed in environmentally friendly packaging. Bamboo can produce strong fibers without the assistance of chemicals and regrows fast, which means its ideal.

Since there are no chemicals used for manufacturing the product, if it ends up in the landfill, bamboo toilet rolls easily return to the earth. Rest assured that it will not release toxins or chemicals as it decomposes.

Like many eco-friendly choices, this does come with a higher price, but we believe it’s worth it to protect the environment.

Interested? Here are a few brands you might want to try:

Who Gives a Crap creates toilet roll from 100% bamboo, ships in eco-friendly packaging, and donate 50% of their profits to building toilets for people who don’t have them.

No. 2 offers FSC-certified bamboo toilet roll. They’re also known for their eye-catching packaging designs, which are made using soy-ink.

Bim Bam Boo is also made with FSC-certified bamboo and is aimed at women. It is guaranteed free of any ingredients that could disrupt vaginal pH.

Bamboo Biofuel

In some parts of the world, the bamboo plant is used to produce biofuel. This is when the bamboo is converted into solid, gas, or liquid fuel to provide energy. This can be done in several ways – in biomass-fed combustion plants, through the production of bioethanol, by using the bamboo to create biocrude oil, and even by using it to create a combustible gas.

Check out this detailed (and rather technical) scientific paper if you want to know more.

Should an Eco-Conscious Consumer Buy Bamboo Products?

With the exception of clothing and fabric, eco-conscious consumers should buy and use bamboo products. It’s not perfect (nothing is), but because it grows fast, has little need for pesticides or fertilizers, and decomposes naturally, it is overall a very good choice. It’s also durable, easy-to-clean, and looks nice when used for furniture. For clothing we suggest organic cotton as a better alternative to bamboo fabric; clothes made from sustainable bamboo use unsustainable manufacturing processes that harm the environment. 

As always, we recommend you check an individual brand’s eco-credentials before purchasing, but if the product is made from natural bamboo that hasn’t been chemically treated, it should be eco-friendly.

Green Home

Is Acacia Wood Sustainable?

Learn more about the sustainability of acacia wood (it's pretty good!)

Acacia Wood Tree on Savannah

Yes, Acacia wood is sustainable. Acacia trees are fast-growing, grow in almost any type of soil, do not need fertilizer, and rarely need pesticides. It thrives in warm, tropical climates, but a few species can also grow in cold-weather areas.

Acacia wood is typically used for furniture, although it can be used for other things. Most products used in the USA are made from just two varieties – Hawaiian Koa and Australian Blackwood – although there are more than 1,000 varieties in total.

Eco-conscious consumers should look for FSC-certified Acacia. The Forest Sustainability Council’s certification is a clear indication that the Acacia wood is grown and harvested in a sustainable manner. When the trees are  grown sustainably, Acacia wood is excellent for furniture and other uses and is known for its affordability, functionality, versatility, and beauty.

p.s. Want to know more about sustainable construction materials? Click here to check out our complete guide to sustainable materials for your home.

Acacia Wood Properties and Uses

Acacia’s hardness, strength, and durability make it scratch-resistant and less prone to wear and tear than other woods, making it a practical choice for indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, and flooring. Acacia is also highly resistant to moisture, insects, mold, and fire without the aid of treatments, which makes it easy to maintain. Its fragrant smell adds a nice, homey touch to the furniture it produces.

Acacia Wood for Furniture

Freshly-cut Acacia wood is elastic, which means that it can be easily formed into the desired shape before it is kiln-dried to achieve the required hardness. This process results in beautifully crafted and high-quality furniture, including dining tables, consoles, office desks, nightstands, headboards, stools, chaise lounge, chairs, and benches.

Acacia wood, especially when cared for, can last for decades, which allows large pieces of furniture and flooring to be reused and recycled.

Acacia Wood for Flooring

Acacia can be used in flooring as solid wood, engineered wood (a layer of Acacia wood over another wood, often plywood), or in laminate form. Planks made from Acacia are shorter than those of oak and maple trees (because the average height of Acacia trees is smaller, at about 40 feet, with a diameter of about 3 feet).

If these planks are used for flooring, more joints will be needed (than with other woods) and this may give the floor an unusual appearance. The range of colors and grain patterns will be good for some customers, although others might try a wood with a more consistent appearance.

The wood must be dried properly before used in a dry-climate home to prevent post-installation shrinking.

Other Acacia Uses

Aside from furniture and flooring, Acacia has other uses owing to its notable properties and characteristics. These include:

  1. Good acoustics: Violins, Flutes, and Ukuleles
  2. Resistance to moisture: Boats, Canoes, Bathroom Cabinets, Soapdishes, Planters
  3. Resistance to scratching: Picture Frames, Jewelry and Souvenir Items
  4. Antibacterial properties: Chopping Boards, Serving Bowls, Serving Platter

Acacia Wood Looks

Every piece of Acacia wood has a unique look due to the variable pattern of its grain, which may be either straight or wavy, and the wide range of colors it comes in, from light amber through to dark mahogany. The wavy grain patterns can be a disadvantage, though, because it is easy to ruin the grain lines of an interlocking or curvy pattern when the wood is cut.

The wood has a rustic appeal to it, making it ideal for simple but timeless pieces that blend easily with any style preference – from shabby chic to sophisticated and elegant. Unlike teak, whose light brown color fades easily, Acacia’s color does not change over time quite so readily and is likely to remain consistent, although furniture in bright sunlight or left outside is likely to show some fading.

The color variations, knots, and irregularities may add character to the furniture or flooring, but others find it showy and distracting. If you want consistency, use maple, walnut, pine, or bamboo.

Acacia Wood Affordability

Acacia is more expensive than oak and maple, partly due to its lower availability, but more expensive than teak. Acacia and teak are comparable in quality, but Acacia is the less expensive option for a couple of reasons:
First, Acacia can be harvested for a lower cost than the same volume of teak and offers growers two products to sell – the wood itself and gum arabic. Secondly, Acacia has a lower oil content, which means Acacia wood needs to be coated with wax to enhance its durability.

Because the quality of Acacia and teak are almost the same, some sellers pass off Acacia as teak so they can charge a higher price. This can be tested by shining a blacklight on the wood. Acacia will glow under the blacklight.

One negative is that Acacia trees tend to grow a lot of branches, which makes it quite a knotty wood. These knots may damage the grain so that the part that may be used or marketed may become limited. This pushes the price up since the usable part of the wood is reduced.

Caring for Acacia Wood Furniture and Other Products

Acacia products are generally low maintenance, but the following tips will help prolong its lifespan. We recommend you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your Acacia furniture or flooring.

  1. Mop or wipe standing water immediately.
  2. Do not expose the wood to perfume or alcohol, which can cause cracking.
  3. Do not use polishing products that contain silicone. These products may dry the wood out and cause it to become brittle.
  4. Do not use cleaning products that contain ammonia.
  5. Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe away the dust. Do not use a scouring pad or any other rough material.
  6. Do not position the wood in areas with heat as the wood may warp or swell.
  7. Use coasters, placemats, or similar table accessories to rest hot drinks, soup, or hot dishes on the furniture.
  8. Rotate the position of your outdoor furniture to ensure that all sides of the wood are getting equal amounts of sunlight and air. This will ensure even coloring of the furniture over time.

Should Ethical Consumers Buy Acacia Wood Products?

Yes, Acacia wood is a fast-growing sustainable wood and a great choice for ethical consumers for both wood furniture and flooring. Look out for FSC-certified wood to ensure it has been grown and harvested in a sustainable fashion. Additionally, Acacia’s durability, aesthetic appeal, and affordability mean your Acacia wood product should last a long time.

Editorial Team

Editorial Team