Announcing HML’s Healthier Cabinetry Guide

Many prefabricated cabinets are built using a combination of three or more wood composites and veneers. Unfortunately, these typically use toxic glues containing formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen. We created a Healthier Cabinetry Guide for architects, designers, and manufacturers to address the complexity of evaluating what makes a healthier cabinet.

By comparing the material contents in prefabricated cabinets, we developed a diagram that visualizes the relationship between affordability and health. These diagrams focus specifically on the potential health impacts during installation and for residents who will use the cabinetry

Currently, prefabricated cabinets are composed of 5%-30% healthier materials. Designers can increase this percentage by requesting that manufacturers build with NAF (no added formaldehyde) composite woods. However, this often comes with an increased price. Our Composite Wood Product and Spec Guidance gives a range of healthier substitutions.

Within our Healthier Cabinetry Guide, you will find spec guidance, material health and affordability spectrums, and in-depth information for the following cabinetry types:

• Thermofused Melamine Cabinetry

• Thermofoil Laminate Cabinetry

• Particle Board Cabinetry

• Plywood Cabinetry

• Durable Cabinetry

• Hardwood Cabinetry

The primary discovery of this investigation is that there is a gap in the marketplace for healthier AND affordable cabinetry options. Manufacturers take heed!