(727) 215-5800
info@procabinetsource.com
Sustainability
January 5, 2024
Emily Rodriguez, Sustainability Coordinator

Sustainable RTA Cabinet Materials: Eco-Friendly Options for Tampa Bay Homes

As environmental consciousness grows, more Tampa Bay homeowners are seeking sustainable RTA cabinet options that don't compromise on beauty or durability. Here's your complete guide to eco-friendly cabinet materials that perform well in our unique Tampa Bay climate.

Sustainable wood materials for cabinet construction

Sustainability Commitment

"At Pro Cabinet Source, we believe beautiful cabinets shouldn't come at the expense of our environment. We've been committed to sustainable practices since 2018, and we're proud to offer eco-friendly options that perform exceptionally in Florida's climate." - Emily Rodriguez

Sustainable Material Options

FSC-Certified Hardwood

Sustainability: ExcellentDurability: ExcellentCost: $$-$$$

Wood from responsibly managed forests with chain-of-custody certification.

Benefits:

  • Supports sustainable forestry
  • Natural beauty and grain patterns
  • Long-lasting durability
  • Can be refinished multiple times

Considerations:

  • Higher initial cost
  • Limited species availability
  • Requires proper maintenance

Bamboo Plywood

Sustainability: ExcellentDurability: GoodCost: $-$$

Rapidly renewable bamboo formed into stable plywood sheets.

Benefits:

  • Grows 30x faster than hardwood
  • Strong and lightweight
  • Unique grain appearance
  • Naturally antimicrobial

Considerations:

  • Limited finish options
  • May expand in high humidity
  • Newer material with less history

Reclaimed Wood

Sustainability: ExcellentDurability: VariableCost: $$-$$$

Salvaged wood from old buildings, barns, and other structures.

Benefits:

  • Prevents waste and deforestation
  • Unique character and history
  • Often harder than new wood
  • One-of-a-kind appearance

Considerations:

  • Limited availability
  • May require extensive preparation
  • Inconsistent sizing

Low-VOC Engineered Wood

Sustainability: GoodDurability: ExcellentCost: $-$$

Engineered wood products with formaldehyde-free adhesives and low emissions.

Benefits:

  • Stable in humid climates
  • Consistent quality
  • Cost-effective
  • Healthier indoor air quality

Considerations:

  • Not solid wood
  • Limited refinishing options
  • May not have natural wood character

Eco-Friendly Finishes for Florida

Finish TypeVOC LevelDurabilityAppearanceFlorida Rating
Water-Based FinishesLowGoodClear, natural lookExcellent
Natural Oil FinishesVery LowGoodEnhances wood grainGood
Plant-Based StainsLowGoodRich color optionsGood

Green Building Certifications

LEED Points

Our sustainable cabinet options can contribute to LEED certification points for your home:

  • • FSC-certified materials: 1-2 points
  • • Low-VOC finishes: 1 point
  • • Local sourcing: 1 point
  • • Recycled content: 1-2 points

ENERGY STAR Homes

Sustainable cabinets support ENERGY STAR home certification:

  • • Improved indoor air quality
  • • Reduced environmental impact
  • • Enhanced home value
  • • Potential tax incentives

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Investment vs. Returns

Initial Investment

Sustainable materials typically cost 10-30% more upfront, but this investment pays dividends:

  • • Higher home resale value
  • • Longer lifespan reduces replacement costs
  • • Better indoor air quality
  • • Potential tax incentives and rebates

Long-Term Savings

Over a 20-year period, sustainable cabinets often cost less due to:

  • • Reduced maintenance requirements
  • • Better performance in Florida's climate
  • • Lower replacement frequency
  • • Energy efficiency benefits

Pro Cabinet Source Sustainability Practices

Our Environmental Commitment

Material Sourcing

  • • 80% of wood sourced within 500 miles
  • • All hardwood FSC-certified
  • • Formaldehyde-free adhesives
  • • Recycled content options available

Manufacturing Process

  • • 60% renewable energy powered
  • • 95% waste recycling rate
  • • Water-based finishes standard
  • • Carbon offset program participation

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Choosing sustainable cabinet materials doesn't mean compromising on style or performance. In fact, many eco-friendly options perform better in Florida's challenging climate than traditional materials.

Questions to Ask Your Cabinet Provider:

  • • What certifications do your materials have?
  • • Where are your materials sourced?
  • • What are the VOC levels of your finishes?
  • • Do you offer recycling programs for old cabinets?
  • • How do your sustainable options perform in Florida's climate?

Ready to Go Green with Your Cabinets?

Our sustainability experts can help you choose eco-friendly cabinet materials that perform beautifully in Florida's climate. Schedule a consultation to explore your options.

Back to Blog