Formaldehyde-free 1/8" Hardboard/MDF/Masonite?

I checked the GreenSpec products that we list in the Related Products area (shown in the right-hand sidebar), and Glacier Clear from Plum Creek is listed as being in sizes as low as 1/10", and UF-free. Would have to inquire further if 1/8" is specifically available, but most other companies did not go that narrow, so it's a good bet. Let us know what you find!

Hi Janika,
Did you end up finding a formaldehyde-free masonite product? I am currently working on a school project and the architect needs to specify masonite flooring for the stage in the cafeteria, but we are having a difficult time finding anything that meets the alternative compliance requirements for no-added urea formaldehyde, much less the CA 03150 requirements. I checked the Glacier Clear from Plum Creek, but it appears to be MDF, not masonite hardboard suitable for flooring.

We would like to install some reclaimed cabinets in the office areas for storage of our retail building. Since these are reclaimed and not new, we don't have any way of determining if there was any added urea-formaldhyde ... does this exclude us from pursuing this credit?

Megan,

The products that you are talking about - cabinets - wouldn't be included in this credit. This credit focuses on 'base building elements', so products such as particleboard, MDF, plywood, wheatboard, strawboard, panel substrates, and door cores. So while some of this may by in your reclaimed cabinets, they do not need to meet the requirements of the credit for you to get the point for your building.

Josh, in your reply to Megan on April 25th, 2011 your reply seems to imply it is ok for a fabricator to use UF composites for cabinets in an architectural millwork package (which frequently incorporates built in cabinetry as per the Architectural Woodworking Standard) as cabinets are not "base building elements." My impression was the intent of the standard was to improve air quality by deselecting UF from inside the weather proofing system which may include these types of built ins. Can you clarify? Thank you.

Paul,

I agree that the intent of the credit is to improve air quality, even though it is about the content of a product. But the credit states that it is only about base building products. I'm sure some would argue that cabinets are base building products, but I would bet that just as many would argue that they are fixtures as they are not 'essential' to the buildings structural integrity.

Believe me, that is not to say that you shouldn't look for low-emitting and non-urea formaldehyde cabinets, you should as their use will help the indoor air quality. I just don't believe that their use is necessary for gaining the credit. If someone on the comment board knows or has seen otherwise, please let us know.