I'm looking to create a basement bedroom, but I need to be careful about the materials I use since I'm mildly sensitive to VOCs. I've heard that MDF is not good, PVC might off-gas for years, and polystyrene seems to be just cheap material. What type of wood or alternative material would be the safest choice?
3 Answers
I went with cedar for my basement, and it’s been great! It naturally repels bugs and also helps with moisture to some extent. But do note that cedar can off-gas aromatic oils, which can be an issue for some people, especially while working with it. Just keep an eye on your sensitivity.
For baseboard trim, consider using real wood instead of MDF or PVC. They can off-gas quite a bit. It's worth checking out options like oak, birch, or maple, which tend to have lower VOCs compared to softwoods like pine. Just be cautious with drywall as it can also have significant VOCs. Here’s a good resource that breaks down hardwood vs. softwood in terms of toxicity: organicchemicalfree.com/hardwood-vs-softwood-nontoxic-furniture.
Corkboard could be an excellent choice! It's thick (5cm is solid) and is generally safe with low VOCs. If you’re worried about insulation, cork is a fantastic material that’s also safe. Just make sure it aligns with your design goals!