New unfinished wood (no MDF) furniture

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Looking to buy bedroom furniture set for DD;
I am considering painting them on my own with low VOC paint
But, really strugggling to find anywhere that sells unfinished wood furniture without MDF in some form...

I have considered second hand, but it is hard to find exactly what they are made of.

Any suggestions please?

Thank you

Why is MDF so bad? That's an honest question btw, as I assume you have a reason for it? If you go for Victorian furniture (which is often v. cheap in auction houses/junk antique shops) you should be able to avoid it.

Try the natural bed company in Sheffield (also online). Not the cheapest, but excellent quality and no MDF

Thanks SunnySomer..
Its super expensive though :-(

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies, from my understanding, MDF is by definition loaded with formaldehyde, though there are some manufactureers who claim to use a less harmful version of MDF and there are paints (eg ECOS paints) which claims to detoxify the MDF sort of ..No first hand experience here though

Yes, sorry about that! I'm just wondering if you could get a joiner to make you a slatted bed frame and you get a separate mattress? (Again unlikely to be cheap unless you have a friend who'll offer mate's rates?)

• Words of bitter experience: avoid ECOS paint. Worst eco paint I've ever tried (have tried lots...)

• Antique furniture is often cheaper than Ikea. Green in every way. Local auction houses are a great place to start

• MDF doesn't only off-gas formaldehyde, it also doesn't last. Completely agree it's a good idea to avoid it!

These people are lovely and they make all their stuff in their own factory in Cornwall.

logfiresspit, Thanks for that tip abt ECOS; have you tried this company called "Nursery paints" ?

TwigTheWonderKid, thank you. That looks the part; Will give them a call to check tomorrow.

MDF is dangerous to health if you are moving it by the sheet load in a factory making it and formaldehyde is given off by the gluing/bonding process. The dust given off by sanding MDF can also be harmful. MDF machines well and there are many regulations about machining MDF so all dust is extracted and necessary PPE is worn. I have taken the PUWER course. If you want to be really worried about timber there is a whole list of hardwoods that are carcinogenic.

Argos used to do a range of unfinished pine. I haven't checked recently but perhaps they still do it?

DH and I bought some when we were newly married 16 years ago. 2 wardrobes and one chest of drawers are still being used by the DC. And it survived house moves too.

Here. The range is called New Scandinavia. We never ever imagined it would have lasted this long.

www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4609885.htm

Don't know Nursery Paints.
I rate Earthborn Claypaint (no good for painting wood though), and would try other Earthborn paints on that basis. Has done us really well: resistant to damp, wipeable, can be touched up, paint lasts fantastically, covers exceptionally well so you don't need much.
Green Paints gloss - fine
Holkham Linseed paint - great, we have it on external woodwork, has been fantastic
Ecos - a disaster
Womersley - lovely product (smells of cloves!) but not practical: marks easily, can't be wiped, and can't be touched up. Hideously expensive too: wouldn't use again.
When we repaint I think we'll get clay paint made up in our own choice of colours.

(I know this wasn't a paint thread, but thought you might be interested anyway!)

We have been using Ecos (Lakeland ) Paints and have had no problem.with it at all. The customer service is fantastic too. Have tried a variety of different natural Paints and did have trouble with some of the Auro ones - on plaster though and I suspect the retailer stored it improperly at some point as it was white and not mixed to order.

Was going to say some IKEA furniture is just wood and they tend to be a bit better with the types of glues they use as far as I am aware. Eg Trofast storage units. The wood isn't the best wood you will ever get but I seal the knots in the timber with French polish (Shellac) then prime, then 2 coats of paint.

What was the problem with your Ecos paint? Was it one for the walls, or a woodstain etc.? Many thanks.

I recommend for TimberMaster LTD UK, Made to measure furniture manufacturer according your requirements.

Some ikea furniture is real wood but often panels etc arent so take a look and see if you like them