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Storage Furniture

Furniture Materials

Some materials commonly used to construct shelving and cabinets can actually contribute to the chemical deterioration of collections.

Wood

Wood and wood-composite materials (e.g., plywood, particleboard) have traditionally been used for shelves and cabinets in cultural institutions. Although attractive, wood is the least desirable material for storage furniture because it off-gases harmful acids and other substances. Wood-composite materials may also off-gas formaldehyde from adhesives. While some woods and wood composites are less harmful than others, this is only a matter of degree. It has been argued that older wood furniture is safer, but even that can continue to off-gas damaging acids throughout its lifetime.

If wood must be used, there are treatments that can minimize damage. The wood can be sealed with a moisture-borne polyurethane, which will lessen the off-gassing but not eliminate it. Bookshelves and drawers can be lined with a barrier material, such as a metallic laminate, glass, or Plexiglas to offer collections some measure of protection.

Coatings

Various coatings used on both wood and metal furniture have the potential to damage collections. It is now thought that baked enamel (the coating traditionally used for steel furniture such as library shelving, file cabinets, maps cases, etc.) may give off formaldehyde and other volatile gases if it has not been baked long enough at high enough temperatures. Wood coatings such as oil-based polyurethanes or oil-based paints and stains can also be damaging.

Recommended Materials

The two most stable materials now recommended for storage furniture are powder-coated steel (which consists of finely divided synthetic polymers are fused onto the steel) and anodized aluminum (which is nonreactive and uncoated). While chrome-plated, open-wire steel shelving is also acceptable, particularly for storing boxes, the wires may leave marks on unprotected items.

For more information on storage furniture, see Storage Furniture: A Brief Review of Current Options.