Question from lmpd42
I wonder whether anyone can recommend lumber with which we can remodel our condo, because I started suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity since our moving into this condo three years ago.
Currently I’m relocated and finally have just started experimenting with lumber.
Unfortunately, we failed with our first experiment with lumber: Many books say that any broad-leaved trees are OK with MCS people, but it turned out to be not necessarily true.
By the way, I live in Tokyo, so the lumber you can recommend needs to be available in Japan. Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
I think you are going to need to find a wood that YOU individually tolerate and have available.
What you want to do is stay away from aromatic woods that have resins, like pine and cedar, probably even fir (commonly used). Hardwoods like oak usually have less odor.
I suggest purchasing small samples of the various woods you have available in Japan, and testing them one by one at home. When you find one you like, buy a little more and continue to test to see if you can tolerate the amount of wood you will need for your remodel.
