Even when trees are felled, their wood can still store a substantial amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. The amount of CO2 a wood product can contain differs based on factors such as its type, weight, volume and method of production.
Our carbon store calculator serves to provide an estimate on the amount of CO2 gas a piece of solid wood can contain, depending on its weight or volume.
Carbon Storage by weight
Insert weight of solid wood kg (assume moisture content at 20%)
Carbon Storage by volume
Insert volume of solid wood in m3 (assume moisture content at 20%)
Dry weight of solid wood kg
52 KGCarbon content of solid wood kg
52 KGEquivalent carbon dioxide storage of solid wood kg
52 KGWhat is a Carbon Store?
A carbon store is a natural or man-made system that is able to capture and store CO2 effectively. Some examples include forests, oceans, carbon capture and storage (CSS) technologies and wooden furniture.
When wooden boards and planks are sustainably harvested, the CO2 remains stored in them. Only a small amount of CO2 is released during the manufacturing process, when they are used to make furniture such as dining tables and shelving units.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carbon Stores
What is the difference between a carbon store and a carbon sink?
A carbon sink refers to any natural or man-made system that can remove and store CO2 from the atmosphere. However, a carbon store is unable to sequestrate atmospheric CO2 from the environment.
Are wooden furniture considered a carbon store?
Furniture such as wooden benches and chairs are considered as carbon stores, as they contain CO2 gas that was originally removed from the environment by their trees during photosynthesis. Therefore, choosing and buying wooden furniture can contribute to carbon storage and help alleviate the negative impacts of climate change.