A founding member of the Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance, Whitney Wood Works, Inc. is recognized as one of the premier green cabinetmakers and woodworking companies in the entire Midwest. Based in the nationally renowned Chicago Center for Green Technology, the company specializes in non-toxic, earth-friendly cabinetry and woodworking for both residential and commercial clients. In addition to kitchen, bath and office cabinetry, Whitney Wood Works recently launched a line of earth-friendly baby and children’s furniture—a move that has drawn considerable attention from today’s environmentally conscientious parents.

Whitney Wood Works was Chicago’s first green woodworker to use solid formaldehyde-free plywood  in the construction of its box products—significantly reducing the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals commonly found in today’s plywood and particleboard frames. Its cabinets and furniture are designed and manufactured with FSC certified, as well as local, sustainably harvested woods, rapidly renewable resources and non-toxic materials.  Unlike most of the cabinets on the market, its finishes do not emit unhealthy off-gassing of formaldehyde or other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to ones health and the environment.

Whitney Wood Works cabinets and furniture appeal to a broad spectrum of Chicago consumers. 

• Homeowners with asthmatic or chemically sensitive family members are finally able to easily source non-toxic millwork. 
• Developers and contractors working on “green buildings” are able to fulfill the criteria for LEED building certification. 
• Environmentally conscious consumers will be able to purchase cabinets and furniture that are at once elegant, sophisticated and environmentally responsible.

COMPANY HISTORY

Whitney Wood Works was founded by Christine Parkinson in early 2005 in response to a growing need for environmentally sensitive millwork. From its humble beginnings in Ms. Parkinson’s one-car garage, Whitney Wood Works landed larger-than-average jobs for a start-up company due to the unique values guiding its business. The company took on such projects as millwork for a natural foods store in Milwaukee (counters, displays), and several large-scale kitchen and cabinetry jobs for Chicago homeowners, contractors, architects and businesses.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

• Commitment to our planet. Whitney Wood Works is proud of the fact that 100 percent of our wood materials have a productive use. We do not send any wood to a landfill. Any 'waste' products generated in our manufacturing process are sold to end users or are recycled. In addition, we source our wood from local resources, in order to reduce car emissions and minimize our carbon footprint.

• Keeping it local. Because local manufacturing is a crucial component of the eco-conscious chain, Whitney Wood Works strives to use only local materials whenever possible. Our hardwood source, Urban Lumber recycles trees removed from areas around Chicagoland due to disease, death or landscaping. This has inspired exclusive Whitney Wood Works products based on species of woods readily available in Illinois.

• Client-Focused Approach. Excellent customer care is, and continues to be, the core philosophy of our business. We strive to exceed the expectations of our customers and don’t consider a project complete until they are completely satisfied.

• Superior Quality and Craftsmanship. We build high-quality, hand-crafted and custom-made products that are designed to meet the unique needs of our customers.

• A Sustainable Workplace. We nurture a healthy, creative, and respectful office and workshop environment in which our employees are fairly compensated. Our employees take pride in fulfilling the company’s eco-friendly mission and providing customers with high-quality products.