Made from paper...is it strong? How much weight can zBoards hold?

It's very strong indeed! zBoards are constructed through our patented process and are made from multiple, overlapping layers of paperboard and corrugated paper that combine to withstand tremendous pressure. We like to describe zBoard as the carbon fiber of paper. Take a look at this video showing our team member standing on a cube!

zBoards are just as strong as common particle board constructed furniture. Our furniture is designed for use in common storage, home, and work purposes.

Can I use my Way Basics furniture on it's side?

Our products must be used right side up as shown on the product pages. The way the products are assembled with its vertical stacking construction, putting the unit on its side will compromise the structural integrity. If you are interested in a product but would like to flip it on its side for a longer width styling, contact us at talktous@waybasics.com, we may be able to help with recommendations and design idea. Check out our design gallery too!

Can I display Way Basics furniture on the wall?

Way Basics products can be displayed on the wall with the support of L brackets or other support hardware. Make sure to support your Way Basics furniture from the bottom, as the products draw their strength from their vertical construction. Here is an example illustration:

How can I attach my modular Way Basics products to each other?

We recommend you use one of the following methods, based on your needs, to secure your modular creation in place.

This adhesive or hardware is not included, but is readily available at your local hardware store. We also really like the 3M mounting squares to secure your cubes together since they are removable. They're available on Amazon here. For a permanent option we recommend the gorilla tape available here.

How can I secure my Way Basics product from tipping if I am concerned about children's safety?

We recommend you anchor and secure as shown below, with L-brackets and screws into wall studs. This hardware is not included, but is readily available at your local hardware store.

What are the differences among zBoards, particleboard, plywood, solid wood, or MDF?

zBoards are made almost entirely (99%) from post-consumer recycled paper, and do not consume additional natural resources like trees and the enormous amounts of water needed to make virgin paper. While very strong, paper zBoards are made from the lightest form of wood byproduct. zBoards are eco-friendly, formaldehyde and toxin free so it's safe for your family and our environment.

Particleboard is made from wood particles (like wood chips, sawmill shavings, or sawdust), which is bound together with synthetic resin or other materials, then pressed and extruded.

Plywood is engineered from thin sheets of wood veneer in layers that are glued together. It's fairly heavy and expensive. It also means that trees must be chopped down to harvest the wood.

Solid wood is made directly from lumber, which means chopping down thousands of trees which adds to the continuing deforestation of large areas of our planet. Solid wood furniture is heavy and generally very expensive.

MDF stands for medium density fiberboard, a variety of particleboard. It's made by breaking down softwood into small wood fibers and particles that are then bound together with wax and resin. The panels are formed by applying high temperature and pressure. This manufacturing process uses lots of energy resources and puts contaminants into the environment.

zBoards: What is a zBoard?

Glad you asked – we're proud to say that zBoards are made from 99% post-consumer waste paper. That means recycled paper that's already been used, so we're not chopping down any more trees to create zBoards. Also, we're saving enormous amounts of water that are used to make virgin paper. Our purpose is to eliminate as much environmental impact as possible by offering an avenue for sustainable living. Many moons from now when your Way Basics furniture has reached the end of its life, you can simply recycle it in your recycling bin.

zBoards are created through a patented, proprietary process that's revolutionized paperboard manufacturing. Developing this process took more than 10 years, and it combines techniques of plywood craftsmanship, paperboard composition, and furniture manufacturing. It leads to extremely sturdy yet lightweight boards that hold up to plenty of use. Learn more about the benefits of the zBoard here.

Can I take apart or disassemble Way Basics?

The zBoard storage line is assembled with 3M industrial adhesive so once it's assembled it's very secure and cannot be taken apart.

Are Way Basics products stackable?

Stacking is perfectly fine as long as the units are assembled and used per assembly guides just make sure to attach units together using 3M adhesive. We really like this item here. Take a look at our Design Gallery to see how customers have organized and stacked. Please use precaution to secure units and anchor them to the wall to prevent any accidental tipping.

How do I assemble Way Basics furniture?

Peel, stick, done! Assembling Way Basics is fun, easy, requires no tools and best of all, is frustration free. Our zBoards attach to each other with industrial-strength, double-sided adhesive strips from 3M. Your package includes an assembly guide with step by step pictorials. You can also follow this link to our help page for assembly videos and assembly guides.

Is the backerboard required?

The backing board is instrumental to providing the overall structural integrity of your Way Basics Products. Choosing to not use it will make the product susceptible of collapse. The backing board is like the spine that holds the product together.

How should I care for my Way Basics furniture?

Just wipe it clean with a damp cloth using plain or slightly soapy water." Sharp or pointed objects can scratch the paper veneer, so take special care!

How strong is the double-sided adhesive tape?

Very, very strong! We use only 3M brand industrial-strength adhesive tape on our products. To take full advantage of all that sticking power and get optimum adhesion, make sure your bonding adhesive surfaces are clean, dry, and properly joined. It works best if you put together your furniture in a room that's between 70° F to 100° F (21° C to 38° C). This super tape's bonds get stronger during the first 24 hours, place objects on top of your unit to adhere to adhesive and keep in place. Still have doubts? Check out the zBoard Tape Strength video:

Can I recycle Way Basics furniture when I'm done with it?

Absolutely. All our products are made from paper, so at the end of its useful life you can just recycle it in your curbside bin. Your furniture might even find its way back to Way Basics to begin another life as a new zBoard unit!

Does Way Basics furniture off-gas or container formaldehyde?

No, Way Basics furniture does not "off-gas," contain formaldehyde or other toxic ingredients. Off-gasing occurs in the manufacturing process of particle poard and MDF in which various types of formaldehyde are used.

Is the Way Basics packaging recycled too?

Since packaging is just used to safely transport and protect your furniture, we'd rather keep it basic, recycled, and completely recyclable to ease the load on our environment. Please reuse or recycle your packaging when you're done with it.

My zBoard has minor residue/blemishes, is this normal?

This is normal and is caused by friction from packaging materials we use to keep your product safe during shipping. To get your zBoards zesty clean, just wipe off with a slightly damp cloth and voila, problem solved! If it still doesn't come off or looks like a damage, please contact us with your information here and select the product service icon.

Where is Way Basics furniture manufactured?

Way Basics furniture is made on the beautiful island of Taiwan. Taiwan inherited advanced paper engineering and manufacturing processes enabling 74% of total paper production to come from recycled paper. Taiwan is also very eco conscious recycling 55% of paper used, compared to 35% here in the United States. The Way Basics zBoard is non-toxic and contains no VOC or formaldehyde so it's safe for your home and our environment!

Can Way Basics zBoards be painted?

Our products are paintable, but you will need to prepare the surface first before doing so. Make sure the surface is dry and free of any dust or other material that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. It will also be necessary to use a primer on the surface before painting to assure you get the best possible result. Because our products are water resistant, painting directly on the boards without a primer will create the paint to “bead up” similar to what may happen if water comes into contact with the surface. When choosing a primer, we recommend using a product that will bond to surfaces such as paper, formica or a similar nonporous material. As long as you use a good primer, you will be able to use a water based paint and paint the product to your liking. Please note that painting Way Basics products is at your own risk with no returns or exchanges.

Can Way Basics zBoard be in humid environments?

Humidity is not a problem unless moisture eventually builds up on the zBoard surface, which can lead to damage.

What kind of glue do you use in manufacturing zBoards?

We use a water based glue that is completely environmentally friendly and recyclable too!

Are zBoards water-resistant?

Yes, the exterior layers of the board are treated with a water resistant material just like other finished wood veneers. If water gets on the zBoard surface, it will dry (though of course it's best if you wipe it up like all spills). You'll want to keep water away from the furniture's edges and corners where it's a little more vulnerable to moisture. Again, we hate to sound like your mom, but if water spills, just wipe it up :)

Which products fit our simple cat scratcher refills?
How will my order be shipped?

Our standard shipping method is FedEx Ground. Upon shipment you will receive a tracking number directly from our system. Please make sure you add store@waybasics.com to your contacts so our email doesn't end up in spam.

When will I receive my order?

Refer to the map below for the average business days it takes FedEx Home Delivery to ship to your address. Note FedEx Home Delivery delivers Tuesday through Saturday. The transit day count begins on the day after your package is picked up by FedEx. As an example, a package picked up on Monday with a 4 day transit would deliver on Friday. Furthermore if this same package was picked up on a Tuesday, it would deliver on Saturday.

Please note if you need for your order to arrive by a specific date, or you just want to clarify a shipping question, please contact us store[at]waybasics.com so we can best take care of you!

What is the status of my order?

If you are a registered Way Basics customer, login here to get details on your order. If you are not a registered Way Basics customer, please email talktous@waybasics.com and we’ll be happy to share the details of your order with you.

When will my order be processed?

Orders placed Monday - Friday before 9:00 AM (EST) will be processed and shipped on the same business day. As an example, if your order was placed on Friday at 11:25 AM (EST), your order would be processed and shipped on Monday. Upon shipment, you will receive a tracking number directly from our system. Please make sure you add store[at]waybasics.com to your contacts so our email doesn't end up in spam. For any order related inquiries, please contact us at store[at]waybasics.com

What is the best way to buy internationally?

To get a better rate on your international shipping, shop our products on amazon.com.

For European customers, please visist our exclusive distributor David and Luna at www.davidandluna.com

Congratulations and thank you for believing in Way Basics! You have chosen a product that is designed to last, but if anything should happen, we offer a lifetime warranty (same product replacement or alternative product of equivalent value)

When you purchase a Way Basics product, you are guaranteed to be satisfied and we won’t stop until you are. The Way Basics product line is made to be environmentally friendly and last for a lifetime of use when assembled properly. If you have assembled the unit properly and used it as designed, you shouldn’t have a problem. However, in the unlikely event something does happen, we have you covered. Way Basics is here for you if something isn’t right with your unit.

The Way Basics Lifetime Warranty can be voided in the following situations: using the unit in the wrong orientation or laying it on its side, assembled without all parts, the unit has been customized beyond its original design or use, laying objects beyond the maximum recommended weight, using the product outdoors or in wet spaces such as the bathroom, or using the item in an area that allows the buildup of moisture See warranty term details

To activate your Lifetime Warranty, fill out the questionnaire below and upload pictures of the product in use. If you have questions, you can contact us at any time for issues, questions or assistance. Welcome to the world of Way Basics and endless storage possibilities!

We guarantee 100% customer satisfaction on all products purchased at www.waybasics.com

If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with our merchandise, please return it within 14 days of receipt and we will refund the purchase price. Refunds will be issued if all of the following are met:

  1. unopened in original packaging
  2. not yet assembled or used
  3. include a return authorization number and email that we send you

A Few Things To Note:

  • You are responsible for the cost of shipping unless the return/exchange is the result of shipment damage or defective product
  • If you received the item as a gift, you must provide a gift receipt.
  • If you are returning a sale item, we can only issue you a merchandise credit.
  • We cannot refund any special promotions or discounts, or shipping costs
  • Way Basics reserves the right to refuse returned merchandise if we do not receive the merchandise in original condition. In such a case, the items will be returned to you. If the shipment is rejected, we reserve the right to liquidate the inventory and withhold credit. Note return shipping cost are paid by the customer.

How do I request a return authorization number?

Please select below the situation that describes your reason for returning

Please note returns received without a return authorization will not be processed and refunded.

We'll send an email when your return is processed, and you'll see a credit to your card within one billing cycle. If you are returning gift or sale merchandise, we'll send you a merchandise credit via e-mail.

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