Solid Wood

The Basics

Solid Wood is, well, solid wood. Furniture made with solid wood can be sanded, stained, varnished, treated and painted. Some woods are soft and show wear, such as worn corners and edges, after many years of use. Others are called hardwoods and have a more durable lifespan. 

 Veneer is technically a thin layer of hardwood, usually thinner than 1/8 of an inch. Typically, veneer is bonded, or glued with adhesive, to a cheaper surface that is hidden below. A less expensive wood or particle board can often be found underneath. This practice allows furniture makers to design and build beautiful pieces at a lower cost.

 Laminate is made with synthetic materials or very thinly sliced pieces of wood. In some cases, it is made to look like wood grain by using a method that is similar to printing. Laminate typically has a shiny finish and is known for being used in low-end furniture and pieces that need very durable surfaces. Of course, laminate is much cheaper than solid wood or veneer to produce and use.

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Solid Wood

Pros

  • Timeless beauty that often gains value as the furniture ages.
  • Character often only found in solid wood pieces.
  • Durable enough to grow and move with your family.
  • Repairable for most dents, scratches and stains.
  • More economical over the life of the furniture.
  • Can be shared for generations.

Cons

  • Heavy. Usually weighs more than veneer over core furniture.
  • Higher initial investment.

Veneer

Pros

  • Lower initial investment.
  • Tend to have more exotic species of wood.
  • Accommodates curves and special shapes well.
  • More uniform grain.

Cons

  • You are usually unsure what is under the veneer.
  • Often sold as solid wood.
  • May contain MDF, particle board or other products with significant chemicals and glues.
  • If it has a particle board core it can suffer from moisture absorption.
  • Can be damaged during moving by loosening of joints.
  • Can get defects over time like edge peel back, blisters and delaminates.
  • Can be easily damaged and difficult to repair.
  • Tends to be more disposable.