Solid Wood vs Veneer

When it comes to purchasing furniture for your space, you want to make sure you're getting a quality product for the price you're paying. Whether it's a desk, table, dresser, or entertainment center, knowing whether it is made from solid wood or has a veneer is important. Let's go over the differences, advantages, disadvantages, and how to identify both solid wood and veneer furnishings. 

Veneer
Furniture that has a veneer construction is made from thing sheets of wood (less than 1/8" thick) glued together. Those layers are then glued to cheaper material (usually particle board) to give it a more substantial look. It is made to resemble solid wood, but veneer does not have the same strength and construction as a piece of solid wood. 

Veneer furniture typically does not last very long. The edges are prone to peeling back and you can't sand and refinish for a different look later. Most mass production furniture is made from veneer (or laminate) because it is cheaper to produce. 

Solid Wood
This is pretty self-explanatory. If a piece of furniture is made from solid wood then it is exactly that. It does not contain any plywood or particle board. It is heavier, more durable, and lasts longer than veneer products. Solid wood pieces are great because you can sand and refinish the piece for a different look. The construction of solid wood furniture means you are paying less over the lifetime of the piece. 

How to tell the difference.
More than likely, if you're shopping at a big box store, the item you're looking at has either a veneer or laminate finish. If you're purchasing from an sale online or at your local flea market, it can get a bit trickier. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Always ask! You worked hard for your money and want to make sure you're getting the best value. This is why we take the time to learn about what our clients intended purpose is with the piece of furniture and then educate them on the best species of wood and how to care for it.

2. Take a look underneath. We know this sounds weird, but you'll find out a lot. Most laminate and veneer pieces of furniture will have a "finished" look even underneath. (Or you'll be able to see the particle board.) If it's constructed from solid wood, you'll notice the same wood grain on the bottom as the top and will most likely look unfinished. 

3. Pick it up. Or at least try to. Solid wood is going to be heavier than veneer or laminate pieces of furniture. 

4. Look at the sides and open the drawers. It may have a veneer drawer front, but if you see tongue and groove joints (a.k.a. dovetail joints) where the sides meet the front then it is most likely constructed using solid wood. 

If you're wanting a piece of furniture that will hold up to years of use, kids, animals, moving, and change in trends then we suggest going with a piece that is constructed using solid wood. We would be happy to send you an estimate on designing and building what you are envisioning. Just fill out the custom inquiry form and we'll be in touch!