Should I buy solid wood or veneers?

Beautiful oak, rich mahogany, classic cherry – since the human race began sitting in chairs and eating at tables, wood has received a ton of attention. And for good reason! Wood furniture is timeless and durable, and it creates a “blank slate” upon which to develop the rest of your home’s style.

If you’re in the market to update your home furnishings, it is essential to equip yourself with basic knowledge of the two types of wood furniture you may encounter: solid wood and veneers. They both have their benefits, so read on to learn more about each.

Solid Wood

Solid wood, as the name suggests, differentiates between items of furniture constructed from a solid piece of wood and those constructed with wood products such as veneers (described below). It is often the more expensive of the two common types of wood furniture, but it has many benefits the other does not. Because the pieces are built from single portions of wood, they may be easier to repair than other types of furniture. Additionally, solid woods really stand the test of time – that antique dresser that once belonged to your great-grandmother is undoubtedly crafted from a solid piece of wood. There is a great deal of time, effort and artistry involved with creating solid wood furniture. Therefore, shoppers who are particularly interested in classic, quality, one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture may find that solid wood items are the best choices for them. 

Veneers

Veneers are often unfairly given a bad rap in the furniture world. The truth is, depending on your needs and tastes, wood veneers may be the perfect choice for you. Veneers are thin slices of wood that are glued or otherwise bonded to a separate wood surface used as a base. There are many reasons for constructing furniture in this fashion. Whereas solid wood pieces are typically heavy and feature clean and simple lines, veneers allow for more curves and intricate patterns. Also, more exotic woods – those that would be too fragile or expensive to use in solid wood construction – are perfect for wood veneers. There are a few drawbacks to veneers, however. If they are too thin, you may not be able to sand or refinish the piece of furniture should the surface become damaged. Also, the glue, nails or staples used to bond the veneers to the wood surface may be cheap and of poor quality, so it is important to carefully inspect the construction of the piece. 

Regardless of which you choose, buy from a retailer you trust

Whether you choose solid wood or veneer furnishings – or a combination of the two – buy from a store where quality is valued over everything else. It’s your home, and it’s important that it is furnished in a way that brings you joy!