When shopping for the perfect new piece for your living space, bedroom, or even home office, a decision you’ll run into is whether to choose a piece constructed from solid wood, or one with a wood veneer.
To decide which material is right for you, it’s important to first understand their differences. Here at Vermont Wood Studios, we showcase the world’s largest selection of beautiful, eco-friendly Vermont-made furniture– and as a result, are committed to helping all of our customers make an informed decision.
Below, we’ll dive into the benefits, potential drawbacks, and misconceptions of wood veneer vs. solid wood, as well as which material might be right for you. Let’s get into it.
What is a Wood Veneer?
Wood veneer is a thin slice of natural wood, typically less than 1/8 inch thick, that is glued onto a core panel made of wood, particleboard, or medium-density fiberboard (also called MDF). This technique allows furniture makers to create often high-quality pieces in a cost-effective manner.
Benefits of Wood Veneers
- Cost-Effective: As pieces constructed with a veneer can be made from a variety of materials at its core, each piece is able to be made, and therefore sold, at a much lower price than solid wood furniture.
- Resists Warping: Wood veneers are less likely to warp compared to solid wood because their core materials are less prone to expansion and contraction.
Problems with Wood Veneers
- Susceptibility to Damage: While veneers resist warping, they’re not indestructible. Since it is a natural product, wood veneers have many of the same vulnerabilities as solid wood furniture, including scratches, chips, and water damage.
- Repair Challenges: The thin nature of veneers means they can’t be sanded or refinished as many times as solid wood can.
Misconceptions About Wood Veneers
- “Veneers are Low Quality”: While there are certainly many low-quality pieces constructed with veneers, plenty of high-quality pieces use veneers, too. If you’re looking for a high-quality piece that uses veneered wood, you’ll have to evaluate factors such as joint construction and what the piece’s core is made from.
- “Veneers are Fake Wood”: Unlike laminate, a synthetic material, veneers are made from thin slices of real wood that can provide a similar natural beauty and texture that solid wood does.
What is Solid Wood Furniture?
Solid wood furniture is crafted from whole pieces of lumber. Each piece features grain patterns, knots, and color variations that make it one-of-a-kind.
At Vermont Wood Studios, we work with some of the most talented craftspeople in Vermont to create heirloom pieces made from solid wood that will last for generations. Each piece is constructed from species like oak, maple, walnut, or cherry, species that grow natively in our local forests. This means fewer resources are expended transporting the wood from forests to sawmills and workshops– keeping our carbon footprint as low as possible.
Benefits of Solid Wood
- Longevity: Solid wood furniture is known for its durability and can last for generations with proper care.
- Refinishing Potential: Solid wood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, allowing for restoration and changes in appearance.
- Natural Beauty: Each piece of solid wood furniture has a unique character, showcasing the natural beauty of the wood.
Problems with Solid Wood
- Cost: Solid wood furniture is generally more expensive due to higher costs of both materials and craftsmanship.
- Susceptibility to Environmental Changes: Solid wood can warp, crack, or shrink with changes in humidity and temperature.
Misconceptions about Solid Wood
- “Solid wood is indestructible”: While solid wood furniture is certainly durable, it does still require proper care to avoid damage from moisture, pests, and physical impact.
- “Solid wood furniture isn’t modern”: Solid wood is a material, not a style, and just like any material, solid wood furniture can be crafted in modern styles and designs. In fact, we’re proud to feature a variety of contemporary solid wood furniture pieces both online and in our showroom. If you’re interested in contemporary pieces made from solid wood, be sure to take a look.
- “Solid wood isn’t sustainable”: Sustainably sourced solid wood, like what we use at Vermont Wood Studios, supports responsible forestry practices and reduces environmental impact. For more on our take on sustainable forestry, read our commitment to sustainability.
Is Solid Wood or Veneered Wood Right for Me?
The choice between solid wood and wood veneer depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Keep the following factors in mind as you’re making your decision:
- Budget: Veneered furniture can provide a high-quality look at a more affordable price.
- Longevity: Are you looking for a piece built to stand the test of time? If so, consider solid wood furniture.
- Durability Needs: If you require a piece that can withstand frequent refinishing, solid wood may be the better option.
FAQs
How can I tell if my furniture is solid wood or veneer?
- Check the edges: Veneered furniture often has visible seams where the veneer is applied. Solid wood will have continuous grain patterns.
- Weight: Solid wood furniture is generally heavier than veneered pieces.
- Look underneath: Solid wood usually has consistent grain patterns on all sides, while veneers may have different core materials.
Can a veneer be painted? What about stained?
Yes, veneers can be both painted and stained. However, the thin nature of veneers means you have to be careful not to sand through it when preparing the surface.
Is veneer the same as laminate?
No, veneer is made from real wood, while laminate is a synthetic material designed to mimic the appearance of wood.
Our team believes that where your furniture comes from, and how it’s made are just as important as style, functionality, and beauty. If you’re considering solid wood furniture for your space, take a look at our full collection handcrafted in Vermont.