When shopping for the perfect new piece for your living space, bedroom, or even your home office, the decision you’ll face is whether to choose a piece made of solid wood, or one with a wood veneer.
To determine which material is right for you, it’s important to first understand the differences between them. Here at Vermont Wood Studios, we carry the world’s largest selection of beautiful, eco-friendly furniture made in Vermont – and as a result, we’re committed to helping all of our customers make an informed decision.
Below, we’ll cover the potential benefits, drawbacks, and misconceptions about veneer versus solid wood, as well as which material might be right for you. Let’s dive in.
What is wood veneer?
Wood veneer is a thin slice of natural wood, usually less than 1/8 inch thick, that is glued to a base panel made of wood, particleboard, or medium-density fiberboard (also called MDF). This technique allows furniture makers to create high-quality pieces, often in a cost-effective manner.
Benefits of wood veneer
Cost-effective: Because veneer pieces can be made from a variety of core materials, each piece can be manufactured, and therefore sold, for a much lower price than solid wood furniture. Resistance to bending: Veneer is less prone to bending than solid wood because the core materials are less susceptible to expansion and contraction.
Problems with wood chips
Vulnerability: Although veneer is resistant to deformation, it is not indestructible. Because it is a natural product, veneer has many of the same vulnerabilities as solid wood furniture, including scratches, cracks, and water damage. Repair Challenges: The delicate nature of veneer means that it cannot be sanded or refinished as many times as solid wood.
Misconceptions about wood veneer
“Low-quality veneer”: While there are certainly many low-quality pieces made with veneer, many high-quality pieces also use veneer. If you’re looking for a high-quality piece that uses veneer wood, you’ll need to evaluate factors like the joint construction and what the core of the piece is made of. “Faux wood veneer”: Unlike laminate, which is a synthetic material, veneer is made from thin slices of real wood that can provide a natural beauty and feel similar to solid wood.
What is solid wood furniture?
Solid wood furniture is made from whole pieces of wood. Each piece features grain patterns, knots and color variations that make it unique.
At Vermont Wood Studios, we work with some of Vermont’s most talented craftsmen to create heirloom pieces crafted from solid wood that will last for generations. Each piece is made from species like oak, maple, walnut or cherry, which grow naturally in our local forests. This means fewer resources are spent transporting wood from the forests to the lumberyards and workshops – keeping our carbon footprint as low as possible.
Benefits of hardwood
Longevity: Solid wood furniture is known for its durability and can last for generations with proper care. Refinishability: 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, highlighting the natural beauty of the wood.
Problems with hardwood
Cost: Solid wood furniture is generally more expensive due to the 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 hardwood
“Solid wood is indestructible”: While solid wood furniture is certainly durable, it still requires proper care to avoid damage from moisture, pests, and physical impact. “Solid wood furniture is not modern”: Solid wood is a material, not a style, and like any material, solid wood furniture can be crafted in modern styles and designs. In fact, we are proud to offer a wide variety of contemporary solid wood furniture pieces both online and in our showroom. If you are interested in contemporary solid wood pieces, be sure to take a look.
“Hardwood is not sustainable”: Sustainably sourced hardwood, like the wood we use at Vermont Wood Studios, supports responsible forestry practices and reduces environmental impact. For more information on our perspective on sustainable forestry, read our commitment to sustainability.
Is solid wood or veneered wood right for me?
The choice between solid wood and veneered wood depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
Budget: Veneer furniture can offer a high-quality look at a more reasonable price. Longevity: Are you looking for a piece that is designed to stand the test of time? If so, consider solid wood furniture. Durability: If you need a piece that can withstand frequent refinishing, solid wood may be the better choice.
common questions
How do I know if my furniture is made of 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 veneer may have different base materials.
Can the veneer be painted? What about staining?
Yes, wood veneer can be painted and stained. However, the delicate nature of wood veneer means that you must be careful not to scratch it when preparing the surface.
Is crust the same as chips?
No, veneer is made from real wood, while laminate is a synthetic material designed to mimic the look of wood.
Our team believes that where your furniture comes from and how it’s made is just as important as style, function, and beauty. If you’re considering purchasing solid wood furniture for your space, take a look at our full collection handcrafted in Vermont.
