IS THS FURNITURE SOLID WOOD? It’s one of the most common questions asked of furniture makers because somewhere along the line, veneers got a bad reputation. The popular perception is that furniture that incorporates veneers is lower quality than solid wood pieces. In reality, most fine furniture is made of a combination of veneers and solid wood. If you study the elegant antique furniture showcased in museums, you will see expertly crafted veneered furniture that has withstood the test of time.
Solid woods and veneers are both excellent materials when used in the proper place and well-constructed. This write-up will help you discern the difference between the two materials and understand their proper usage.
What is veneer?
Wood veneer is a thin slice of wood cut or peeled from a log. The slice can be as thin as a piece of paper or thick enough to accommodate sanding and refinishing down the road. The veneer is adhered to another wood surface. Typically, the outer layer is made from the most beautiful or exotic woods, while the substrate is made from utilitarian woods or particle board.
Veneers are not a new invention. Elaborate veneers were discovered in King Tut’s tomb in Egypt and were used extensively during the Renaissance. By the 18th century, veneers had become an art form. Master cabinetmakers such as Chippendale and Hepplewhite inlaid exotic woods in intricate patterns to create visual interest in their delicately crafted furniture.
When fine lumber was scarce during World WarII, veneers became the only way to create furniture affordably. Unfortunately, a lack of good craftsmen and inadequate adhesives led to substandard results. Perhaps that is when veneers gained the reputation for poor quality that they are still plagued with today.
Why not use solid wood?
Solid wood is essential for posts or legs that support furniture, for framing, or whenever carving is involved. Because of this, every piece of fine furniture is comprised of at least some solid wood. But consider these issues:
• Solid wood bows and warps over time.
• Heat and humidity changes can make solid wood contract, leading to splits along the grain known as “season cracks”.
• Woods with the most beautiful natural patterns are often saved to make veneers as a way to stretch the value of the lumber.
• Solid wood is expensive.
• Solid wood is heavy.
• Solid wood does not bend easily.
Veneers are simply a better choice when a cabinet maker wants to incorporate curves, reduce warping or use exotic woods.
How Solid Woods and Veneers Compare
When shopping for furniture, most people are looking for a combination of beautiful design and materials, durability, value and, increasingly, environmentally sensitive materials. Let’s compare solid woods and veneers according to these criteria:
1. Aesthetics
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you are looking for the simple lines, plain woods, and solidness of Shaker or Mission style furniture, solid wood is a great option. If you want some curves in your furniture, matched grain patterns, inlaid woods or exotic woods, you’re going to be drawn to pieces that incorporate veneers.
2. Durability
Solid wood furniture will last forever if it is made well. Years of heavy use may lead to dents, dings or scratches, but the beauty of solid wood is that surface imperfections may be sanded out and the furniture can be refinished. On the flip side, solid wood furniture is susceptible to warping and cracking if proper humidity is not maintained at all times.
Veneers are often used for stability on surfaces that may warp if made from solid wood. Panels, sides and fronts of cases are typically made from veneers. Veneers are very durable, as illustrated by the many pieces of antique veneered furniture that are still in use today. However, since veneers are made up of a thin piece of wood over a substrate, sometimes deep scratches cannot be sanded out without exposing the substrate. This limitation makes solid wood desk and table tops a better choice in settings where furniture receives heavy use.
3. Value
Furniture made completely from solid wood is more expensive than furniture made from a combination of veneers and solid wood. This stands to reason since more high-quality lumber is needed. In the case of exotic woods with limited availability, solid wood options may not even be available or may be so costly that very few people would consider a purchase.
We used exotic wood veneers on the headboard of this bed and table drawer and top to create eye-catching, distinctive pieces.

4. Environmental Considerations
If conserving natural resources is a priority, then furniture made of wood veneers is a great choice. The veneering technology makes it possible to get 15 to 20 tables out of the same lumber used to create just one solid wood table. The substrate used as the base for the veneer is an eco-friendly way to use lower-grade lumber or particle board made up of recycled sawdust.
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About Homesignature Limited
Home signature was founded out of passion to create joinery and furniture that are contemporary yet made of high quality craftsmanship and materials.
Our desire is to bring your design ideas to reality through astounding craftsmanship in solid wood, exotic veneers, laminate and seal it with your signature. We provide a high level of service, working closely with our customers to meet their needs. Our products are handcrafted by trained professionals, armed with years of experience. We offer you furniture that are completely distinct in design directly from our factory and showroom in Nigeria. Please visit our showroom at anytime between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday at 9a Hospital Road, Gbagada Lagos. Directly in front of Gbagada General Hospital (LASUTH Extension) to see and examine what we have to offer.
Website: www.homesignature.com.ng
Showroom: 9a, Hospital Road, Gbagada Lagos
Tel: 08027586829

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