What Is the Difference Between Veneer & Solid Wood Furniture?

History of Veneer Furniture

• As evidenced by objects found in King Tut's tomb, veneer has been been used to create beautiful inlays, such as parquetry and marquetry, in furniture for royals and aristocrats. However, due to the composition of the Ready-To-Assemble (RTA) furniture that was introduced in the 1970s, veneer furniture gained a bad reputation. Nonetheless, discerning consumers know that superior furniture craftsmen make quality veneers.

What Veneer Is

• Veneer, a thin layer of wood cut and glued to solid wood core, creates a more appealing aspect and provides durability. Most of today's furniture is manufactured this way. What determines its quality is the thickness of the veneer and the quality of the wood it is glued to. Expensive woods like rosewood and mahogany can be cut and matched as veneer to further enhance their beautiful grains. This saves hardwood forests and cuts the furniture's price.

Cheap vs Quality Veneer Furniture

• If you want to buy veneer furniture that will last, look for thicknesses of one-eighth to one-quarter inch. Also, consider the core to which the veneer is glued and the way it is constructed. Cores can be either other hardwoods like maple or ash or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which determine the quality, price and longevity.

Solid Wood

• Solid wood furniture, from planks of either pine or hardwood without veneers, has different levels of quality, depending on the type of wood used and its construction method. Less expensive furniture made from pine is more prone to dents and warping. More expensive furniture made from hardwoods, such as birch, mahogany or cherry, are more durable. Usually, furniture is constructed from planks of the wood that are cut to measure and either glued or dovetailed together.