Veneer vs. solid wood: solid wood furniture is made from boards of the same wood all the way through. Veneer furniture has a thin slice of real wood, usually well under 1/8 inch thick, glued over a core of plywood, MDF or particleboard. Both show real wood grain. Solid wood can be refinished many times; veneer is more stable and affordable but can only be lightly sanded.
Veneer vs. Solid Wood at a Glance
| Wood veneer | Solid wood | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Thin real-wood face over a core | Solid boards |
| Look | Real grain; can be book-matched for patterns | Real grain; edges match faces |
| Stability | Very stable; less warping | Moves with humidity |
| Weight | Depends on core | Usually heavier |
| Repairs | Light sanding only; can chip or lift | Can be sanded and refinished repeatedly |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Is Veneer Real Wood?
Yes. Veneer is sliced or peeled from a log. Laminate and melamine, by contrast, are printed surfaces that only look like wood. See what melamine is.
How to Tell Veneer from Solid Wood
- Look at the edges: on solid wood, the grain on the edge continues from the top. On veneer, the edge may be a strip or show a different grain.
- Check the end grain: solid tops show end grain at the ends; veneered ones usually don't.
- Look inside drawers and the back: engineered cores often show there.
- Read the spec: material lists usually name the veneer.
Mixed Construction Is Common
Many pieces combine solid wood and veneer, using each where it works best:
- The Relievo Carved Drawer Chest lists solid pine wood, ash veneer and MDF, with an ash veneer, NC lacquer and glaze finish.
- The Curva 5-Drawer Chest-Black lists MDF, wood veneer and solid wood legs.
- The Solid Wood Round Pedestal Dining Table lists solid pine wood, plywood and red oak veneer, so read past the product name to the full material list.
- The Wave Edge Solid Wood Dining Table lists solid pine wood.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose solid wood for heavy-use tables you may want to refinish, or for a piece you want to keep for generations.
- Choose veneer for large flat panels, matched grain patterns, stable doors and drawer fronts, and a lower price.
- Either works for dressers, sideboards and cabinets if the construction is good.
Caring for Veneer
- Dust with a soft cloth and wipe spills right away.
- Avoid soaking and harsh solvents; water can loosen veneer.
- Use coasters, mats and felt pads.
- Fix lifting edges quickly. See how to repair wood veneer.
See also types of wood for furniture, how to clean wood furniture and our furniture materials guide.
Related: see our how to stain wood furniture and how to fix chipped wood furniture.
FAQ
Is veneer furniture good quality?
It can be excellent. Quality depends on the core, veneer thickness and construction.
Can you sand and refinish veneer?
Lightly. Veneer is thin, so heavy sanding can go through it.
Does veneer last as long as solid wood?
Well-made veneer can last decades, but solid wood is easier to repair after damage.
Is veneer better than laminate?
Veneer is real wood and looks more natural; laminate is tougher against scratches and moisture.