In the world of furniture, we’ve been told that solid wood is “good” and veneers are “bad”. In some cases, that statement can be true. However, labeling something either all good or all bad is dangerous. The truth is it depends on the veneer and how and where it’s used. So let’s look at the facts.

History of Veneering

Veneers have been around since the pharaohs ruled Egypt. Early furniture makers used veneers to get a variety of patterns that simply weren’t possible with solid woods. Inlays of burl, crotch patterns, etc. were the result of using veneers. Sometimes veneers were used when a particular wood didn’t have a lot of grain. Veneers were much more aesthetically pleasing. It allowed the furniture designers to focus on decorative details instead of just function.

Mass production of Furniture

In the 1940’s, mass production became the wave of the future. Furniture could be ordered from the Sears and Roebuck catalogue to furnish your farm house in Iowa or your cottage in Maine. Mass production meant less attention to detail and a cheaper price for the consumer. Handmade furniture was still being made, but required a much more affluent customer.

Staying competitive

As time went on, and the majority of furniture was mass produced, there was less focus on design, and more on price. Price became the driving force; furniture was competing with automobiles. You either bought a new car or a bedroom set, but few middle class families could afford both. In the 1970’s we entered a new phase of veneering. Manufacturers could cut corners on price by putting wood veneers over plywood. Maybe you could get that auto and a bedroom set. Veneers got their first bad press with inferior products that didn’t stand the test of time.

Today, many manufacturers use a combination of both veneers and solid wood. When the description on the tag mentions this, it usually means that the door, drawers and probably the legs of a piece are solid wood and that the sides and top have veneers. Pull out the drawers, look behind the doors and the drawers. Is their glue running down the side? Does the side of the chest or dresser give when you press on it? Is the drawer made of wood? How does it close? All of these things together will give you some idea of the quality of the piece rather than disregarding it just because it has veneers. Veneers aren’t inherently bad; it’s the quality of the veneer you want to investigate. Don’t be shy about asking the salesperson to pull the piece away from the wall so you can examine it. You want to make sure that the quality of the piece justifies the price tag.

I still like solid wood, but it is out of my budget. What can I do?

If you have read the above information and are still a purist, then there are still options. Look in the scratch and dent section of your favorite stores. Many times pieces that have been displayed on the floor and become damaged, or closeouts, will be offered at a lower price. The other alternative is scouring the second hand shops for older pieces that are made of solid wood. This may require that you look past the present finish and look at the construction, but you can save money. Before you buy anything, get dimensions so you know it will work, and look it over carefully. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

In conclusion, everything has its place.

Whether you’re buying a chest of drawers circa 1840 that’s solid wood, or you’re furnishing your son’s college digs with inexpensive bedroom furniture, just go armed with information. Know what you want, approximately how much you will have to spend and educate yourself about quality. You’ll end up with a purchase you’re happy with even if it has veneers!!

Debra Howard is a former Interior Designer, Antiques Dealer and Retailer. She currently owns and maintains a community resource directory website for the local home and garden industry http://www.tucsonhomeandgardenspot.com

Here is a list of solid wood living room furniture suppliers offering discounts at this moment: