Some manufacturers use both types in creating custom-built furniture, shelves and cabinets. But to help you fully understand the diversity between the two, let us take a look at their pluses and minuses.
Furniture made of real wood indicates the all the exposed parts of the furniture are made in the same kind of real wood - whether softwood or hardwood. Hence, no other type of wood materials were used - no particle board or plywood. The grain of wood can be seen and the furniture is heavier compared to veneer.
Solid Oak Shelf
The Pluses of Real Wood
It is sensible and practical. There is no doubt that it is very durable. It can be a family heirloom. Any dents, scratches, stains, water marks can be refurbished. It naturally follows that the cost of repair will depend on the severity of the damage. Nevertheless, it is easier and less costly than repairing veneer furniture. It is of superior solidity and dependability. It is intricately crafted by hands.
The Minuses of Real Wood
It is prone to gash and holes. Real wood expands or contracts when exposed to intense weather conditions. This leads to the furniture to split down the grain of the wood. A few manufacturers make use of a "floating case system", which means that they use the bracket method or have extended holes where they can slide screws. This method makes it possible for the furniture to react to any weather changes with no worries of being damaged. Nevertheless, it is still wise not to expose your dining furniture to direct sunlight or other heat sources.
Veneer is a thin sheet of wood that is applied in a layer over a particleboard, plywood or other cheap internal material.
The Pluses of Veneer
It is stunning. The finest and most appealing timbers are severed into veneer. Veneer suppliers and manufacturers earn more by cutting the finest timber into veneer rather than severing it into planks. It is steady. Veneer furniture is bonded to a steady substrate. It creates surfaces that are not susceptible to deform, twist or split because of climate changes. It offers more design options. This is because veneer is thin and glued to a stable substrate. It makes use of substrates. Substrates used for some furniture are medium density fiberboard and plywood, which are taken from inferior trees. This gives you a chance to use rare wood such as rosewood. It allows for distinctive style treatment like an extraordinary design on a table top. It is not heavy and most of all, easy on the pocket. Dining furniture that is made from high quality veneer has solid hub and legs, posts, and doors. The drawer fronts are straight-grain hard wood.
The Minuses of Veneer
It is thin. This makes it susceptible to tear and rip. It is difficult to refurbish.
Durability is not the only concern that you need to look into when buying dining furniture. The convenience that it will give is also a big factor. Similarly, it must blend well with the current theme of your dining room and your other furnishings.