The difference between solid wood, veneer and laminate.
Many of our repeat customers have contacted us for advice regarding the pros and cons of this issue. We decided to address this issue on our website for the benefit of all.
Solid hardwood means the grain of the lumber will carry through the core. Solid hardwood allows for pieces to be carved or lathe-turned, offering more detail in the wood's presentation.
Hardwood veneers are thin slices of wood, bonded to another composite wood product like plywood or particle board.
Laminates are a printed imitation hardwood surface that is applied usually to a composite wood product like particle board. This simulated wood grain or other pattern is reproduced out of paper, plastic of foil and then bonded to the base product. Since laminating is a surface treatment, this process doesn't allow for any carving or detailing in the finish and is typically simpler in apperance.
With advances in technology, today's combination of wood veneers and laminates may be difficult to distinguish from solid wood composition. The disavantage is the durability, once the veneer or the laminate surface are being damaged it will be impossible to be repair. Solid wood firniture is an investment and has its benefits; it is long lasting and easy to be restored. However, it's more susceptible to changes in humidity than a veneered or laminated piece; in dry environment wood contracts, while in moist environment it expands. To compensate for the vulnerability of soild wood to the humidity changes, aged solid wood is being used when making soild wood furniture and it is kiln dried to take down the humidity and moist from the wood, preventing from warping and cracking during humidity changes.
Among soild woods, there are two types of soild woods, namely; softwood and hardwood. Softwoods, such as pine, spruce and fir are from coniferous (needle bearing) trees, and are picked for their casual earthly appearances. Hardwoods such as, oak, maple, elm, rose, teak and sandal come from deciduous (leaf bearing) trees, and have been used throughout history for the finest furniture and architectural detail. Most hardwoods are stronger and less likely to dent than softwood so it is ideal for making furniture.