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Did you know wood furniture can be made with either solid or engineered pieces? At first glance, you might not notice these distinctions. But, on closer inspection, you’ll see that you can easily tell them apart.
This article will explore more about their differences and how you can tell which is right for your living space.
4 Differences Between Solid and Engineered Wood
There are four key differences between solid and engineered wood.
1. The Materials
The primary difference between these two is their composition. Solid wood comes from thick hardwood segments, like maple and oak.
Engineered wood sometimes features a thin layer of hardwood, but it’s mainly veneer or laminate on a thick, plywood base.
Besides the wood itself, see what’s holding the sections together. While both use nails and glue, engineered wood is a bit more industrial to use excessive amounts of them.
Also, engineered parts could be slightly crooked or have glue drops – downsides to materials that aren’t built by hand.
2. The Price
Solid wood is pure hardwood. As a result, it is generally more expensive than engineered wood.
Solid wood comes from refined pieces. When they get cut down, they need to be cut, trimmed, and preserved – all processes completed by hand.
Engineered wood does use natural wood, but those of less quality. It’s also rushed down an assembly line, coated in plastic, and applied with machinery.
3. The Durability
It’s critical to think about a furnishing’s durability. Engineered wood is thinner and made with economical materials, so it can’t always withstand heavy usage or heavy impacts.
Solid wood is thicker, making it much more robust. Since it is so durable, solid wood furniture can last for decades, if not forever.
There is one exception, though – water. Engineered wood furniture gets treated with veneer or laminate; moisture won’t absorb. You can also wipe it down to remove stains.
However, if moisture seeps into solid wood, it can warp if not sealed well. You also can’t always clean the surface.
Unfortunately, telling if ready-made furniture is durable is problematic because it’s usually packaged inside a box. Custom-made furniture, though, isn’t plastic-wrapped and put away.
Thanks to this, you can visit showrooms and examine the pieces.
4. The Finish
Another key variation is how you finish them. Engineered wood only has a thin wood layer. If you want to sand it to refinish the exterior, you need to be very careful as the sander could ruin the upper portion.
Hardwood tends to be a bit more forgiving because it’s pure wood. You can sand and refinish often without fears of the outer layer dissolving.
How to Choose the Right One
There are several considerations for choosing furniture.
Plan Which Room It Will Be In
One thing to consider is the room you’ll keep the furniture in. If you plan to place the piece in a moist area, like a bathroom or kitchen, engineered wood might be ideal because it can absorb moisture better than solid wood furniture.
Solid wood is better in bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and home offices. While it can resist some moisture, over time, it will warp if you’re not careful.
Your Budget
Another aspect to contemplate is your wallet. How much are you willing to spend? Engineered wood is probably a good fit if you’re looking for budget-friendly options.
However, solid wood is an excellent alternative if you don’t mind devoting significant funds to furniture.
Its Looks
You’ll also notice that solid wood’s aesthetics are better than engineered wood because it’s one natural piece. However, engineered wood often contains plastic and composite materials, which can turn slightly yellow over the years.
So while there are several remedies to fix discoloration, it doesn’t mean they’ll completely fix the issue.
Solid wood is pure wood with a finish. That way, it ensures the original hues last forever and doesn’t need to be hidden from the sun to prevent yellowing.
Research the Seller
Buying furniture can be a hefty investment. Because of this, you must purchase pieces from reputable dealers. Otherwise, sellers could trick you into buying poorly made options.
Some things to keep in mind are their reviews, inventory size, and overall quality. If you have concerns or questions, see if you can make an appointment to chat with them.
Where to Find Solid Wood Furniture
Most solid wood furniture can only be found at custom furniture shops. This is because they’re made by hand and usually by small businesses.
If you’d like to find custom Amish furniture in Spring, TX, do some research. Check out places near you and browse online to see what options are available.
Many dealers have websites and showrooms, so you can check their sites beforehand to see if you want to visit them.
Solid wood and engineered wood furniture both have their pros and cons. If you’re on the search for the best one to purchase, be sure to use the information above to help guide you toward the right decision.
