A question we often get from customers shopping for wood furniture is whether a particular piece of furniture is solid wood. We wanted to take a moment to talk to you about this term, as solid wood construction in furniture does not necessarily mean better quality.

Wood is a living, breathing material – subject to expansion and contraction from changes in temperature and moisture. In other words, a solid wood piece of furniture can warp and crack due to the conditions around it. Therefore, furniture constructed of wood veneers versus solid wood will often maintain grain and color far longer than a solid wood piece.Both types of construction use real wood. Unfortunately, to many people, the word “veneer” is synonymous with inexpensive, or fake.  This is simply not true.

Wood veneering is used in 80% of all wood furniture sold today, from the least expensive to the most expensive brands.

Veneer is solid wood, or at least it once was. Veneer is made from solid wood that has been split into very thin layers. In veneer wood construction, these layers of wood are permanently bonded together and then affixed to a flat surface. When a synthetic surface is used underneath the beautiful solid wood veneers, these surfaces stay flat and smooth because they are not susceptible to the changes in temperature and moisture that cause warping, splitting and fading.

In addition to the exceptional strength of this construction method, veneers allow the exact matching of grain patterns, which is economically impossible with solid woods.

The True Beauty of Veneer

Stability

Some species of wood are simply unstable in lumber form. The unorganized grain in burl wood is beautiful but prone to warping and splitting. By slicing a burl into veneer, movement is kept under control by the adhesive and substrate. Even the most unruly woods can be sliced into veneer and used to make a stunning, yet stable panel.

Economy & Availability

Many wood species are so rare and valuable that they are simply not affordable. There’s a marked scarcity of fine logs available world-wide. Couple this with the increasing demand for fine wood and you have a formula for a log that is worth ten times what it was five years ago. By slicing a log into veneer, the square foot of the “face” material is increased by over 4,000% and is thus more affordable.Many wood species are so rare and valuable that they are simply not affordable. There’s a marked scarcity of fine logs available world-wide. Couple this with the increasing demand for fine wood and you have a formula for a log that is worth ten times what it was five years ago. By slicing a log into veneer, the square foot of the “face” material is increased by over 4,000% and is thus more affordable.

Practicality

If you’ve admired a curved front dresser, then you probably understand the practicality of using veneer for curved work.

Design Options

Beautiful designs can be created from the use of various types of wood veneers under the hands of a truly skilled craftsman. can be created from the use of various types of wood veneers under the hands of a truly skilled craftsman.So, if you’re shopping for top quality wood furniture for your dining room, living room, family room or bedroom – stop in to Fenker’s Furniture today.

We stock many, many pieces of wood furniture such as armoires, entertainment centers, occasional tables and dining tables from some of the most respected manufacturers today.

Have a particular piece you’re looking for? Contact us online – we’ll be glad to help you. Right now enjoy an exclusive  online coupon on in-stock wood furnishings! And always remember to watch our current specials for other great deals – only at Fenker’s Home Furnishings & Gifts.

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