Veneers are a very controversial topic in furniture design. Many furniture manufacturers use them en masse while many customers try to avoid them at all costs. Why the discrepancy?
Over the years, veneers have gotten a somewhat nasty and unwarranted reputation for somehow being cheaper or of lesser quality than solid wood furniture products.
This is probably as a result of some furniture manufacturer’s shoddy work that led to an inferior piece of furniture. The low quality pertains to the furniture as a whole and not solely the responsibility of the use of veneers.
In fact, veneers are revered by many reputable furniture manufacturer’s for their ability to deliver products with uniform finishes at a reasonable price.
Veneers are also great for protecting your furniture from cracking due to the expanding and contracting during temperature changes.
Solid woods are great as a base, but it is not that common to find a single, solid piece of wood that will serve the intended shape of the furniture and of the proper grain that will be even as well as take to staining.
The Masterpiece Round Accent Table with Veneer Top by Powell is a prime example of the good that can occur when wood solids and veneers are in the hands of skilled craftsmen.
Look for furniture that is constructed of solid hardwoods and covered in a veneer. This will help ensure that the finish is even and your furniture, durable.
As you continue to shop for furniture, keep in mind that veneers doesn’t mean the product is cheap or substandard. What’s more important is to check on the manufacturer’s reputation.