solid wood versus veneer

I’ve been asked whether a piece is solid wood or veneered a thousand times. Saying "I won't buy any of that veneered stuff is, in effect, saying "I want to buy some of that bad solid stuff." Of course, no one means that, but the question is no more relevant than asking if white is better than black, or if sliced bread is better than unsliced bread. I can guarantee you that if an item is produced using solids instead of veneer panels, there is no assurance that this fact alone will tell you anything about the quality of the item.

It is interesting to note that in the past two or three years, more solid wood groups have been brought to the market place by large, quality manufacturers who have, for the past twenty-five years, been producing nothing but veneered collection. This, however, is a merchandising decision, and not a manufacturing decision influenced by any information suggesting solid is better than veneer construction.

Whenever this discussion comes up, keep in mind that veneer is only found on tops, sides and drawer-fronts. All other component parts of an item are solid. You should also be aware that solid wood furniture is constructed different. Solid wood tops, for example, must be allowed to move, and this must be taken into consideration by the manufacturer. Where an item is veneered or solid is not a question that result in any information about the quality or cost of an item. It really is a "non-question" because it doesn't produce information that will help you make a good decision.