Solid Wood vs Veneer: What’s Worth It?

If you’ve ever shopped for furniture and found yourself wondering why two dining tables that look almost identical can have drastically different price tags, chances are one is made from solid wood and the other from veneer.

On the surface, they can seem similar. But scratch a little deeper and you’ll quickly see the difference. At balè, we only work with sustainably sourced solid wood like teak because we believe in timeless quality. This isn’t just about style (although we’re big on that too). It’s about choosing materials that last, feel better to live with and honour the craftsmanship of the makers behind each piece. So, what’s the difference and why does it matter?

Veneer furniture is made by attaching a thin layer of real wood (or something that looks like wood) to a base that’s usually particleboard, MDF or plywood. It’s essentially a wood-look skin on top of a manufactured core. While it allows for a more affordable price point, it also means sacrificing a few important qualities.

Here’s where solid wood stands apart. Solid wood furniture is crafted entirely from real, natural wood through and through. It’s weightier, stronger and full of character. Over time, it tells a story. It ages gracefully. It can be repaired, refinished, handed down. In short, it sticks around. Let’s break it down properly.

Pros

✔ Lasts for decades
✔ Can be sanded and refinished
✔ Feels sturdy and heavy
✔ Develops natural patina over time
✔ Resistant to peeling or bubbling
✔ Made from a single, natural material
✔ Handles wear and tear with ease
✔ Offers authentic, artisan-level craftsmanship
✔ Eco-conscious when sustainably sourced
✔ Stylish and timeless

Cons

✘ Higher upfront cost
✘ Heavier and harder to move
✘ Can be affected by humidity if not properly treated

Pros

✔ More affordable
✔ Lighter weight makes it easier to move
✔ Can still be stylish with the right finish
✔ Uses less hardwood, so may seem more eco-conscious at a glance

Cons

✘ Doesn't last as long
✘ Can’t be refinished
✘ Prone to peeling, bubbling and chipping
✘ Often made with synthetic glues and fillers
✘ Less durable under daily use
✘ Lacks the depth and warmth of real wood
✘ Usually machine made, with less focus on craftsmanship

Veneer may look neat at first, but over time it doesn’t hold up to daily life. A coffee spill, a scratch or a bump from moving furniture can leave you with damage that can’t be easily repaired. Solid wood, on the other hand, responds like a living material. It can be sanded down, given a little love and restored to beauty again and again.

And then there’s the feel. Anyone who’s ever run their hand along a solid teak tabletop knows what we mean. It’s smooth, grounded and full of depth. That tactile warmth you get from real wood just isn’t something you can fake.

Veneer furniture often has a short life cycle. Once it’s damaged, that’s usually the end of the road. You can’t refinish a veneer surface and depending on the core materials, moisture or heat can cause bubbling or separation over time.

Solid wood furniture is a long-term investment. Not only does it resist wear better, but it also grows more beautiful as it ages. The wood settles, deepens in tone and gains character. What starts as a dining table ends up as a story passed through generations. And in terms of sustainability? Furniture made to last for decades is far more planet-friendly than something made to be replaced every few years.

Accidents happen. You bump a chair leg. You leave a mug on the side table. The kids get a little too wild with the markers. With veneer, you’re stuck. Once that thin layer is compromised, you can’t do much to bring it back. Solid wood is much more forgiving. You can sand it, oil it and give it a new lease on life. You’re not buying something fragile. You’re investing in something that evolves with you.

At balè, we talk a lot about intentional living. Choosing items that reflect your values. Creating spaces that feel grounding and calm. Buying pieces that serve a purpose, not just fill a space.

Solid wood fits into that philosophy beautifully. It slows you down. It invites you to care, to notice the grain, to appreciate the craft. Veneer might deliver a look, but it rarely delivers a feeling.

If budget is your primary concern and you’re furnishing a short-term rental or a fast turnaround space, veneer has its place. But if you’re after furniture that’s going to support your lifestyle for years to come, pieces that hold memory, beauty and strength, solid wood is the clear winner. It may cost more upfront, but it pays you back tenfold in the years you’ll spend living with it.

At balè, we only work with responsibly sourced, SVLK-certified solid wood teak because we know how important it is to bring long-lasting calm and beauty into your home. From handcrafted benches to sculptural coffee tables, our pieces are made to anchor your space and support your day-to-day living with ease.