What is Engineered and Solid Wood?

What is Solid Wood?

As the name indicates, solid wood is a natural product obtained by cutting down trees. Traditional furniture, lovingly handcrafted when wood was plentifully available, has been a part of our homes for generations. The two main varieties include hardwood, such as oak, maple, teak and rosewood; and softwood such as pine, rubberwood, and white cedar.

• Solid wood furniture is manufactured from slabs obtained by cutting down fully grown and matured trees.
• Common wood types include Maple, Oak, Redwood, Mahogany, Ash, Beech, Teak, Rosewood, and Cherry which differ in their color, texture, and thickness.
• Furniture made of solid wood has beautiful grains that are entirely natural, so no two surfaces are alike.
• It can be carved and shaped easily and can feature inlays which add to its natural beauty.
• It has durability and strength – solid wood furniture lasts for decades, hence can be passed down from generation to generation.
• Wood colors vary from light to dark brown and even red depending on the variety of wood used.
• Solid wood when exposed to constant moisture gets damaged on the surface, but can be sanded and re-polished to restore the shine.
• Solid wood is costly and is considered to be a non-renewable resource as forests take a long time to grow back when cut down.

What is Engineered Wood?

As forests began to get depleted, natural wood became scarce and was difficult to source; and as a result, furniture made out of solid wood became very expensive. Different varieties of engineered wood started to be used as a substitute for solid wood which was not readily available.

• Engineered pine floor North Carolina is a composite material formed by binding strands, particles, fibers or veneers, or thin wood boards together with adhesives to make a range of products such as plywood, fibreboards, and so on.
• MDF, Particle Board, and Plywood are the different kinds of engineered wood that are popular in the market.
• Surfaces are enhanced with natural wood veneers or decorative laminates.
• Laminated surfaces are easier to clean and maintain since they are water-resistant, and only needs to be wiped down.
• Veneer surfaces are similar to real wood as they are topped with a paper-thin slice of natural wood, and can be polished like real wood.
• Good quality engineered wood is durable and resistant to moisture. Marine ply is most suited for use in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Engineered wood is suitable for making modular kitchens, bookshelves, and wardrobes, and can be finished with veneers or laminates.