Solid Wood vs Engineered Wood: What to Know Before You Buy

When you invest in furniture, the material under the finish decides how long it will last. Here is a simple comparison to help you choose.

Solid wood

Solid wood furniture is made from timber planks rather than boards made from particles or layers. It can be sanded, repaired and refinished many times, which is why well-made solid wood pieces are often passed down through families. Each piece shows natural variations in grain and tone.

Engineered wood

Engineered boards such as plywood, MDF and particle board are made by bonding wood layers or fibres together. Good-quality plywood is strong and stable, and it is often used for frames and carcasses. Lower-grade particle board is lighter and cheaper but less durable, especially in humid conditions.

What to look for

• Ask which parts are solid wood and which are engineered.
• Check that the wood is seasoned (dried) and treated against termites.
• Look at the joinery: well-made joints matter as much as the material.

At SigniCraft we use seasoned, kiln-dried solid wood for our Solid Wood collection, and we are always happy to explain exactly how each piece is built.