FURNITURE Materials
Sales Speak
Words matter.
But sometimes the talk around “wood” can be, well… a little bit creative.
This is not about good or bad. But if you’re spending hard earned money, you deserve more than clever phrasing
So, let’s cut through the jargon and get real about what’s hiding beneath the surface of your furniture.
SOLID WOOD
Solid wood does exactly what it says on the tin: it's timber cut straight from the tree and crafted into form, in this case furniture!
What makes solid wood valuable isn’t just its good looks, it’s how well it lasts making it a proper long-term investment.
Solid wood shouldn't ever need to end up in landfill. It wears in, not out, and can be repaired, reworked and passed down generations. Yes, it’s more prone to natural movement, but well-made pieces are designed to account for that.
UNIQUE FURNITURE
No two solid wood pieces are ever quite the same. Whether it’s the warmth of oak or the depth of walnut, solid wood has a natural character that can’t be faked. Even scratches and marks often add to the story, rather than take away from the look.
With the right craftsmanship and a little care, solid wood furniture outlives trends and throwaway culture.
There are two types of solid wood - and they're not named because of how soft or hard the wood actually is, it's all down to whether they lose their leaves in winter.
THE TWO TYPES OF SOLID WOOD
HARDWOOD
Hardwood, like Oak, Ash and Walnut comes from trees that shed their leaves yearly, producing dense, durable timber with a natural grain making them ideal for furniture that’s built to last.
All Twisted Eye furniture is made from hardwood because of its many qualities.
SOFTWOOD
Softwood comes from evergreens, trees that keep their needles year-round resulting in lighter, faster-growing timber like pine, fir, and spruce. It’s less dense and more prone to dents and scratches but still has character.
Since softwood is cheaper, it’s often stained to mimic hardwood colours like dark oak, so make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for.
REINFORCED TIMBER
You’ll often come across terms like oak-faced board, reinforced oak, or veneered board when browsing furniture descriptions.
These phrases can sound impressive, but what they’re all generally describing are thin layers of wood (Veneer) stuck on a core material.
Wood veneer
Sharp Substitute
Wood veneer is made by slicing thin layers of real wood from logs into thin sheets, which preserve the beautiful grain and texture.
These sheets are glued onto a low-cost core like MDF, particleboard, or plywood which is then made into furniture.
VENEERED FURNITURE
Veneered furniture nails the look and feel of real wood without generally, the weight or price tag.
It’s lighter and more stable than solid wood and it allows for more intricate designs.
Although, because it's thin slices of real wood, veneer can’t be sanded down to the same extent as solid wood so doesn't have the longevity and any damage can be a pain to fix.
Also, not all veneered furniture is made equal! Make sure you're happy with the thickness of the veneer and the core material before deciding to buy.
VENEER - CORE MATERIALS
plywood
Plywood is made by layering thin sheets of wood veneer glued at alternating angles, making it strong and stable.
It’s one of the better core materials for veneer because it resists warping and holds up well over time.
MDF
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is made from wood fibres and resin pressed into a smooth, uniform board. It’s cheap and easy to work with but not as strong or moisture-resistant as plywood.
As a veneer core, it’s fine for budget furniture, but it won’t hold up as well over time or against heavy use.
OSB
OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is made from compressed wood strands glued together, creating a strong and affordable board.
It’s more durable than MDF and moisture-resistant but has a rough texture and isn’t usually used where it’s visible. As a veneer core, it’s solid structurally but not the prettiest option underneath.
CHIP BOARD
Chipboard, or particleboard, is made by compressing wood chips and resin into sheets.
It’s very affordable but weak and prone to swelling when wet. As a veneer core, it’s a budget option that works okay for light use, but it won’t last like plywood or solid wood beneath the surface.
THE WOOD EFFECT
Keep an eye out for phrases like “solid wood effect” or “wood style”.
They usually mean no real wood had been used at all. Instead, it’s printed vinyl or laminate made to mimic wood grain.
It looks the part, infact it's uncanny how much it looks the part but doesn’t have the texture or durability of the real thing.
Look Beyond Labels
Savvy Shopper
Knowing what your ‘wood’ furniture is really made of is your best defense against disappointment and getting ripped off.
Buy whatever material fits your style and budget but dig a little deeper so you know what you're actually getting and not just falling for clever marketing.
That’s exactly what THEY want, but WE know you’re way smarter than that!
