How to distinguish solid wood furniture?
Solid wood furniture is often associated with natural beauty and durability. However, there are different types of solid wood products on the market, and not all of them are made from a single piece of wood. Log furniture, for example, is typically identified by its natural knots and cross-sectional patterns, while pure solid wood furniture may be constructed using veneers or glued boards.
Recently, Mr. Wang, a local resident, found himself confused after accidentally damaging his two-year-old solid wood sofa during a home renovation. To his surprise, the furniture did not look like real solid wood—it was made of multiple pieces of wood glued together and covered with a thin layer of wood veneer. This raised questions in his mind: Is this really solid wood furniture? Shouldn’t it be made from a single piece of wood?
Frustrated, Mr. Wang decided to reach out to the newspaper, claiming he had been deceived. His concerns prompted a reporter to visit several major home furnishing stores in the city. There, they found a wide variety of solid wood furniture, each with different materials, origins, and price ranges. Some items could cost over 20,000 yuan, while others were priced much lower—all labeled as "solid wood." The question remained: what truly defines high-quality solid wood furniture?
Natural Cross-Section Lines Are Key
At the Red Star Meikailong Long Shuangnan store, a brand manager named Mr. Li explained that solid wood furniture can be broadly divided into two categories: log furniture and pure solid wood furniture. His store specializes in log furniture, which is known for its natural appearance and unique texture.
According to Mr. Li, one of the key features of log furniture is the visible natural lines in the corners of the furniture. “For instance, if you look at the corner of a drawer made from a single piece of wood, you’ll see the annual rings forming a natural pattern. This is a sign of true log furniture. If it’s made from veneer, these patterns won’t be visible.†He also noted that knots and natural imperfections are normal in genuine solid wood products, as they reflect the original material’s character.
“Because we use real wood, the production process requires higher standards, making the product more eco-friendly and expensive,†Mr. Li added. For example, a eucalyptus bedside table might cost around 5,000 yuan, which is equivalent to the price of an ordinary solid wood bed.
Wood-Based Panels vs. Finger-Jointed Boards
While log furniture is relatively easy to identify, the inner structure of solid wood furniture can be difficult for consumers to tell apart. Many products are made from wood-based panels or particleboards, which are then covered with veneer. These are commonly referred to as “wood furniture,†but they differ significantly in terms of quality, cost, and environmental impact.
Industry sources suggest that finger-jointed boards—made from small pieces of real wood—are generally better than those made from wood-based panels. “The latter tend to have weaker environmental performance, so buyers should ask carefully before purchasing to avoid low-quality products,†one expert warned.
When choosing solid wood furniture, it’s best to prioritize eco-friendly options and be aware of the differences between various types of wood products. Shopping at well-known brands in large retail stores can help ensure better quality and transparency.
By NING Qianhong, Trainee Reporter, Huaxi Dushi Bao
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