How to Tell if Furniture Is Real Wood, Veneer, or Pressed Wood

When buying or restoring furniture, knowing whether it’s real wood, veneer, or pressed wood (MDF/particleboard) is crucial. This guide will help you identify materials so you can make informed, sustainable choices that support long-lasting, eco-friendly furniture investments.

A cabinet made from natural wood with grain and knots in a uniform direction.

A cabinet made with pressed board and a laminated surface.

1. Check the Weight

• Real Wood: Heavier due to solid wood construction. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and mahogany are particularly dense and durable.
• Veneer: Lighter than solid wood but heavier than pressed wood because it has a real wood outer layer over a plywood or MDF core.
• Pressed Wood (MDF/Particleboard): The lightest option, made from compressed wood fibers, resin, and glue. These materials lack the durability of solid wood.

2. Examine the Edges and Corners

• Real Wood: Grain naturally wraps around the edges with no visible seams. Sanding does not reveal a different material underneath.
• Veneer: A thin wood layer adhered to a core material. Edges may expose layers if damaged. Look for a sharp transition from veneer to the underlying material.
• Pressed Wood: Typically finished with laminate or printed wood grain paper. Peeling or chipping exposes a coarse, fiberboard-like interior.
• Stone or Solid Surface Veneer: Some furniture pieces feature a thin layer of faux stone, marble, or granite applied to a composite core. Edges may show a distinct transition from the printed or laminated surface to the inner material.

3. Look at the Surface Grain

• Real Wood: Features natural, irregular grain patterns that do not repeat. Every piece is unique.
• Veneer: Displays real wood grain, but identical patterns may repeat on multiple furniture sections due to its thin sliced layer.
• Pressed Wood: Has an artificial, uniform grain pattern that looks too perfect. This is often a printed design on laminate or vinyl.
• Stone or Solid Surface Veneer: Often a printed stone pattern or resin-based composite that mimics real marble or granite but lacks depth and natural veining.

4. Do the Scratch Test

• Real Wood: Scratches reveal the same wood beneath the surface and can be sanded or refinished.
• Veneer: Scratches may expose MDF or plywood. Refinishing is possible but more delicate due to the thin veneer layer.
• Pressed Wood: Scratches reveal a white or brown fiberboard core, making repairs difficult. Damage is often irreversible.
• Stone or Solid Surface Veneer: Scratches may expose a synthetic base or a printed layer beneath the surface, indicating it's not solid stone.

5. Check the Underside or Back

• Real Wood: The underside or back will show natural unfinished wood grain. No laminates or artificial coatings.
• Veneer: The back or underside may be MDF, plywood, or particleboard, often unfinished or painted.
• Pressed Wood: Usually covered with thin laminate or even cardboard, especially on budget-friendly furniture.
• Stone or Solid Surface Veneer: The underside will often reveal a composite or resin backing instead of a continuous stone slab.

6. Knock on It

• Real Wood: Produces a solid, deep sound when tapped.
• Veneer: Some areas sound hollow or inconsistent due to the underlying material.
• Pressed Wood: Has a dull, hollow sound, especially on larger flat surfaces.
• Stone or Solid Surface Veneer: Sounds more plastic or composite-like rather than the dense, resonant sound of real stone.

7. Look at the Joinery

• Real Wood: Well-crafted pieces feature dovetail, mortise-and-tenon, or other durable joinery techniques.
• Veneer: Joinery quality varies. Well-made veneer furniture may still use strong construction, but the core material isn't solid wood.
• Pressed Wood: Often held together with staples, glue, or cam-lock fasteners, making it less durable over time.
• Stone or Solid Surface Veneer: Joints may reveal adhesive or filler used to bond the faux stone surface to the base material.

8. Consider Durability and Longevity

• Real Wood: Can last for generations with proper care. It can be refinished, repaired, and repurposed.
• Veneer: Has a long lifespan but requires careful maintenance. Water damage or deep scratches can expose the core material.
• Pressed Wood: Susceptible to swelling, warping, and breaking over time, particularly if exposed to moisture.
• Stone or Solid Surface Veneer: Less durable than real stone; chips, cracks, or scratches may expose an artificial base material.

Why It Matters for Sustainability

Choosing real wood or high-quality veneer furniture is a more sustainable option, as these materials last longer and can be refinished or repaired. Pressed wood furniture, while affordable, often deteriorates quickly and ends up in landfills. Similarly, faux stone or solid surface veneer furniture lacks the longevity of real stone, leading to more waste and a higher environmental impact. Opting for well-made, sustainable furniture reduces waste and supports eco-friendly living.

By understanding these differences, you can make informed decisions that align with eco-friendly and sustainable living. Always inspect furniture before purchasing or refinishing to ensure it meets your quality and sustainability standards!