If you’re after stylish, durable, sustainable, and affordable furniture, veneer is a smart option to consider. Veneer furniture is crafted by maximising the wood used from a single log by bonding thin slices of natural timber onto a solid core, offering the beauty of real wood at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact of solid wood pieces. Despite its many benefits, veneer is often seen as inferior to solid wood, at least in some circles. However, with its long history dating back to the 17th century, veneer has proven itself as a refined, versatile, and competitively priced material. In this latest EZ Living Furniture blog, we explore the pros and cons of veneer furniture and provide practical tips for maintaining it, so you can enjoy both its beauty and longevity for years to come.
The Pros Of Veneer Furniture
By far, one of the biggest advantages of veneer furniture is that it allows you to enjoy the look of the natural wood, but at a more affordable price. Veneer is also less prone to warping or cracking, making it a great choice for everyday use, particularly for busy families. Another benefit of veneer, and probably our most favourite, is the lack of maintenance required to keep it looking good. Veneer doesn’t require regular oiling or waxing, whereas many solid wood types need regular care with a moisturiser to add that protective barrier and prevent any permanent damage.
From a sustainability point of view , veneer furniture is a great choice. Veneer wood maximises the use of a single log by slicing thin sheets from it, allowing multiple pieces of furniture to be made from the same log. In comparison, traditional solid wood furniture can often result in more waste because of the offcuts and discarded sections produced.
And while the veneer wood method maximises the usable wood from each tree, this also helps to conserve natural resources overall, making it a more sustainable option.
Veneers can also be used to create intricate or curved designs that would otherwise be highly wasteful using solid wood. By prioritising veneer furniture, you can still get a designer look without the high price tag or environmental guilt - it's a win-win!
The Cons Of Veneer Furniture
Firstly, there is no “one size fits all”; otherwise, EZ Living Furniture would be the first to introduce it. Most materials will have pros and cons, and depending on your lifestyle, the amount of each can vary. While veneer has many strengths, it's important to also be aware of its limitations. Veneer is not as durable as solid wood, deep scratches are harder to repair, and unlike solid wood, most can’t be fixed with some sanding or refinishing. If the veneer layer is very thin, it may peel or chip if not properly cared for. That being said, by prioritising a well-known furniture retailer like EZ Living Furniture, which values quality veneer craftsmanship, and through proper care by using coasters, etc, veneer furniture can last for many years.
How To Maintain Veneer Furniture
You’ll be glad to hear that veneer is one of the easiest materials to maintain. There are only a few simple steps you need to follow to ensure that your veneer dining table, sideboard, or side table stays looking as good as the day you got it – and really, these are tasks you should be undertaking with most furniture types anyway.
- Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth (preferably microfibre) to prevent any dust build-up, which can lead to damage over time if not removed.
- Wipe spills immediately with a damp, lint-free cloth to avoid staining or water damage.
- Use coasters and placemats to protect against scratches and heat marks.
- Avoid harsh chemicals – stick to a mild soap solution, and with anything else, read the instructions to see if it specifically mentions veneer/wood and always test on an inconspicuous area of the item first to make sure it is safe to use.
- Keep veneer items away from sunlight to prevent them from fading over time.
By treating your veneer furniture with a little care, you’ll preserve it for years to come.
Top Veneer Picks At EZ Living Furniture
1. Rimini Dark Brown Dining Table
The Rimini Dining Table is a true statement piece. Finished in a striking, rich, espresso brown oak veneer, it would instantly bring depth and sophistication to any dining space. Its smooth surface showcases the ability to cater for both everyday family meals and stylish entertaining.
2. Gallina Extendable Dining Table
Combining practicality and timeless appeal, the Gallina Dining Table is a must-have. Crafted with a smooth oak veneer finish, it’s the perfect choice for family dinner or larger gatherings, not only because of its easy-to-clean finish but also thanks to its clever extendable mechanism that allows you to host parties at a moment’s notice.
Veneer furniture is the ideal choice if you’re looking for stylish, versatile pieces that require very little maintenance. Whether you have a busy lifestyle or a growing family, veneer can cater to it.
Visit one of our showrooms nationwide to see the quality for yourself and see our beautiful home furnishings in person, or shop online at www.ezlivingfurniture.ie
We hope you enjoyed this content and found it useful and informative. We aim to share our expertise and knowledge with our customers, and to do this, we have a team of content creators working tirelessly behind the scenes. We do not use AI to create our content. Click this link to find out more about our team and content guidelines.
Share this post
