Solid wood - what does it mean, how does it differ from glued wood?

For the vast majority of us, solid wood is synonymous with quality, style, aesthetics and, of course, durability. However, it is worth remembering that not all wooden furniture we encounter is made of solid wood! Very often, wooden furniture is also called furniture made of plywood or chipboard, which is only covered with an additional layer of wood. This version is much cheaper and lighter, but unfortunately it may also mislead the buyer.

Wood is undoubtedly a unique material, used in many different ways, starting from building houses, through making furniture and ending with toys. However, its properties are determined not only by the type of wood used for production, but also by the method of processing. Therefore, we usually have the highest quality solid wood and glued wood to choose from. Below we will learn the basic differences between these types of wood, so that we will be able to make our own and informed choice.

What is solid wood?

Solid wood is a term used to describe a material that consists entirely of natural wood obtained from felled trees. This is an important difference compared to wooden furniture which, as we wrote above, often contains elements made of plywood or chipboard covered with a thin layer of wooden veneer. The term "wooden" also includes furniture in which wooden elements are only a decoration on the surface, and their structure is based on wood-based materials.

Solid wood furniture is characterized not only by an elegant appearance, but also by much higher durability and resistance to damage compared to furniture made of wood-like materials. Solid wood is a raw material that retains the natural characteristics of the tree, such as grain, texture and color. This is a material that has not been covered with a layer of veneer or varnish to imitate the appearance of wood. Thanks to this, solid wood furniture represents the highest quality and authenticity, introducing a natural, organic character to the interior.

What are the main advantages of solid wood?

When choosing solid wood furniture, we choose a raw material that has a number of unique advantages. First of all, it is worth emphasizing the incredible durability of this material (mainly oak wood or even pine wood), which makes solid wood furniture synonymous with quality. They are resistant to the passage of time, mechanical damage and everyday use. This exceptional durability of noble wood covers various conditions of use, which translates into a long life of the furniture.

Additionally, solid wood furniture is characterized by durability that is difficult to compare to plywood and other wood-based materials, which can be confused at first glance. The connected elements in solid wood furniture are difficult to separate, even if you deliberately try. This natural raw material is not easily deformed, bends or cracks, which translates into a stable furniture structure.

Originality is another advantage of solid wood furniture. Each piece of wood is unique, and the grain pattern gives the furniture durability and a unique character. This ensures that the furniture you have is unique and unique, which distinguishes it from mass production.

The natural appearance is also a feature that distinguishes solid wood furniture. The proximity to nature and the felled trees necessary to obtain it make them more authentic than furniture styled in a raw, wooden style. It is the naturalness and originality of production that determine the unique appearance of solid wood furniture, which is an investment in the durability and aesthetics of the interior. Although the purchase cost may be slightly higher than in the case of other materials, this investment turns out to be very profitable due to the durability and unique character of the furniture.

Solid wood – what can it be used at home?

Solid wood is often chosen because it is widely used in interior design, constituting not only a material for the production of furniture, but also elements such as doors, countertops and floors. Solid wood furniture, although naturally more expensive, is the right choice due to its durability and aesthetics, delighting users for decades. Chests of drawers , shelves and tables made of solid wood will not only stand the test of time, but also constitute a unique decoration of any room.

Tables and coffee tables made of solid wood are distinguished not only by their durability, but also by their resistance to everyday use, resistant to scratches and damage resulting from contact with hot objects or moisture. Solid wood desks, on the other hand, can be easily regenerated, which puts them in contrast to furniture made of other materials.

Solid wood interior doors are solid, heavy and often decorative, perfectly matching various interior design styles, from Scandinavian to industrial or classic. Solid wood kitchen countertops are the best choice due to their resistance to damage, temperature and humidity, making them ideal for difficult kitchen conditions. Therefore, solid construction wood is an extremely durable raw material, especially if we compare it to glued wood, not to mention plywood, which is obtained from wooden waste.

Solid wood floors, although perhaps less obvious, are also an excellent choice. Wooden floorboards made of solid wood are resistant to damage, and the possibility of repeated sanding allows them to maintain their aesthetic appearance for decades. This is definitely a durable and elegant option for those who value the naturalness and unique character of wood.

Glued or solid wood?

Glued wood is a very popular construction material, which is created by cross-gluing together many layers of wooden boards, called lamellas. Interestingly, in many cases it is an even better option than solid wood!

Like solid wood, it is characterized by high strength and stability, which is why it is usually used to build house structures and even entire buildings, and in this respect it is often a better choice than solid wood.

Glued wood does not deform under the influence of changes in humidity and temperature, which is very important in the case of structures. However, it is worth remembering that it requires prior drying and planing. Such processes allow you to get rid of insect larvae, fungi, mold and other bacteria.

Glued wood is usually used to make profiled, large-sized structures that are exposed to constant contact with moisture, water or temperature changes. In your home, solid wood will work better as it guarantees style, the right atmosphere, durability and quality.