One of the most important decisions when buying furniture is choosing the type of wood. There are many types of wood, but the two most common are solid wood and engineered wood. Understanding the difference between the two will help you make an informed decision about which wood type best suits your needs.

Solid wood furniture
Solid wood furniture is made entirely of wood without the addition of other materials. Solid wood furniture tends to be more expensive than other types of furniture for obvious reasons, but it is more durable and lasts longer. It can be made from a variety of woods including oak, maple, cherry and mahogany. The different woods will have an impact on the cost of the prodcut of course.

Customisation is one of the advantages of solid wood furniture. Natural wood has the innate advantage of being excellent to work on.It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, so you can change the color and finish as needed. In addition, solid wood furniture has a natural beauty and warmth that cannot be reproduced with other materials.

Furniture made from derived wood products
Composite wood furniture is made of wood particles, fibers, or veneers bonded together with an adhesive. This type of furniture is usually cheaper than solid wood furniture, but less durable and tends to last much less. It is severly susseptible to humidity which is prevalant here in Malta.

There are different types of engineered wood furniture such as plywood, MDF (medium density fiberboard) and plywood. These materials are made by compressing wood fibers or particles with an adhesive, resulting in a denser material.

One advantage of engineered wood furniture is that it is more resistant to warping and cracking than solid wood furniture. However, it is not as durable and easy to sand and finish as solid wood furniture.

So which one is the best?
Which type of wood best suits your needs depends on your personal preferences and the intended use of the furniture, as well as your budget. If you're looking for high-quality, durable furniture that can be customized and finished, solid wood furniture is probably your best bet. Ultimately, the choice between solid wood furniture and engineered wood furniture comes down to personal preference, budget and intended use. Before making a decision, consider the pros and cons of each type of wood and be sure to choose a reputable manufacturer or retailer that can provide you with quality furniture that will last for many years.