Solid wood refers to furniture and products made entirely from natural lumber, as opposed to engineered wood products like plywood, particleboard, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), or veneer over composite materials.
Benefits of solid wood include:
- No formaldehyde-based adhesives (common in pressed wood)
- Durable and long-lasting (often generations)
- Can be refinished multiple times
- Biodegradable at end of life
- Natural, breathable material
When shopping for solid wood furniture, verify that all components are solid wood - some pieces may have solid wood visible surfaces but use pressed wood for backs, drawers, or shelving.
For the safest solid wood products, look for pieces finished with natural oils or low-VOC finishes rather than conventional lacquers or polyurethanes.