I'm finding it tough to distinguish between solid wood tables and those that are made of vinyl over MDF or other materials. Some solid wood tables have a smooth finish, while vinyl often mimics the appearance of real wood. Additionally, many pieces of furniture might feature both solid wood and vinyl/MDF to reduce costs, and I've seen some stores label vinyl-covered MDF as oak. Is there a reliable way for me to identify real wood furniture versus MDF or vinyl when shopping? It seems that asking store employees for help isn't always effective either.
3 Answers
Cost is a big hint; solid hardwood will always be more expensive than laminate. Also, weight can help—real hardwood is generally denser. Just keep in mind that MDF with veneer might actually weigh more than solid wood. If you check the underside and feel real wood there, it might be worth investigating why the top is covered.
Check the edges of the table. The grain on the top and sides of solid wood will look different because of how the wood is cut. If the table is wrapped in vinyl, the edges will match the top grain perfectly. You can often find clues underneath too, as they usually don’t wrap the bottom.
A good rule of thumb is that if it’s advertised as solid wood, then it likely is. If a piece doesn’t specify, it’s probably veneer. Also, consider the price; solid wood tends to be pricier. While weight can be a sign, remember that some vinyl over MDF can be as heavy as solid wood. To really investigate, check underneath or at the edges; you might see the veneer layer there.