Solid Wood vs Engineered Wood Furniture in India: What Nobody Tells You Before Buying

Investing in furniture is a lasting purchase, but not everything is what it seems. Two items of furniture might look alike on the Internet; however, one might serve for many decades to come, whereas the other piece will begin depreciating even after only several years. This has everything to do with what is inside: the materials and the build.

This is one of the most common confusions among homeowners and first-time buyers in India. The answer is not as simple as concluding solid wood is always the better choice. There is no definite answer because there are several factors that can determine whether one should go for this or that option, among them budget, lifestyle, weather, and the type of furniture. This blog explains the major differences between the two materials so buyers can make a more informed decision.

What is Solid Wood Furniture?

Solid wood furniture is a piece of furniture that uses natural wood to make its basic parts. In some cases, other materials such as ply, metals, MDF, and glass are incorporated into other parts of the furniture.

Some common examples of solid woods are sheesham or Indian Rosewood, Teak wood and Acacia wood.

What is Engineered Wood Furniture?

Engineered wood is a man-made material designed by binding wood fibres, particles or veneers together with the help of adhesive and pressure.

Unlike wood, which is made from solid materials, engineered boards are produced to meet certain requirements, sometimes even reducing the cost of material used.

Engineered woods include MDF, plywood and particle board. They are inexpensive and readily available.

Solid Wood vs Engineered Wood Furniture At a Glance

The price of the furniture must not be taken separately. Factors such as quality of material used, durability of the furniture, ease of repairs and maintenance may also impact the value of the furniture.

What Furniture Brands Won’t Reveal

When purchasing furniture in India, the most common dilemma is whether to choose solid wood or engineered wood. Both have their own advantages, but there are a few drawbacks which the furniture brands would not tell their customers.

• Solid wood doesn’t always mean every part is made up of solid wood. Many brands use solid wood only for the frame; the rest of the drawers, shelves and back panels are made from MDF or plywood.
• Engineered wood is not a single component. MDF, plywood, and particle board are not similar based on strength, water resistance and durability. While a good quality plywood wardrobe will generally offer better strength and moisture resistance capacity than a particle board wardrobe, the final performance depends upon the grade of the board and construction.
• High-quality plywood can provide excellent strength and dimensional stability for wardrobes, cabinets and other large panels, but the performance depends on the grade of the plywood and construction.
• The warranty doesn’t always include everything. Warranties for many items of furniture do not cover damages caused by moisture, improper use, and wear and tear. Reading the warranty conditions would help to discover what is covered.
• If the wood has not been seasoned properly, then it may swell, contract or even form minor cracks because of the change in humidity level in areas like Rajasthan and Delhi in the summer season. Engineered wood can respond differently to moisture and water depending on the material and grade.
• Low-quality engineered wood may become warped due to excess moisture, losing its form. Such wood cannot be restored
• Good-quality polish or laminate can serve as a barrier to water.

Material quality is just one of many factors. Also, the area to which the furniture will be put up is equally important. For instance, in India, the climate conditions in various parts of the country vary greatly.

Which Wood Works Better for the Indian Climate?

India experiences diverse climates with regional differences in terms of rainfall, temperature, and humidity. Coastal areas such as Mumbai and Chennai experience a highly humid climate during monsoons, while inland areas like Delhi and Jaipur experience sharp variations in temperature and humidity. Cities like Bengaluru and Pune also have variations in humidity levels. This is why it is essential to take into account the type of wood, the seasoning of wood, finishing, and the place of application of furniture.

Poor-Quality Engineered Wood is More Vulnerable to Humidity

This is because various engineered woods will not react in a similar way in the presence of water. This is also true for lower-grade MDF and particle board, which swell and dissolve when exposed to moisture or water. This does not happen in the case of good quality marine grade or boil-resistant plywood.

But then again, Sheesham and Teak woods have natural properties which can help them perform well under different environmental conditions, but neither should be treated as waterproof. Appropriate seasoning, finishing and moisture control are vital. Sheesham and teak are likely to fare well in different environmental conditions once the proper treatment has been applied, but one should not think of either wood as waterproof. Just like all other kinds of wood, they can either swell or shrink based on the amount of moisture available. Teak is naturally equipped with oils that make it resistant to moisture and decay.

This kind of wood is an ideal choice for modular kitchen and wardrobe units as long as the right grade of plywood is chosen. Built-in furniture is fixed in place, so the construction and the requirements of the material can differ from the freestanding furniture.

Questions to Ask Before You Purchase Furniture

Instead of depending upon the images alone, look for a few details before making your decision.

• Is it all solid wood furniture, or just the frame that is solid wood?
• In the case of engineered wood, what is it – plywood, MDF, or particle board?
• Is the plywood MR, BWR, or marine grade?
• Does the product have any anti-termite/ moisture resistant coating?
• What does the warranty cover?
• Is there provision for repair or replacement of damaged parts?
  

Conclusion

The choice of solid wood furniture or engineered wood furniture greatly relies on one’s preferences, the requirements of the buyer, cost factors, the design of the furniture, and the location where the furniture will be placed. Furniture made from solid wood might just be the perfect option for individuals seeking natural material, durability, ease of repair, and longevity.

While choosing furniture that is either solid wood or engineered wood, Indian families might give as much importance to this aspect as to that of wood quality, construction, seasoning, finish, and water resistance.

FAQs

1. What are the different kinds of engineered wood furniture?
   The different kinds of engineered wood consist of plywood, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), particle board, and blockboard. The different kinds of wood are different in their density and therefore can be used for different purposes like modular cabinets, wardrobes, and shelves.
2. What is the best way of maintaining solid wood furniture?
    Solid wood should be kept away from sunlight and moisture or any other heat source to retain its natural shine.
3. Do you think that engineered wood is more likely to attract termites?
   It is wrong to suggest that engineered wood will automatically become resistant to pests. Resistance to pests is dependent on a number of things such as the type of wood, manufacturing process, and chemicals used. It is necessary for consumers to seek advice from the manufacturer's manual.
4. What is the average longevity of solid wood vs. engineered wood? 
   Furniture made from high-quality solid wood has the capability to last a long time as well as undergo repairs and refinishing. There is no fixed life expectancy for engineered wood furniture because there is variability between plywood, MDF, and particle board.